A regulation is a legally binding form of law made pursuant to legislative authority delegated by Parliament. It is usually made by an executive body, like the Governor in Council, a minister, department, board or commission, and can be referred to as an “order” or “rule” among other names. Responsibility for the parliamentary oversight of federal regulations is delegated primarily to a parliamentary committee, namely, the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (REGS). However, Parliament is empowered to exercise oversight of regulations in many other ways. This HillStudy discusses Parliament’s powers to oversee federal regulations. Because powers of REGS are better known, this publication focuses primarily on Parliament’s other regulatory powers.
The Library of Parliament’s research publications provide non-partisan, reliable and timely information and analysis on current and emerging issues, legislation and major public policy topics.