Law Would Give Parliament More Say on International Treaties
Parliament to Review Treaties
This proposed law, called C-228, wanted to change how Canada makes agreements with other countries, called treaties. Right now, the government can agree to treaties without Parliament's direct input beforehand. This proposed law wanted to make it so that Parliament would get to look at and talk about treaties *before* Canada officially agreed to them. This change would have affected all Canadians because treaties can impact many things, like trade, the environment, and human rights. It would have also affected the government, by requiring them to share treaty information with Parliament earlier in the process. This proposed law mattered because it would have given Members of Parliament more say in important international agreements. Some people believe this would make Canada's treaty-making process more transparent and democratic. However, because the proposed law did not pass, the current process remains in place.
I think we need more openness when making treaties with other countries. I want Parliament to look at treaties and give advice before we agree to them, especially big ones. I support Bill C-228 because it will make sure the treaty process is more democratic.
I think this bill is not about being open. It would make it harder to make treaties by adding work for committees. I worry it would hurt Canada's place in the world, and committees would just approve treaties without really looking at them.
Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about
The bill aimed to increase parliamentary oversight of treaties, which can be seen as a move towards greater democratic accountability and a shift away from executive dominance in foreign policy decision-making.
This proposed law would have made sure that Parliament gets to review treaties before Canada signs them. It's good because it gives Parliament more say, but it also has an 'escape clause' for special situations.
Things to Watch For
- The definition of 'major treaty' is broad, so it could apply to many agreements.
- The government can bypass the review process in 'exceptional circumstances'.
- The law doesn't say what happens if Parliament doesn't like a treaty.
Click any step to learn what it means
This proposed law did not move forward
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Click any step to learn what it means
This proposed law did not move forward
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This bill was voted down and did not become law.
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