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Guidelines for Starting a PetitionWhen a great deal of work is done and the work cannot be recognized, it is a great shame. Unfortunately, this happens on occasion when a well meaning person collects signatures on a petition which requests action on the part of the federal government. It is therefore important to know that there are guidelines to follow to ensure that all the hard work is not in vain. The de Villiers petition, signed by almost three million Canadians, was successfully presented to the House of Commons in February, 1994. To ensure that success, CAVEAT followed very precise directions in its drafting and circulation. A petition cannot be presented to the House of Commons unless it has first been submitted by a Member of Parliament to the Clerk of Petitions for certification. Thus it is imperative that the petitioner contact his (her) M.P. to ensure that both agree in principle with the request. In order to be certified by the Clerk of Petitions, the petition must meet certain requirements established by the rules and practices of the House. The rules specify the type of paper to be used, to whom the petition is to be addressed, the language to be used, the fact that the petition must not be altered from the original form and that no other matter is to be included with it. Furthermore, the subject of the petition must be one that is within the authority of the Parliament of Canada. Since the petition is a request rather then a demand or insistence, it must contain what is referred to as a "prayer". A statement of grievance or opinion alone cannot be received as a petition. The "prayer" should be clear and to the point and may include any details which the petitioner deems important to the request, but again must not demand or insist upon action. The request should avoid asking a favour that would require the expenditure of funds. In collecting signatures, it is necessary that some signatures appear on the first sheet with the "prayer". Subsequent sheets of paper must have the subject matter of the petition imprinted on them. The petition must contain a minimum of 25 valid signatures and addresses and must not include the signature of any Member of Parliament. Each petitioner must sign his or her name directly on the petition and must not sign for anyone else. No photocopying of signatures or taped or pasted signatures will be allowed. If a person is ill or disabled and wishes to sign, it must be noted on the petition and the note signed by a witness. All petitioners must include their address, written on the petition, not pasted or reproduced, giving either their full address or their city and province. Anyone who lives in Canada may sign, however illegal aliens may not.
Complete details can be obtained through the Clerk of Petitions,
Private Members' Business, (613) 992-9511 copyright © 2000 - CAVEAT last updated: 07.11.2000 - 12:52:32 EDT |
