Public Complaints and Review Commission Created

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice records that An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments (Bill C‑20, chapter 25, 2024) received Royal Assent on October 31, 2024. In practical terms, the bill is now an Act of Parliament and creates the Public Complaints and Review Commission (the Gazette item does not describe the Commission’s powers or operations).

What it does#

• Records that the Governor General signified assent by written declaration on October 31, 2024.
• Notes that the Senate and the House of Commons were both notified of that declaration on October 31, 2024.
• States that Bill C‑20 (chapter 25, 2024) — the Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission — has been enacted and that it amends unspecified other acts and statutory instruments.
• Also repeats a procedural notice that Standing Order 130 (about notices for private bills) was previously published on November 20, 2021, and gives contact details for the Private Members’ Business Office, House of Commons.

Who's affected#

• People who make or face complaints against federal public institutions — they are the most likely to see an effect if the new Commission handles such complaints.
• Federal departments and agencies that will interact with the new Public Complaints and Review Commission or that are named in the amended laws.
• Parliament and legislative offices are involved only as the bodies notified of assent.
• The Gazette notice does not list specific groups, agencies, or types of complaints, so the full scope of who is affected is not clear from this item alone.

Why it matters#

• The creation of a Public Complaints and Review Commission could change where and how complaints involving federal public bodies are reviewed.
• Because the Act received Royal Assent on October 31, 2024, it is now law; however, the Gazette item does not say when different parts of the Act will actually start to apply. That timing can affect when people and agencies must follow any new processes.
• Anyone who deals with federal complaints (members of the public, public servants, and agencies) should watch for further details about the Commission’s mandate and commencement dates.