Two Bills Receive Royal Assent

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice records that two bills received royal assent on October 26, 2023 and are now chapters of the 2023 Statutes. The notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on November 4, 2023.

What it does#

• Records that An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood) (Bill S-222, chapter 27, 2023) received royal assent on October 26, 2023.
• Records that An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act (Bill S-12, chapter 28, 2023) received royal assent on October 26, 2023.
• Notes a standing order about private bills (Standing Order 130) and lists the contact for the Private Members’ Business Office, House of Commons for more information.

Who's affected#

• People and businesses involved in federal construction, procurement, or suppliers of wood may notice the change linked to the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act.
• People involved in the criminal justice system—agencies, lawyers, and individuals affected by sex-offender registration or international offender transfers—may notice the changes tied to the Criminal Code and related acts.
• The Gazette notice itself lists titles only. The notice does not explain the detailed changes or say exactly who will be directly affected.

Why it matters#

• When a bill receives royal assent it becomes law. That can change how federal departments buy goods or run programs, and it can change criminal justice rules or procedures.
• The Gazette notice is a formal public record that the acts are now chapters of the 2023 statutes. For the specific effects on rights, procurement rules, or procedures, readers will need to look up the full texts of the two acts.