Private Bill Notice Requirements

Summary#

This entry in the Canada Gazette, Volume 159, Number 21, published May 24, 2025, repeats the House of Commons rules for how notices about private bills must be published. It also notes that official returns of members elected in the 45th general election were published as Extra issues on May 14, 2025, May 15, 2025, and May 16, 2025.

What it does#

• Explains Standing Order 130 of the House of Commons, which sets how applicants must notify the public when they seek a private bill (for example, to incorporate a company or get special rights).
• Requires a notice in the Canada Gazette and, in many cases, a similar notice in local newspapers.
• Says notices must be published at least once a week for four consecutive weeks.
• Requires applicants to send a registered letter to the clerk of any county or municipality and to the provincial secretary where works would be located, so local governments are told directly.
• Requires proof that the notices were sent and published (by statutory declaration).
• Notes bilingual publication rules for notices originating in Quebec or Manitoba.
• Lists a contact: the Private Members’ Business Office, House of Commons (with an Ottawa phone number) and names Eric Janse, Clerk of the House of Commons, in the notice.
• Also records that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer published the official returns of elected members in Extra Volumes on the dates listed above.

Who's affected#

• People or groups who want Parliament to pass a private bill (for example, to create or change a company charter).
• Local governments and provincial officials in places where proposed works or rights would have an impact.
• Local newspapers asked to publish the required notices.
• Anyone tracking the official publication of election returns — noted here by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.

Why it matters#

• These rules make sure the public and local authorities get clear, repeated notice about private bills that could change local rights, property use, or create special privileges.
• The requirement to send registered letters and publish in local papers is meant to make it harder for affected people to miss a proposal that could affect them.
• The published election return notices are part of the official public record of who was declared elected in the 45th general election.