Public Complaints and Review Commission Act

Summary#

The House of Commons recorded that on October 31, 2024 the Governor General gave assent to An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments (Bill C-20, chapter 25, 2024). Assent was signified by written declaration and both Houses were notified on the same day.

What it does#

• Records that Bill C-20, chapter 25, 2024 received Royal Assent on October 31, 2024.
• Notes the assent was given by written declaration rather than a ceremony.
• States that both the Senate and the House of Commons were notified of the declaration on October 31, 2024.
• Does not say when the Act comes into force or list the specific amendments; the Gazette notice only records the assent.

Who's affected#

• People who bring complaints against federal programs or services — the new Public Complaints and Review Commission is the body named in the Act.
• Federal departments and agencies that may be subject to complaints or reviews under the new law.
• Civil-society groups, advocates, and anyone interested in oversight of federal institutions.
• It is unclear from this notice which exact Acts or statutory instruments are amended; the Gazette item does not list them.

Why it matters#

• Creating the Public Complaints and Review Commission could change how complaints about federal programs are handled and reviewed.
• The change could affect access to oversight, how quickly complaints are resolved, and public accountability of federal institutions.
• The Gazette entry only records that the Act received assent; details about the Commission’s powers, procedures, and the Act’s start date will be in the Act’s text or later notices.