Parliament is Canada's legislature. Parliament is the federal institution with the power to make laws, to raise taxes and to authorize government spending. Canada's legislature is "bicameral", meaning it has two chambers. Proposed legislation is debated and voted on in both Chambers or Houses-the appointed Senate and the elected House of Commons (often described as the "upper" and "lower" houses).
The legislative and executive branches of the Government create the laws of the land. Proposed government legislation (a bill) is introduced in one of the two Chambers (usually the House of Commons) by a Minister. The bill is then subjected to a detailed process of review, debate, examination and amendment through both chambers before it is ready to receive final approval.
To become law, all legislation must be adopted by both houses in identical form and receive Royal Assent. Bills calling for the spending of public revenues or for the imposing of taxes must originate in the House of Commons.
