Bills are proposed laws. They vary in size, effect and the public interest they receive. Typically, Government bills are introduced by a Cabinet Minister in the House of Commons (C-bills), but this type of legislation (S-bills) can also originate in the Senate if it does not initiate spending or impose a tax.

Here’s a list of Government legislation currently before the Senate.

Bill S-15: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act

Report stage

Sponsor: Senator Marty Klyne

• This legislation would create offences related to keeping elephants and great apes in captivity, subject to certain exceptions.

Bill C-20: Public Complaints and Review Commission Act

Consideration in committee

Sponsor: Senator Ratna Omidvar

• This legislation proposes to establish the Public Complaints and Review Commission, an enhanced independent review and complaints body for the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Bill C-26: Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act

Second reading

Sponsor: Senator John McNair

• This legislation promotes cyber security across four federally-regulated critical infrastructure sectors. It is currently at second reading in the Senate.

Bill C-40: Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission Act

Consideration in committee

Sponsor: Senator David Arnot

• This legislation would establish an independent commission to review, investigate and decide which criminal cases should be returned to the justice system due to a potential miscarriage of justice. It is currently at second reading in the Senate.