🍁 civid v1

Overview

Bill C-228 would amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to require the Foreign Affairs Minister to table treaty documents in the House of Commons before ratification or modification. It was at first reading on September 18, 2025.

Prior disclosure and review

• At least 21 House sitting days before ratifying a treaty, the Minister would have to table it with a memorandum explaining its content and effects. For a treaty that amends another treaty, the existing treaty would also have to be tabled.
• At least 21 House sitting days before concluding an agreement to modify a ratified treaty, the Minister would have to table the existing treaty, an explanatory memorandum, the modification and an explanatory letter.
• The memorandum would include Canada’s obligations and implications, estimated expenditures, consultations, reservations, withdrawal provisions and any legislation needed for implementation. The letter would explain the modification and its implications and obligations.
• Before ratifying a major treaty, the Minister would have to obtain the House’s advice. A designated or established House committee would review it and report as soon as feasible.
• Major treaties include those involving significant financial obligations, territory or boundaries, sanctions, trade or investment, international institutions, or certain new laws, powers or taxes.

Exceptions and publication

• The Governor in Council could exempt the Minister from the advance-tabling requirements when it considers exceptional circumstances warrant it. The Minister would generally have to table the documents and written reasons as soon as feasible after ratification or modification; documents already tabled need not be tabled again.
• After ratification or modification, the treaty and an explanation of changes made since tabling would have to be published on the department’s website within seven days and in the Canada Gazette within 21 days.
• The treaty would also have to be published or modified in the Canada Treaty Series within three months.

Who is affected

The bill would place duties on the Foreign Affairs Minister and provide for House and committee review of major treaties. It would also require public disclosure of treaty information, including estimated costs and consultations.