Legislation Standing Committee

Legislation is social justice in action.
It is the carrying out of League resolutions to influence government policy.

DUTIES of the CHAIRPERSON

The duties of the chairperson are:

• monitor and study legislation at all levels of government
• preparation of briefs and position papers on proposed legislation

The chairperson should:

• refer to communiqués and/or annual reports from all levels
• study and act on League resolutions adopted at each level pertaining to this standing committee
• file with the recording secretary a copy of monthly and annual reports

MONITOR and STUDY LEGISLATION at ALL LEVELS of GOVERNMENT

Legislation affects everyone and everything we have and do.

The chairperson shall:

• know the local, provincial and federal government representatives
• ask to be put on their mailing list to receive information
• attend public forums sponsored by government and report back to the council
• keep informed on issues pertaining to government
• keep informed about resolutions and briefs presented to government
• be aware that the council president is the official spokesperson
• ensure all letters to government are signed by the president
• obtain copies of bills relevant to a resolution being followed
• work closely with the chairperson of resolutions to review previous resolutions and draft new ones

The chairperson should:

• access Hansard, a printed record of the proceedings of government, which may be viewed on the parliamentary Web site or obtained from the library
• refer to the Personal Letter Writing Guide available from national office

PREPARATION of BRIEFS and POSITION PAPERS on PROPOSED LEGISLATION
The chairperson shall be familiar with the process of developing position papers as outlined in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure, Appendix 1: Resolutions

RESOURCES and REFERENCES

Additional resources pertaining to this standing committee are available on request from national office:

a) The Legislative Process
b) information on how to obtain Hansard, Status of Bills and Motions, and offices of other organizations
c) information on writing and presenting a brief

SOURCE: Executive Handbook   LEG-71--72