Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) administers many pieces of legislation, either in whole or in part. AANDC also develops and enforces regulations under authority delegated by the legislation that directly impacts First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Northerners.

What is an Act?

An Act refers to written laws, or statutes, that are enacted by Parliament.

What is a Bill?

Draft legislation is referred to as a bill.  Bills are introduced to Parliament and require the assent of the House of Commons, the Senate and the Crown to become law.  There are two main types of bills: public and private. In general, a public bill is concerned with matters of public policy, while a private bill relates to matters of a particular interest or benefit to a person or persons, including corporations.

What are Regulations?

Regulations are a form of law, sometimes referred to as subordinate legislation, which define the application and enforcement of legislation. Regulations are made under the authority of an Act, called an Enabling Act. Regulations are enacted by the body to whom the authority to make regulations has been delegated in the Enabling Act, such as the Governor in Council or a minister, etc.

What Information is Available?

Find out more about the Acts, Bills and Regulations that affect AANDC, including information about recent attempts to repeal or reform the Indian Act.