Bill S-12 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 1st Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-12 allows federal regulations to incorporate documents by reference if they are accessible, and protects people from penalties unless the incorporated documents were accessible to them at the time of the alleged violation.
Bill S-12 is about how federal regulations can use a technique called "incorporation by reference." This means a regulation can refer to an outside document (like a standard, index, or rate) instead of printing the whole thing in the regulation itself. The bill says this is allowed, but with important conditions: - Regulation-makers must make sure any incorporated document is accessible to the public. - Documents created by the government can only be incorporated if they add minor details to the main rules in the regulation, or if they are reproduced from someone else's document. - Documents from Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, or independent parties can be incorporated more freely. - Incorporated documents don't need to be published in the Canada Gazette (the official government publication). The bill also protects people from being found guilty of breaking a regulation if the incorporated document wasn't accessible to them. A person can only be penalized if the document was accessible, or if they had some other way to know about it. The bill also makes some technical changes to fix French terminology in the Statutory Instruments Act and Regulations—replacing "autorité réglementante" with "autorité réglementaire."
- This draft was normalized from a partial local-model response and must be reviewed before publication.
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A Legislative Summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. A pre-release version of this publication is available to parliamentarians and their staff, and can be obtained by submitting a request or contacting the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 17 October 2012, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations (Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act) in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-12 amends the Statutory Instruments Act to provide for the express power to incorporate by reference in regulations. It imposes an obligation on regulation-making authorities to ensure that a document, index, rate or number that is incorporated by reference is accessible. It also provides that a person is not liable to be found guilty of an offence or subjected to an administrative sanction for a contravention relating to a document, index, rate or number that is incorporated by reference unless certain requirements in relation to accessibility are met. Finally, it makes consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill S-12 completed its first reading in the Senate on October 17, 2012, and has since proceeded through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the 'First reading' stage for Bill S-12 in the Senate on October 17, 2012. First reading is the initial introduction of a bill in the Senate. The bill was later moved to the House of Commons and has since completed its second reading there.
Bill S-12 was introduced and received first reading in the Senate on October 17, 2012, after which the Senate proceeded with other matters.
On October 17, 2012, in the Senate, Bill S-12, an Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations, was introduced and received its first reading. The Senate then proceeded with other business, including tributes to individuals, discussions on international days, reports tabled, and debates on unrelated bills. The record does not detail any debate or discussion specifically on Bill S-12 during this sitting.
This record tracks Bill S-12's progression through the Senate's second reading stage, including related speeches, before its movement to the House of Commons for further debate and legislative steps.
This artifact details the Senate's second reading stage for Bill S-12, which occurred on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, and Tuesday, November 6, 2012. The bill aims to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and related regulations. Following this Senate stage, the bill moved to the House of Commons, where it had its first reading on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, and second reading debates on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, and Thursday, May 23, 2013. The bill also underwent committee consideration and third reading in the House of Commons before returning to the Senate for its first reading there on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
The Senate sitting on October 23, 2012, featured tributes, tabling of reports, question period on various issues, and adjourned debate on Bill S-12 (Statutory Instruments Act) after its second reading.
This Senate sitting on October 23, 2012, included tributes to the late Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, the Sisters in Spirit movement addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women, the late Dr. Aziz Khaki, the Franco-Albertan community's annual meeting, and Canada-Jamaica relations. Routine proceedings involved tabling reports from the Commissioner of Lobbying and the Auditor General, and the first reading of a bill to amend the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act. Question Period covered mental health, the Canada Periodical Fund, the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project, and the Kanishka Project. The main orders of the day included debate on Bill S-12 (Statutory Instruments Act), Bill C-304 (Canadian Human Rights Act), an inquiry on the Korean War, and an inquiry on promoting Alberta's interests. The debate on Bill S-12 was adjourned after its second reading, and the inquiry on the Korean War concluded.
During a Senate debate on October 23, 2012, the Honourable Senator Frum introduced Bill S-12, concerning the use of incorporation by reference in regulations, which was debated and then adjourned.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the Senate on October 23, 2012. The main item of discussion related to Bill S-12 was the "Incorporation by reference in regulations act". The debate covered the use of this legislative drafting technique, its purpose, and its potential impacts. Other discussions included tributes to notable Canadians, reports from the Auditor General and the Commissioner of Lobbying, and debates on various other bills and inquiries. The discussion on Bill S-12 was adjourned to a later date.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-12, Senator Mac Harb raised significant concerns about the bill's potential to weaken parliamentary oversight and complicate public access to laws, after which the bill was passed for second reading and sent to committee.
On November 6, 2012, the Senate proceeded with debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-12, an Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act. Senator Mac Harb spoke against the bill, expressing concerns that it would increase the power of the executive branch over Parliament and make it harder for citizens to access and understand Canadian laws. He argued that the bill's provisions for 'open incorporation by reference' would allow regulations to be changed without parliamentary approval and could retroactively legalize past unauthorized uses of this technique. The Senate subsequently passed the motion for second reading, "on division," and referred the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further study. Other proceedings during the sitting included messages from the House of Commons, senators' statements on various topics, routine proceedings, questions regarding veterans' benefits, and debates on committee reports.
