Glossary of Terms

A Bill is a proposed law. It may propose an entirely new law or change existing laws. To become law, a bill must pass three readings and committee study and be given royal assent. After these steps have taken place, bills may come into effect in one of three ways:

• the bill contains a provision stating that it comes into force on particular dates;
• the bill contains a provision stating that it comes into force on proclamation;
• if the bill contains neither of these provisions, it automatically comes into force when it receives royal assent.

A Statute (law, act) is a bill that has passed three readings and committee study and received royal assent.

Regulations are sometimes referred to as "delegated" or "subordinate" legislation. They have the same binding legal effect as Statutes, but are made by persons or bodies to whom the Legislature has delegated its law-making power - such as the Governor in Council (the Lieutenant Governor acting on the advice of cabinet), a Minister, or an administrative body or agency. Typically, a statute will outline the broad mandate and scope of the legislation, while regulations which fall under that statute provide details about the administrative technicalities such as forms, fees, or requirements.

• Full Glossary
• Types of Bills
• How a Bill becomes Law