Voice your concerns on environmental issues – A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process

Ottawa, 4 February 2010— Canadians want to know what the federal government is doing to control water pollution, protect spawning grounds, safeguard wetlands, as well as deal with other environmental pressures that affect forests, biodiversity, air quality and climate, as well as human health.

In 1995, Parliament passed a law giving Canadians a way to get answers about environmental matters directly from federal ministers.

“Environmental petitions have been used by hundreds of Canadians – individually or as communities, non- governmental organizations and others – to get information about the state of Canada's rivers and lakes, exposure to toxic chemicals, climate change and other issues,” says Scott Vaughan, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.

Petitions are submitted to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada . The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, who manages the process on the Auditor General's behalf, then forwards the petitions to the relevant federal departments or agencies. Ministers of departments and agencies that receive petitions must provide a written response within 120 days.

“On our website, you can find copies of the petitions received and the departments' responses to them. This is a great resource that you may want to consult about the different petitions that we have received to see if the issue that concerns you has already been raised or addressed,” says Scott Vaughan. “ The petitions process creates a dialogue between Canadians and their government. It's an important way to get answers, and to put them on the public record.”

To make it easier to submit a petition, read “ Getting Answers –A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process”.