Activity

Once the bill has passed through both chambers, students can enact the Royal Assent ceremony. This ceremony involves all of the parliamentarians and parliamentary officials. To mark the formality of the occasion, you may wish to have the speakers and the clerks make tricorn hats and black cloaks.

Materials Required:

  • selected print-outs from the Canada Gazette of recent bills that have received Royal Assent
  • copies of the simulation script “Royal Assent”

Time

50 minutes

Who's Involved

Cabinet, Government Backbench, Official Opposition, Third Party, Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators, Speakers, Sergeant-at-Arms, Clerks

What It Is

Royal Assent is the approval by a representative of the Crown of a bill passed in identical terms by the House of Commons and the Senate making it an Act of Parliament.

Since 2002, Royal Assent may be signified in two ways:

  • by a traditional ceremony in the Senate Chamber
  • by a written declaration which takes place at either Rideau Hall (if the Governor General signifies assent) or at the Supreme Court (if the Deputy of the Governor General signifies assent)

Why It's Important

Royal Assent is the final stop in the passage of a bill, making it an Act of Parliament. It is an essential step in a constitutional monarchy.

What You Need To Do

  1. Review the process of Royal Assent.
  2. Research the history of Royal Assent.
  3. Discuss - Why has the traditional ceremony endured? How is it a significant part of the legislative process?
  4. Record today’s observations in your learning log.