Canada is also a parliamentary democracy. Members of Parliament meeting in the House of Commons hold legislative power, which means they can draw up and pass laws. They debate bills in the House, study them fully in committees, propose amendments to them, and then pass or defeat them.
Although government members usually introduce bills, opposition members may also introduce them on their own behalf.
The Senate also contributes to the legislative process by passing bills voted on by the House of Commons before they receive royal assent. Senators can reject a bill, but don’t do so often. They can also amend bills introduced in the House of Commons.
The Senate also has the power to introduce bills, except for money bills (those having a financial impact or requiring public expenditure).