Royal Assent to Four Acts; Party Deregistered

Summary#

Several bills received Royal Assent in mid-December 2024, so they are now Acts of Parliament. The Chief Electoral Officer also announced that Free Party Canada will be deregistered, effective December 31, 2024.

What it does#

• On December 12, 2024, assent was signified to:
  • An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (deemed trust — perishable fruits and vegetables) (Bill C-280, chapter 31, 2024).
  • An Act respecting temporary cost of living relief (affordability) (Bill C-78, chapter 32, 2024).
• On December 17, 2024, assent was signified to:
  • An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation (miscarriage of justice reviews) (Bill C-40, chapter 33, 2024).
  • An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (Bill C-79, chapter 34, 2024).
• On December 13, 2024, Stéphane Perrault, Chief Electoral Officer, announced that, because of failures to meet obligations under sections 413 and 415 of the Canada Elections Act, Free Party Canada is deregistered effective December 31, 2024.

Who's affected#

• People and businesses involved with perishable fruits and vegetables may notice changes related to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act amendments.
• Anyone who would be affected by temporary cost-of-living measures could see the effects of the affordability Act.
• People involved in criminal cases and legal practitioners may be affected by the changes in the Criminal Code about miscarriage-of-justice reviews.
• The federal public administration is affected by the appropriation Act for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
• Members, supporters, officers, and potential candidates of Free Party Canada will be directly affected by its deregistration. Election officials and voters may also notice the party’s removal from the official list of registered parties.

Why it matters#

• Bills receiving Royal Assent become law and can change rules on money, bankruptcy, criminal justice, and government spending. That can affect households, businesses, and how government programs work.
• The deregistration of Free Party Canada ends its official registered status under the Canada Elections Act, which changes how the party is treated in election administration and reporting. The Gazette notice gives the official dates and the legal basis for that change.