Interpretation Act amended (Bill S-13)

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice records that royal assent was given on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 to An Act to amend the Interpretation Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (Bill S-13, Chapter 30, 2024). Her Excellency the Governor General signified assent by written declaration, and both the Senate and the House of Commons were notified the same day.

What it does#

• Brings Bill S-13 into law as An Act to amend the Interpretation Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (Chapter 30, 2024).
• The Gazette entry itself does not list the specific changes. To see the exact wording and which laws were changed, you need to read the text of Bill S-13.

Who's affected#

• Potentially anyone who relies on or enforces federal laws, including:
  • Federal departments and agencies.
  • Courts, lawyers, and people involved in legal disputes about federal statutes.
  • Businesses and members of the public whose rights or obligations come from federal law.
• The Gazette notice does not say which specific groups will feel an effect; that depends on the particular amendments in Bill S-13.

Why it matters#

• The Interpretation Act is the rulebook for how federal laws are read. Changes to it can shift how many other laws are interpreted and applied.
• That can affect court decisions, government programs, regulatory duties, and everyday legal rights or obligations.
• The notice confirms the law received royal assent on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, but it does not say when the new rules take effect. If you need to know whether any change affects you now, check the text of Bill S-13 or follow up with the relevant federal department.