Tools and Links

A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process

In January 2009, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development announced the publication of Getting Answers: A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process. This new 27-page guide explains the purpose and mechanics of the process, describes the scope of requests that can be made within petitions, and provides guidance on how to write and submit a well-designed petition.

The federal environmental petitions process was established in 1995 under the Auditor General Act to provide a formal means for Canadians to bring their concerns about environmental issues to the attention of federal ministers and departments. Ministers are required to respond in writing within 120 days.

For more information on the environmental petitions process, please visit the website of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, or contact Rebecca Aird, Petitions Manager at 1-888-761-5953 x6326 or by email at airdra@oag-bvg.gc.ca.