Petitioning Parliament

A petition is a political request in writing, expressing a person's opinion on government policy. A petition is often presented on behalf of a group of people, following a national campaign.

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS

People who want to present a petition must register in writing. The petition must state the policy measure or rule that the petitioners do not agree with, the objective they want to achieve and the names of the organisers. The request to present the petition is put on the list of incoming correspondence during the next sitting of the House. The committee then decides whether the petitioners may present their petition, and if so, when. Petitions to a specific standing committee (chair) have to be sent to the clerk of the committee in question, accompanied by an explanatory letter.