In the Senate, debate on Bill S-12 focused on concerns that it would weaken parliamentary oversight and citizen access to laws by allowing 'open incorporation by reference,' a practice where external documents can be automatically updated within regulations without explicit parliamentary approval, ultimately passing second reading 'on division' and being sent to committee.
This record details a Senate debate on Bill S-12, an Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act. Senator Mac Harb argued against the bill, stating it would weaken parliamentary oversight and make it harder for citizens to access and understand Canadian laws. He explained that the bill allows for 'open incorporation by reference,' where external documents can be automatically updated and incorporated into regulations without Parliament's explicit approval. He raised concerns about this practice leading to a "slippery slope" where Parliament loses control over legislation, blurring the lines between legislative and executive powers. He also highlighted issues with accessibility, questioning how citizens would know which version of an incorporated document applies and whether they would have to pay to access legal information. He concluded that the bill would legitimize past illegal practices and shift power to the executive branch. The Senate proceeded to a vote on the motion for second reading, which was agreed to 'on division,' meaning the bill passed but with some senators formally disagreeing. The bill was then referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further study.
Bill S-12 completed the Senate committee consideration stage on December 6, 2012.
The artifact indicates that Bill S-12 completed the 'Senate Consideration in committee' stage on December 6, 2012. This stage involves a committee of the Senate examining the bill in detail. The provided text does not detail the committee's discussions or any amendments made.
During a Senate sitting on December 6, 2012, various matters were discussed, including remembrance of tragedies, committee reports, and policy issues, with a notable procedural step for Bill S-12 being the presentation of a committee report at the end of the sitting.
This record documents a sitting of the Senate on December 6, 2012. The Senate observed a moment of silence to remember the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre. Senators spoke on various topics, including the International Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, anniversaries of historical tragedies (Halifax Explosion, Murmansk Run), the Mary River Iron Ore Project, and the Deh Cho Bridge opening. Routine proceedings included the tabling of committee reports and government responses. Question Period addressed issues such as generic OxyContin, funding for on-reserve education, government spending priorities, and First Nations consultations on pipeline projects. The Senate also debated and adopted reports from the Official Languages Committee and the Fisheries and Oceans Committee. A motion to support Malala Yousafzai was continued, and debate on inquiries regarding multiple sclerosis and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, and the food safety system, were also addressed. The Senate authorized a committee meeting and adjourned until December 10, 2012. A key procedural event related to Bill S-12 was the presentation of the seventeenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, which reported the bill without amendment. The Senate then placed the bill on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
Bill S-12 completed its third reading in the Senate on December 10, 2012, before moving to the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the Senate's third reading of Bill S-12 on December 10, 2012. The bill's status at the time of this record was that it had completed its third reading in the Senate. The record also notes subsequent activities, including its first reading in the House of Commons on December 12, 2012, and its second reading debate in the House of Commons on February 13, 2013, with related speeches on May 23, 2013. This specific artifact marks the completion of the Senate's third reading stage.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-12, concerns were raised about reduced parliamentary oversight and accessibility of laws, leading to amendments that were ultimately defeated before the bill's passage.
This artifact is a record of the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-12, an act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and related regulations. The debate focused on concerns about the bill's potential to reduce parliamentary oversight and make it harder for citizens to access and understand laws. Senators debated amendments that were proposed to mitigate these issues, but they were ultimately voted down by government members. The bill proceeded to third reading and was passed, "on division", indicating that some senators disagreed.
This document outlines the procedural progression of Bill S-12 through various stages in the House of Commons and Senate, including first reading, second reading debates, committee review, and third reading.
This artifact describes the procedural stages of Bill S-12 in the House of Commons. It notes that the bill completed its First Reading on December 12, 2012. The bill later progressed to Second Reading, with debates and speeches occurring on February 13, 2013, and May 23, 2013. The artifact also lists committee consideration and Third Reading dates in late 2012, and notes its introduction in the Senate on October 23, 2012. The current status of the bill is listed as 'At second reading in the House of Commons'.
This House of Commons sitting on December 12, 2012, featured a debate on Bill C-42 concerning RCMP accountability, with the NDP proposing amendments to address sexual harassment and oversight, while the government defended the bill's existing measures.
This artifact is a record of the House of Commons proceedings on December 12, 2012. The primary legislative business discussed was Bill C-42, the Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act. The debate focused on amendments proposed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) to address issues such as sexual harassment and accountability within the RCMP. The NDP argued that the bill did not go far enough in its proposed solutions and that key terms like "sexual harassment" were omitted. The government, however, maintained that the bill, with amendments made in committee, provided a balanced and practical approach to improving RCMP accountability and addressing workplace issues. Several other bills and issues were also briefly discussed or presented, including motions related to military justice, offender accountability, the Income Tax Act, and the Radiocommunication Act. The sitting concluded with discussions on government business and adjournment proceedings related to employment insurance and small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the upcoming holiday recess.
