Plain-English civics
What is third reading?
Third reading is usually the final debate and vote on a bill in a chamber. If it passes, the bill moves to the next required step, such as the other chamber or Royal Assent.
What third reading tells you
By third reading, a bill may already have been studied by committee and amended. A successful third-reading vote is a strong sign the chamber has approved the bill, but it may still need another chamber or Royal Assent.
Official sources
PoliticalData.ca explainers are civic education, not legal advice. Official legislative records control if there is a conflict.