Private-bill Notice Rules and Election Returns

Summary#

This Canada Gazette entry (published May 24, 2025) republishes rules the House of Commons uses for advertising intended private bills and lists election-return notices. It reproduces Standing Order 130 on how private-bill applicants must give public notice, and it records that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer published returns for the 45th general election on May 14, 2025, May 15, 2025, and May 16, 2025.

What it does#

• Explains the main requirements of Standing Order 130 for private-bill notices:

  • Notices must be published in the Canada Gazette and clearly state the nature and purpose of the proposed bill.
  • Notices must be signed (with an address) and must name a proposed company when the application seeks incorporation.
  • If proposed works are said to be “for the general advantage of Canada,” that must be stated.
  • Applicants must send a copy by registered letter to the clerk of each county or municipality likely affected and to the provincial secretary where the works are located, timed to arrive not later than two weeks before committee consideration.
  • Applicants must provide proof of mailing and of newspaper publication by statutory declaration.

• Lists where additional newspaper notices are required, depending on the project:

  • Railways and canals: notices in principal towns along the route.
  • Telegraph or telephone companies: notices in principal city or town in each province/territory where they propose to operate.
  • Local works that might affect particular communities: notices in the locality likely to be affected.
  • Certain financial or industrial companies: in some cases publication in the Canada Gazette only.

• Sets the publication schedule and language rules:

  • Notices must run at least once a week for four consecutive weeks.
  • In Quebec and Manitoba, notices must appear in both English and French in appropriate newspapers and in the Canada Gazette.
  • If there is no local paper, notices must be placed in the nearest locality that has one.

• Gives contact information for questions about private-bill notices: the Private Members’ Business Office, House of Commons (phone 613‑992‑9511). The entry is signed by Eric Janse, Clerk of the House of Commons.

• Records electoral notices:

  • The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, under the Canada Elections Act, published returns of members elected at the 45th general election as Extra Vol. 159, No. 9 (May 14, 2025), No. 10 (May 15, 2025) and No. 11 (May 16, 2025).

Who's affected#

• People or organizations applying for a private bill (for example, companies seeking incorporation or special powers).
• Municipal, county, and provincial officials and communities near proposed works who must receive registered notice.
• Local newspapers asked to publish notices.
• Parliamentary committees and MPs who will review private-bill applications.
• Voters, political parties, and anyone checking the official published returns for the 45th general election.
• If it’s unclear who exactly is affected by a specific proposed private bill, the Standing Order requires applicants to identify and notify those localities.

Why it matters#

• These rules make sure private-bill applications are publicly announced so people and local governments who might be affected can find out and respond.
• The set schedule and mailing rules create a clear timeline for when notices must appear and who must be notified.
• The published election returns provide the official public record of who was elected at the 45th general election.