Dear Supporters,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of the 874 individuals who have supported our Change.org petition, “Ensuring Canada’s Commitment to Increasing Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rates (e-5186).” Your engagement is instrumental in driving awareness and advocating for critical changes in pancreatic cancer care across Canada.

The Importance of Signing the House of Commons E-Petition

While your support on Change.org has been invaluable, we urge you to also sign the official House of Commons e-petition. This step is crucial, as e-petitions submitted through the House of Commons are formally recognized and can prompt governmental responses and potential legislative action. In contrast, petitions on platforms like Change.org, though impactful in raising public awareness, do not carry the same legislative weight.

Differences Between Change.org and the House of Commons E-Petition Platform

Our Change.org petition has allowed us to share Heather’s story in a rich, narrative format, complete with images, videos, and links to relevant content. This storytelling approach has been central to our advocacy, enabling us to connect deeply with supporters and convey the urgency of our cause.

However, the House of Commons e-petition platform imposes stricter guidelines. According to their Electronic Petitions – Guide and Terms of Use, e-petitions must adhere to specific formatting rules, including a 250-word limit and the exclusion of external links, images, and videos. These constraints necessitate a more concise presentation of our message, focusing solely on the essential facts and requests.

Additionally, it’s important to note that there is no obligation on the part of the House of Commons or any Member of Parliament to authorize the publication of an e-petition or to present it to the House. Neither the House of Commons nor any Member of Parliament endorses the views or information contained in any petition posted on the official website. Furthermore, no petition posted on this website is protected by parliamentary privilege until presented by a Member of Parliament to the House of Commons.

How to Sign the House of Commons E-Petition

To add your signature to the official e-petition, please follow these steps:

 1. Access the Petition: Visit the House of Commons e-petition page for e-5186.

 2. Sign the Petition: Click on the “Sign this petition” button.

 3. Provide Your Information: Fill out the required fields, including your name, email address, province or territory, and postal code.

 4. Confirm Your Signature: After submitting your information, you will receive a confirmation email. Please note that this email may take anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour to arrive. You must confirm your signature through this email for it to be counted.

We understand that this process requires patience, but your participation is vital. By signing the official e-petition, you help ensure that our collective voice reaches policymakers and has the potential to effect meaningful change.

Why Your Signature Matters

The official e-petition platform provides a direct channel to the Canadian government. E-petitions that meet the required criteria and garner sufficient support are presented to the House of Commons, compelling the government to respond within 45 calendar days. This process holds the government accountable and can lead to tangible policy discussions and actions.

In contrast, while Change.org petitions are excellent for raising public awareness and demonstrating widespread support, they do not have the same formal mechanism to elicit a governmental response. Therefore, signing the official e-petition amplifies our advocacy efforts and increases the likelihood of achieving our goals.

Historical Context of Petitions in Canada

Petitioning has a long-standing history in Canada. Paper petitions have been presented to the House of Commons for over a century, with approximately 1,500 paper petitions presented each year. In 2015, electronic petitions were introduced, modernizing the process and increasing accessibility. Currently, about 200 e-petitions are open for signature annually, collectively gathering over 500,000 signatures.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we can drive the change needed to improve pancreatic cancer care and survival rates in Canada.

Sincerely,

The Heather Cutler Foundation

https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-5186