Focus of the annual report

The purpose of this annual report is to inform Parliament and Canadians about the number, subject-matter, and status of petitions and responses received, as required by section 23 of the Auditor General Act. The report covers the period between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014.

Petitions and Responses

Petitions received

• Over half of the petitions were local or regional in scope (see paragraph 6.8)

• Organizations submitted over half of the petitions (see paragraphs 6.9-6.11)

• The most common issues were fisheries management and risks to environmental and human health (see paragraphs 6.12-6.23)

• The most prevalent theme  this year was the use of science in decision making (see paragraphs 6.24-6.25)

Responses due in this reporting period

• Not all departments responded on time (see paragraph 6.28)

• Responses were complete and relevant (see paragraphs 6.29-6.32)

Why this report is important

The environmental petitions process remains a unique way for Canadian residents to bring their concerns and questions about environmental issues to the attention of responsible federal ministers and to obtain responses from them. The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development administers the environmental petitions process on behalf of the Auditor General. In addition to a monitoring and reporting role, the Commissioner posts petitions and responses on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada’s website and carries out outreach activities. Further details about the environmental petitions process and the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioner and federal government departments can be found on our website.

For more information

Ghislain Desjardins
Manager, Media Relations
Tel.: 613 952 0213, extension 6292
E-mail: infomedia@oag-bvg.gc.ca

Twitter: CESD_CEDD