Bill S-224

SUMMARY

This enactment amends the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act with respect to filling vacancies in Parliament.

With respect to vacancies in the Senate, the enactment amends the Parliament of Canada Act to require the Prime Minister to recommend to the Governor General a fit and qualified person for appointment within 120 days after a vacancy happens.

With respect to vacancies in the House of Commons requiring a by-election, the enactment amends the Parliament of Canada Act to establish a 60-day time limit for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill a vacancy, and also amends the Canada Elections Act to provide that the date fixed for voting in the by-election must be no later than 60 days after the issue of the writ.

The enactment also amends the Parliament of Canada Act to provide for the order in which by-elections are called when more than one vacancy occurs in the House of Commons.