Routine Proceedings / Petitions

Right to present petitions of non-resident aliens

Journals pp. 6264-5

Debates p. 27766

Background

When the report of the Clerk of Petitions on the petitions presented on October 4 was being tabled, the Speaker informed the House that the petition presented by Mr. Anguish (The Battlefords Meadow Lake), dealing with the testing of the Cruise missile over Canadian territory, was signed by residents of the United States. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can persons not resident in Canada petition the House of Commons?

Decision

No. Such a petition cannot be received by the House.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Even though the petition signed by residents of the United States is correct as to form, it cannot be received by the House because "aliens, not resident in Canada, have no right to petition Parliament".

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 5th ed., p. 212. c. 688(1).