(OTTAWA) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands, submitted a petition on December 3, 2014. The Green Party of Canada issues the following statement to clearly state its policy regarding Green Members presenting petitions before the House of Commons.
Ms. May received a petition signed by Canadian citizens, who requested that she present to the House their request that the Government of Canada conduct a parliamentary review into the events that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001. As ordinary citizens are not permitted to address the House directly, it is the duty of all parliamentarians to act as a voice for all Canadians, including those they disagree with.
Ms. May has clearly stated that she does not agree with the contents of this petition. However, she supports the right of all Canadians to have their voices heard in Parliament. The Green Party echoes Ms. May's sentiments that it does not agree with the petition, but believes that no citizen should be denied the right to make their voice heard in Parliament.
House of Commons Procedure and Practice notes the inability of citizens to address the House themselves, and their need for a representative to voice concerns on their behalf. Page 1170-1171 also states: “The Member, whose role it is to make the presentation on behalf of the petitioners, is not required to be in agreement with the content of any petition he or she may choose to present, and no such inference is to be drawn.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
[email protected]