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

Sponsor: Senator Marty Klyne

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

Bill C-20: Public Complaints and Review Commission Act

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

• This legislation promotes cyber security across four federally-regulated critical infrastructure sectors.

Bill C-40: Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission Act

• 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.

Bill C-49: Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation and Offshore Renewable Energy Management Act

Sponsor: Senator Iris Petten

• Bill C-49 amends the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act to enable the development of offshore wind.

Bill C-64: Pharmacare Act

Sponsor: Senator Kim Pate

• Bill C-64 establishes a framework towards a national universal pharmacare in Canada for certain prescription drugs and related products, including free coverage for contraception and diabetes medications.