Launch of a Video on the Environmental Petitions Process

OTTAWA , Feb. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughan , is pleased to announce that a video on the environmental petitions process is now available.

"Environmental petitions have been used by hundreds of Canadians - individually or as communities, non-governmental organizations and others - to get information about the state of Canada's rivers and lakes, exposure to toxic chemicals, climate change and other issues," says Scott Vaughan , Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. "The petitions process creates a dialogue between Canadians and their government. It's an important way to get answers, and to put them on the public record."

"Canadians want to know what the federal government is doing to control water pollution, protect spawning grounds, safeguard wetlands, as well as deal with other environmental pressures that affect forests, biodiversity, air quality and climate, as well as human health. On our website, you can find copies of the petitions received and the departments' responses to them. This is a great resource that you may want to consult about the different petitions that we have received to see if the issue that concerns you has already been raised or addressed," says Scott Vaughan .

To view the video in which the Commissioner talks about the environmental petitions, click on the following link (http://smr.newswire.ca/en/office-of-the-auditor-general-of-canada/voice-your-concerns-on-environmental-issues).

To make it easier to submit a petition, you can find a guide to the environmental petitions process called "Getting Answers -A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process" on our website (www.oag-bvg.gc.ca).

For further information: Ghislain Desjardins, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Tel.: [phone], extension 6292, E-mail: [email protected]