Bill S-1

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,

57 Elizabeth II, 2008

senate of canada

BILL S-1

An Act relating to railways

Whereas the introduction of a pro forma bill in the Senate before the consideration of the Speech from the Throne demonstrates the right of the Senate to act without the leave of the Crown;

Whereas that custom, which can be traced to before 1867 in the Parliament at Westminster, is practised in a number of jurisdictions having a parliamentary form of government;

And whereas it is desirable to explain and document the constitutional relationship represented by that custom, while preserving the traditional title of the pro forma bill;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

1. This bill asserts the right of the Senate to give precedence to matters not addressed in the Speech from the Throne.