How a Federal Law Comes Into Force 

Once a bill passed by both Houses of Parliament receives Royal Assent, it becomes an Act of Parliament and is added to the body of laws of Canada. However, an Act is not enforceable until it is given effect. A distinction must therefore be made between the time when the law is enacted by the act of Royal Assent and the time when it comes into force, that is, the time when the legislative norm becomes legally applicable and binding. Legislative counsel Alexandra Schorah explains the different scenarios that can be envisaged with respect to the coming into force of a law. 

How an Act comes into force 

The table below provides a summary of the different ways in which federal legislation can be brought into force. 

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