Royal Assent for Autism Framework, Spending Bills

Summary#

This Canada Gazette entry reports that Royal Assent was given on March 30, 2023 to three bills, including An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder (Bill S-203, chapter 2, 2023) and two spending bills for federal operations. It also notes the publication of Standing Order 130 about notices for private bills and gives the Private Members’ Business Office as a contact point.

What it does#

• Notes that Standing Order 130 (rules on notices of intended applications for private bills) was published in the Gazette and lists the Private Members’ Business Office as the contact for more information.
• Records that Royal Assent was signified on March 30, 2023 by written declaration for:
  • An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder (Bill S-203, chapter 2, 2023);
  • An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 (Bill C-43, chapter 3, 2023);
  • An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Bill C-44, chapter 4, 2023).
• Says the Senate and the House of Commons were both notified of the written declaration on March 30, 2023, which is the day the assent is treated as having occurred.

Who's affected#

• People with autism and their families and caregivers, who may see federal coordination or new programs from An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder.
• Federal departments and agencies that will implement parts of the autism framework.
• The federal government, public servants, and Canadians who receive federal services, because Bill C-43 and Bill C-44 authorize government spending for the named fiscal years. The Gazette notice does not list the spending amounts.
• Members of Parliament or groups thinking about private bills, who would use the information in Standing Order 130 and may contact the Private Members’ Business Office for details.

Why it matters#

• A federal autism framework can lead to coordinated programs, funding priorities, or new supports that affect people with autism across Canada.
• The two appropriation acts let the federal government legally spend money to run programs and pay staff for the specified fiscal years. That affects how and whether services are delivered.
• The notice about Standing Order 130 is mainly procedural, but it matters to anyone planning to apply for a private bill because it explains where to get the required notices and information.