Appropriation Acts Receive Royal Assent

Summary#

This Canada Gazette entry (published December 26, 2020) records parliamentary housekeeping. It notes the publication of Standing Order 130 about private-bill notices and that, on December 10, 2020, Royal Assent by written declaration was given to two appropriation bills — Bill C-17 and Bill C-16 — which grant money for the federal government for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

What it does#

• Publishes information about Standing Order 130, which sets rules for notices of intended applications for private bills, and points readers to the Private Members’ Business Office for more information.
• Records that Royal Assent was signified by written declaration on December 10, 2020 to:
  • An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 ( Bill C-17, chapter 14, 2020)
  • An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 ( Bill C-16, chapter 15, 2020)
• Notes that both the Senate and the House of Commons were notified of the written declaration on December 10, 2020.

Who's affected#

• Federal departments and agencies that receive appropriated funds for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.
• Contractors, suppliers and employees who depend on federal spending and contracts tied to those appropriations.
• Individuals or groups considering or applying for a private bill, who may need to follow the rules in Standing Order 130 and can contact the Private Members’ Business Office for details.
• For most members of the public, this is an administrative record with no immediate direct effect.

Why it matters#

• The two appropriation acts authorize government spending for the rest of the fiscal year. That lets federal programs, services and payments continue without interruption.
• The record of Royal Assent shows these bills completed the final formal step to become law. The practical outcome is that the money can legally be spent.
• The Standing Order information matters to anyone seeking a private bill in Parliament because it explains how to give required notices.