Private Bill Notice Requirements

Summary#

This Canada Gazette entry (Part I, Volume 159, Number 21, published May 24, 2025) republishes the House of Commons rules on how private bills must be advertised under Standing Order 130. It also records short notices from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer that the returns of members elected at the 45th general election were published on May 14, 2025, May 15, 2025, and May 16, 2025.

What it does#

• Restates the advertising requirements for private bills in the House of Commons under Standing Order 130:
  • Private-bill applicants must publish a notice in the Canada Gazette saying what the bill is about, who is applying, and their address. If it’s an incorporation, the proposed company name must be shown.
  • If the proposed works are claimed to be “for the general advantage of Canada,” that must be stated.
  • Applicants must send a copy of the Gazette notice by registered letter to the clerk of any county or municipality likely to be affected and to the provincial secretary where the works are or may be located.
  • Those registered letters must arrive no later than two weeks before the committee considers the bill.
• Explains additional newspaper-notice rules for different kinds of applications (railways, canals, telegraph/telephone companies, local works that affect others, and certain corporate types). It spells out where local newspaper notices are required and when a notice in the Gazette alone is enough.
• Sets publication timing and proof requirements:
  • Notices must run at least once a week for four consecutive weeks.
  • In Quebec and Manitoba, notices must appear in both English and French newspapers and in both languages in the Gazette.
  • Proof of publication must be given by statutory declaration.
• Gives contact information for the Private Members’ Business Office (the Gazette lists an Ottawa office address and phone number).
• Records that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer filed notices that the return of members elected at the 45th general election appeared as Extra Vol. 159, Nos. 9, 10, and 11 on May 14, 2025, May 15, 2025, and May 16, 2025, respectively.

Who's affected#

• People or groups wanting a private bill in Parliament (individuals, businesses, local governments, or companies seeking incorporation or special powers).
• Local governments, municipal clerks, and provincial offices in places where proposed works or rights would operate.
• Companies proposing railways, canals, telegraph/telephone lines, or other projects that could affect local residents or property.
• Newly elected members of Parliament and anyone following official election returns (the notices record publication dates but do not give vote details).

Why it matters#

• It explains the formal steps applicants must take so the public, local governments, and other interested parties get notice of private-bill proposals. That gives people a chance to learn about projects that might affect their community.
• The publication of election return notices provides part of the official record of the 45th general election.
• If you are thinking of applying for a private bill, or if your community could be affected by one, this tells you where and when notices must appear and where to ask for more information.