Plain-English civics

What is Royal Assent?

Royal Assent is the formal approval that turns a passed bill into law. In Canada, it happens after the required legislative chamber or chambers have approved the bill.

Why it matters

A bill can pass final votes but still needs Royal Assent before it becomes an Act. Royal Assent does not always mean every section starts immediately; the bill may set different coming-into-force rules.

Official sources

PoliticalData.ca explainers are civic education, not legal advice. Official legislative records control if there is a conflict.