C-377An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (need to know)
Private member's bill, introduced in the House of Commons on February 12, 2024
- Status
- At report stage in the House of Commons since December 9, 2024
What it does
Treats senators and MPs who apply for a secret security clearance as needing access to the information tied to that application.
What it does
- Deems a senator or member of the House of Commons who applies for a secret security clearance to need access to the information covered by that application, for the application decision.
- Clarifies that this rule does not limit the powers, privileges, rights, or immunities of the Senate, the House of Commons, or their members.
Who it affects
- Senators
- Members of Parliament
- Parliament of Canada
- Security clearance applicants
Background
The bill adds a new section, 13.1, to the Parliament of Canada Act under the heading Access to Information.
Where it is
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Report stage
Current stage. Now here
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
2nd reading of Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (need to know)
Vote 800,
Passed
173 yeato143 nay · 12 paired
Party breakdown for vote 800 Party Position Yea Nay Did not vote Liberal Nay3 broke ranks 3 142 10 Conservative Yea 113 0 5 Bloc Yea 30 0 2 NDP Yea 23 0 1 Green Yea 2 0 0 Independent Yea1 broke ranks 2 1 0 Total 173 143
What MPs said
Each party’s first speech on this bill in the House, from Hansard. Excerpts are the speaker’s opening sentences, unedited.
LiberalHeath MacDonald· April 15, 2024
“I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to Bill C-377 and the important issues therein. The role of Parliament is crucial to protecting our democracy and holding government to account.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caConservativeAlex Ruff· April 15, 2024
“We are here today to speak to my first private member's bill, Bill C-377, an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act, need to know. I will cover what this bill would do, what it is not and, most important, the why, not only to address the threats to our democracy but to minimize the politicization around national security in our country.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caBlocRené Villemure· April 15, 2024
“The Conservative member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound is proposing that we examine Bill C-377. It is an important bill that requires serious consideration.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caNDPRachel Blaney· May 30, 2024
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to Bill C-377. First of all, I want to acknowledge the member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.ca
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: At report stage in the House of Commons. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.