What is the first step in the legislative process in the House of Commons?

The first step in the legislative process in the House of Commons is the first reading. This stage marks the introduction of a bill to the House, where it is formally presented to members. During the first reading, there is no debate on the bill itself; instead, the focus is on notifying all members of its existence and its title. This step is essential as it ensures that all members are aware of the legislative proposal and sets the stage for subsequent discussions.

Following the first reading, the bill will go through additional stages, including the second reading, committee stage, and report stage, where more thorough scrutiny and debate occur. Each of these stages serves as a mechanism for reviewing and refining the bill, but they come after the initial introduction, which establishes the foundation for the legislative process.