Before Submitting a Petition
1. Consult the Petitions Catalogue.
2. Ensure your issue falls within the scope of the federal government’s responsibilities.
Petitions catalogue
You can sort petitions in the catalogue by keyword, federal institution, topic or petition number.
Federal responsibilities
Your petition must raise a question or concern about environmental issues related to sustainable development that fall within the scope of the federal government’s responsibilities.
The following federal departments and agencies are required to respond to environmental petitions:
- The organizations listed in Schedule I, Sections 2 and 11 of the Financial Administration Act,
- The organizations listed in Schedule I.1, sections 2 and 3 of the Financial Administration Act,
- The organizations listed in Schedule II, section 2 of the Financial Administration Act,
- The National Capital Commission, and
- Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedInc.
Federal departments and agencies not listed above have the option of responding to petitions.
Privacy concerns and libel or defamation
All information submitted with and within an environmental petition is subject to the Access to Information Act. This means that the Office of the Auditor General of Canada may release this information in response to a request for access to information. Petitioners are solely responsible and liable for statements made.
Helpful Tips
- Petitions elicit better responses when you:
- Don’t only make statements; ask questions (preferably numbered);
- Address an issue the federal government is responsible for; and
- Avoid broad requests the government may not be able to answer.
- The shorter the better. Try not to go over
- 2000 total words; and
- 10 total questions.
- Relevant details are helpful. If possible, please mention:
- Relevant laws or regulations; and
- The lead department(s) for each question.