What does “prorogation of parliament” mean?

Each session of a Parliament ends with the prorogation of Parliament by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Most unfinished business dies and committees cease to function. Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next session on a specified date. This date may be changed by a further proclamation.

Government bills that have not received Royal Assent prior to prorogation can be reinstated in the next session only if the House takes a decision to this effect. All items of Private Members' Business are automatically reinstated. Tabling of documents before the House must await the beginning of the new session. Requests for responses to petitions and for the production of papers remain in effect, as do requests made for government responses to committee reports.

From: www.parl.gc.ca/compendium/web-content/c_g_parliamentarycycle-e.htm.

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See also: More Coalition Government and Prorogation of Parliament FAQs

Updated December 2008

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