Statutes of Canada: Publication and Distribution Processes
The formal documentation of laws is essential for transparency and legal certainty. In Canada, the process of publishing and distributing the Statutes of Canada—the official collection of public acts passed by Parliament—has evolved over time to ensure that the law remains accessible to the public and legal professionals.
The Evolution of Statutory Distribution
The framework for how laws are published was originally established under the Interpretation Act (1867). Initially, the Statutes of Canada were required to be published and distributed at the conclusion of each session of parliament. This ensured that the legislative output of each specific parliamentary term was recorded and disseminated.
However, this system was updated in 1984. The requirement shifted from a session-based schedule to a calendar-based one, meaning the volumes of the Statutes of Canada must now be distributed and published at the end of each calendar year. These compiled volumes are formally referred to as Annual Statutes.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Interim Publication via the Canada Gazette
Because the Annual Statutes are only published at the end of the year, there is a need for a more immediate way to notify the public of new laws. To bridge this gap, public acts are published in Part III of the Canada Gazette.
The Canada Gazette serves as the official newspaper of the Government of Canada. Part III specifically handles the publication of acts after they have been passed by Parliament but before they are formally compiled into the permanent Annual Statutes volumes. These updates are released every three months.
| Publication Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Gazette (Part III) | Every three months | Interim publication of passed public acts |
| Annual Statutes | End of calendar year | Permanent compilation of the year's statutes |
Key Facts
- The Interpretation Act (1867) originally governed the distribution of statutes.
- Since 1984, Statutes of Canada volumes are published at the end of each calendar year.
- Compiled volumes are known as Annual Statutes.
- Part III of the Canada Gazette provides quarterly updates of public acts before they are compiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Annual Statutes?
Annual Statutes are the official volumes of the Statutes of Canada that are compiled, published, and distributed at the end of each calendar year.
How did the publication schedule change in 1984?
Prior to 1984, statutes were published at the end of each session of parliament; after 1984, the requirement changed to the end of each calendar year.
Where can public acts be found before they are added to the Annual Statutes?
Public acts are published in Part III of the Canada Gazette every three months after they are passed but before their final compilation.
Which act originally mandated the distribution of the Statutes of Canada?
The Interpretation Act (1867) originally established the requirements for the distribution and publication of the Statutes of Canada.