Starting a Petition

Petitions can be an effective way of showing Parliament how seriously Canadians take an issue. Petitions are only useful when Parliament is sitting. There is a special time each day when MPs and Senators can introduce petitions. When there is a constant stream of petitions presented by different MPs or Senators day after day, it gives Parliament a sense that the issue is pressing.

Get as many signatures on as many petitions as you can and send them to your MP. Download the EFC’s Marriage Petition for guidelines on how to format and use petitions. Be sure to follow the instructions given on the website or the petition may not be valid and cannot be presented in the House of Commons. It is essential that a petition be completely filled out before being sent in.

Please note: Before an MP can present a petition in the House of Commons, it must be certified by the Petitions Clerk. In order for a petition to be certified, it must meet the requirements outlined above. The complete guidelines for petitioning the House of Commons are available on the Parliamentary website.