C-254An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (change of political affiliation)
Private member's bill, introduced in the House of Commons on February 11, 2022
- Status
- At second reading in the House of Commons since February 11, 2022
What it does
Vacates a House of Commons seat and triggers a by-election when an MP changes party status in the way set out in the bill.
What it does
- Deems a House of Commons seat vacant if a member joins a registered party after being elected for another party or as an independent.
- Requires the leader of the new registered party to tell the Speaker in writing, without delay, that the person has joined the party.
- Requires the Speaker to send a warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer so a writ can be issued for a by-election to fill the vacancy.
- Gives the party leader, or the leader of the House if there is no Speaker or the Speaker is absent from Canada, the power to send the warrant directly in those cases.
Who it affects
- Members of Parliament
- Political party leaders
- House of Commons Speaker
- Chief Electoral Officer
- Voters in the riding
Background
The bill adds a new section, 27.1, to the Parliament of Canada Act about change of political affiliation.
Where it is
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Current stage. Now here
Committee
Not reached.
Report stage
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Senate
First reading
Not reached.
Second reading
Not reached.
Committee
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Not reached.
Introduced by an MP who is not a minister. These bills compete in a lottery for debate time, and most do not become law. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: Outside the Order of Precedence. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.