Royal Assent is the formal approval given by the Crown's representative (Governor General federally, Lieutenant Governor provincially) that transforms a bill passed by Parliament or a legislature into law. While primarily ceremonial in Canada's constitutional system—assent is never refused—it remains a required step in the legislative process. Royal Assent can be given in person during a ceremony in the Senate or provincial legislature, or by written declaration. Once a bill receives Royal Assent, it becomes an Act of Parliament or provincial statute. The date of Royal Assent is when the law officially exists, though it may not come into force until a later specified date.