Public petition files of the 38th Parliament 1st Session [textual record]

Public Petitions addressed to the House of Commons represent the means by which Canadians make known their views on matters of public interest to their elected representatives.

The files consist of the Certificate (a document signed by the Clerk to indicate the Petition meets form and content guidelines), the first page of the petition (which includes the subject matter) and the Members signature pages. The number of signatures attached to the petition is indicated on the Certificate.

During 2004-2005, some key themes include the debate over the definition of marriage in Canada, the situation in Sudan, health care system provisions for autistic children, and proposed amendments to the criminal code.