Royal Assent and Elections Canada Deregistrations

Summary#

This Canada Gazette page records two main things: the federal government gave royal assent on March 17, 2021 to several Acts, and Elections Canada announced the deregistration of one registered political party and many local riding associations, effective March 31, 2021. The royal assent means those listed bills moved from Parliament into law; the deregistrations change which local party groups and a small party are officially registered.

What it does#

• Confirms royal assent (formal approval) on March 17, 2021 for these Acts:
  • An Act to implement the Agreement on Trade Continuity between Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Bill C-18, chapter 1, 2021)
  • An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) (Bill C-7, chapter 2, 2021)
  • An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19 (Bill C-24, chapter 3, 2021)
  • An Act respecting Girl Guides of Canada (Bill S-1001)
• Records deregistrations effective March 31, 2021 from Elections Canada:
  • The registered political party "Stop Climate Change" was deregistered for not meeting filing obligations.
  • Numerous local electoral district associations tied to the PPC (People’s Party of Canada) and some others were deregistered. One named example is the Calgary Skyview - PPC Association; the Gazette lists many more riding-level PPC associations across provinces.

Who's affected#

• People and organizations directly affected:
  • Voters and communities by the laws listed above, because those Acts change federal rules on trade with the UK, medical assistance in dying, certain COVID-era income supports, and formal recognition of the Girl Guides.
  • The small political party "Stop Climate Change", its members and supporters — they lose formal party registration.
  • Local organizers, volunteers and potential candidates connected to the many deregistered PPC riding associations. That can affect how they fundraise, nominate candidates, or appear on official party lists.
• It is not always clear from the notice which exact local activities (like fundraising or candidate nominations) were immediately affected; Elections Canada normally governs those consequences.

Why it matters#

• Laws that received royal assent can change everyday rights, services, or government programs. For example:
  • The trade continuity Act affects trade and business ties with the UK after Brexit.
  • the medical assistance in dying and COVID-related Acts affect health and income-support rules that touch many people.
• Deregistration of a party or local associations can make it harder for those groups to run candidates, raise money under official party rules, or use official party names on ballots. That can change local campaign organization and who appears as party-affiliated in future elections.