It’s finally here: the Canadian government is now accepting ePetitions, digital versions of the paper petitions we once relied upon for political change.
Despite the rise in popularity of petition websites, past ePetitions were never recognized as legal documents or true petitions in the House of Commons. Last year, a private members’ bill by NDP member Kennedy Stewart successfully passed all readings to institute the new system through the Speaker of the House’s office.
"I think this gives significant new power to citizens,” Stewart told the CBC. “People will simply be able to go onto the website, put their petition online, and after a few simple steps will get an URLand they can send it around.”
The system won’t be as simple as those used by popular websites, however, and not every petition will be tabled or even recognized by the House. At least five other people must support the petition, as well as a Member of Parliament, for it to move forward. They will also require 500 signatures before they can be tabled in the House.
The Fur-Bearers will be re-writing our long-serving dog and cat fur petition to be part of this new system, and working with MPs to find a sponsor. Please stay tuned to this website and our social media for the link in coming days.
Work like our growing #MakeFurHistory campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada where we can proudly say we were part of the change to #MakeFurHistory.