Petitioners still concerned about health, biodiversity, fish habitat
Ottawa, 3 November 2009—The range of topics that Canadians raised in environmental petitions shows that petitioners remain concerned about some issues, says the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughan, in his Report tabled today in the House of Commons. The issues most commonly raised include health, biodiversity, fish habitat, and environmental assessment.
Twenty-eight environmental petitions were received this year, about half the number submitted last year. Individual Canadians submitted 70 percent of the petitions, a higher proportion than in past years. A relatively high proportion—40 percent—came from past petitioners.
In addition to specific topics raised in petitions, there were also concerns that cut across petitions. One example is the adequacy and objectivity of the science used in policy-making and standard-setting.
While most responses were complete and relevant, the report notes that several responses did not answer petitioners’ questions. This year 77 percent of the responses due from departments were on time, down from 86 percent last year. Health Canada provided all of its responses on time, even though it dealt with more petitions than any other department.
On behalf of the Auditor General of Canada, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development manages the petitions process and monitors responses of federal ministers. As required by the Auditor General Act, the Commissioner reports annually on the quantity, nature, and status of petitions received and on the timeliness of departmental responses. Petitions and responses, along with details about how to submit a petition, are posted on the OAG website.
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The chapter “Environmental Petitions” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
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