Bill S-12 is currently undergoing debate at the second reading stage in the House of Commons, with a debate session noted on May 23, 2013.
The House of Commons is currently at the second reading stage for Bill S-12. This stage involves debate on the general principles of the bill. The provided text indicates that debate occurred on May 23, 2013, and lists previous stages of the bill's progression, including first reading, second reading, committee consideration, and third reading in the House of Commons, as well as initial readings and speeches in the Senate. The status 'Not completed' suggests that the second reading debate in the House of Commons has not yet concluded.
On February 13, 2013, the House of Commons debated Bill S-12 at second reading, with discussions focusing on the implications of "incorporation by reference" in regulations, alongside other parliamentary business and debates on various bills.
This artifact is a record of a debate that occurred in the House of Commons on February 13, 2013, during the second reading stage of Bill S-12. The sitting included various statements by members on diverse topics, oral question period where members from different parties debated issues such as ethics, aboriginal affairs, and national defence, and routine proceedings where various reports and petitions were tabled. The House also considered government orders, including the Combating Terrorism Act and the Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act (Bill S-12). Debates on Bill S-12 focused on the use of "incorporation by reference" in regulations, with concerns raised about parliamentary oversight, accessibility of documents, and potential impacts on linguistic duality. The sitting concluded with the third reading and passing of the Transboundary Waters Protection Act and debate on the Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable Housing Act (Bill C-400).
During the House of Commons second reading debate on Bill S-12, Members of Parliament discussed the use of "incorporation by reference" in regulations, raising concerns about accessibility, parliamentary oversight, and official languages, while the government defended it as a modernizing measure.
This document is a record of the House of Commons debate on Bill S-12, "An Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations." The debate occurred at the second reading stage of the bill. The main purpose of the bill is to provide legal certainty for the government's use of the "incorporation by reference" technique in drafting regulations. This technique allows regulations to refer to other documents (like standards or laws from other jurisdictions) without needing to reproduce them fully in the regulation itself. Several Members of Parliament, particularly from opposition parties, raised concerns about the bill. Key themes included the potential impact on accessibility of laws for Canadians, especially regarding official languages and cost, and the risk of governments bypassing parliamentary oversight through this technique. Some members argued that the bill could legitimize past questionable practices and potentially weaken parliamentary control over regulations. The debate also touched on the need for clarity in definitions within the bill, such as "accessible" and "reasonable effort," and the potential implications for the rule of law and democratic accountability. The government argued that the bill modernizes regulations, facilitates international cooperation, and reduces red tape while ensuring accessibility and respecting parliamentary oversight. The bill was eventually passed at second reading and referred to a committee for further study.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-12, Members of Parliament discussed the implications of using 'incorporation by reference' in regulations, raising concerns about transparency, accessibility, and the potential impact on democratic oversight and linguistic duality.
This record details a debate in the House of Commons on February 13, 2013, concerning Bill S-12. The bill, titled 'An Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations', was at its second reading stage. The debate primarily focused on the procedural aspects of how regulations are created and incorporated by reference, with members expressing concerns about transparency, accessibility, and the potential for sub-delegation of legislative power. Specific concerns were raised regarding the implications for Canada's official languages and the potential for Canadians to unknowingly fall afoul of regulations.
During the House of Commons debate on Bill S-12, MPs discussed how the government uses 'incorporation by reference' in regulations, raising concerns about accessibility, the use of official languages, and parliamentary oversight, before agreeing to send the bill to committee.
During the House of Commons second reading debate on Bill S-12, an Act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act and to make consequential amendments to the Statutory Instruments Regulations, the focus was on the technique of 'incorporation by reference' in government regulations. Members from various parties, including the NDP and Liberals, expressed concerns that the bill, by allowing for 'open incorporation by reference,' could legitimize past governmental actions that may have lacked proper parliamentary authorization. There were significant discussions about the potential negative impacts on accessibility of laws, especially concerning the availability of documents in both official languages and the financial burden on citizens to access referenced materials. Concerns were also raised that this practice could undermine parliamentary oversight and the rule of law. The government, represented by Mr. Robert Goguen, stated that the bill aims to modernize regulations and ensure accessibility while respecting existing legal frameworks. Despite acknowledging the complexity, members generally agreed to send the bill to committee for further study, with hopes of addressing the raised concerns through amendments.
This House of Commons sitting on May 23, 2013, included procedural business, the debate on Bill S-12 regarding regulations, Bill C-51 concerning witness protection, and extensive oral question periods covering various government actions and opposition concerns.
This artifact is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on May 23, 2013. It details various procedural activities, including the tabling of committee reports, the introduction of bills, and debates on different government orders and private members' business. Notably, it includes discussions related to Bill S-12, an act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act, and Bill C-51, the safer witnesses act. The majority of the text consists of the transcript of oral questions and the ensuing debates, covering a wide range of government actions and opposition criticisms.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Consideration in committee yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Report stage yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Third reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced