House of Commons: Private-Bill Notice Rules

Summary#

This Canada Gazette item republishes Standing Order 130 of the House of Commons, which sets out how notices of intended applications for private bills must be published and served. It was published in the Canada Gazette on November 20, 2021 and explains the publication, mailing and language rules applicants must follow.

What it does#

• Requires any application to Parliament for a private bill to be advertised in the Canada Gazette, with the nature and objects of the application and the signer’s address stated.
• Says that if the application is for an act of incorporation, the proposed company’s name must be given.
• Requires a specific statement when the proposed works are to be declared “for the general advantage of Canada.”
• Requires applicants to send a copy of the Gazette notice by registered letter to any county or municipality that may be specially affected and to the provincial secretary where the works are or may be located. Those registered letters must arrive not later than two weeks before the committee considers the proposed bill.
• Requires a similar notice to appear in certain newspapers in addition to the Canada Gazette, depending on the type of bill (for example, railway or telegraph companies, local works, or banking/insurance companies — the rules differ by case).
• Requires notices to be published at least once a week for a period of four consecutive weeks; where required in Quebec or Manitoba the notice must appear in both English and French in the Canada Gazette and in an appropriate local newspaper in each language.
• Provides a contact: the Private Members’ Business Office, House of Commons (address and phone provided in the notice) for more information.

Who's affected#

• People or organizations planning to apply for a private bill to Parliament (for example, a proposed corporation seeking incorporation by private act, local infrastructure promoters, or entities seeking special powers).
• Local governments, county clerks and provincial officials in places where proposed works would be located or might have an effect.
• Lawyers, consultants and clerks who prepare and file private-bill applications and who must meet the publication and mailing requirements.
• The general public in affected localities, who are given formal notice and an opportunity to learn about proposed private bills.

Why it matters#

• These rules make sure private-bill applicants give public notice and warn potentially affected communities and authorities before Parliament considers the bill.
• The timing and newspaper-language rules are meant to give nearby residents, local governments and creditors a chance to see the notice and respond if needed.
• For anyone preparing a private-bill application, following these steps is necessary to meet the House of Commons’ procedural requirements.