Consultations on Policy & Legislation

When new legislation or new policy is proposed by the ministry, the Solicitor General may wish to consult with British Columbians. One way of consulting is to prepare a ‘discussion paper’ – accompanied by an invitation to respond. The feedback received is important as it helps government design and shape new laws and policies.

Proposed legislation is called a ‘bill’. Bills are prepared and written outside the House, generally by the government ministry proposing them. MLAs consider arguments for and against each bill the views and concerns of British Columbians before deciding to support or reject the bill. If the bill passes through the three reading stages, upon receiving Royal Assent, the bill becomes an act or statute of the Legislative Assembly.

• Read more about the legislative process
• View bills before the House

Consultations may result in changes to policy, regulations or legislation. Regulation changes may be approved by Cabinet and do not require approval by the Legislative Assembly.

Visit the Current Consultations page to check on new invitations asking for feedback on proposed legislation or policy. Visit the Closed Consultations page to review a historical record of proposals the ministry brought forward with a consultation invitation and, occasionally, the next steps taken after the consultation process closed.