The first reading version of the bill may contain explanatory notes. Federal bills are also available in electronic format on QL . Current bills are in CSB database. Older bills are in CSBH database. If in doubt about the scope of these databases, go to the CASB database and select the appropriate database from the menu displayed.
Law libraries receive first reading bills in print form.
Second reading During second reading, the sponsoring Cabinet minister explains the purpose of the bill, and debate takes place on the main principles of the bill. Speeches in the legislature by the Minister sponsoring the legislation can be important in determining the intention behind the legislation. The proceedings of the House of Commons and the Senate are recorded in Hansard, and are available from the parliamentary website . They are also available in print form in law libraries. After the bill has passed second reading, it is sent to a parliamentary committee for detailed consideration on a clause by clause basis.