How Our Advocacy Works
College Student Alliance (CSA) is a registered lobbyist with the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario. Being a lobbyist, CSA advocates on behalf of Ontario's college students by influencing and providing support for public office holders throughout the legislative process.
For CSA's type of advocacy a public office holder includes:
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an employee of a ministry of the Government of Ontario,
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a minister (i.e., the Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop),
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an employee in a minister’s office,
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a Member of Provincial Parliament (“MPP”), and
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an employee in an MPP’s office.
Turning Ideas Into Laws
CSA consults directly with Ontario's college students on issues, providing pre-budget submissions and research on effective evidence-driven solutions to present to public office holders.
Consultation
CSA works to influence public office holders on the development of any legislative proposal aimed at enhancing college students' experiences.
Check out some of our recent government submissions here
Proposal
1st Reading
During the first reading, the bill is introduced with the objectives of the bill are explained. The MPPs then decide whether to accept the bill for future debate.
CSA provides evidence through its research to support or debut Bills that enhance or detract from college students’ experiences, respectively
Check out some of our research report here.
2nd Reading
MPPs debate the principles of the bill. They are each allowed to speak only once during this time. After the debate, the MPPs vote on whether to let the bill proceed to the next step.
CSA can be called upon by the committee to act as a witnesses - presenting views and answering questions.
Committee
The role of the committee is to review the text of the bill and to approve or modify it.
3rd Reading
Debate at third reading focuses on the final form of the bill. Once the motion for third reading has been adopted, the bill is sent to the Senate.
Royal Assent
If the majority of MPPs vote to make the bill a law during Third Reading, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. After the Lieutenant Governor signs off on the bill, it then becomes a law.
For more detail about the Ontario legislative process, please see Ontario's guide
