Petitions are a formal written request signed by a group of citizens and submitted to an official person or organized body (example, County Council) to initiate an action or to make Council aware of an issue of public concern. Petitions are regulated and prescribed by the Municipal Government Act (“MGA”) and there are strict legal requirements for a petition made in accordance to the MGA, depending on the type of petition.
Municipal Affairs has created the following guideline respecting petitions: Petition to council: Information for Albertans, elected officials and municipal officers
For ease of reference, please find below links to sample Petitions, Affidavits, and Statements of Representative of Petitioners. These samples are not exhaustive of all types of petitions, nor are they a replacement for consulting legislation or obtaining legal advice. You are encouraged to consult legal counsel for advice on specific situations.
Local Improvement Petition
Property owners can petition for local improvements under s. 393 of the MGA.
- Petition Sample - Local Improvement
- Affidavit Sample - Local Improvement
- Statement of Representative of Petitioners Sample - Local Improvement
Recall Petition
Alberta's Recall Act creates a process for Albertans to recall, or remove, elected officials. Click here to read Lac La Biche County's Recall Petition Guidelines.
- Petition Sample - Recall Petition
- Affidavit Sample - Recall Petition
- Statement of Representative of Petitioners Sample - Recall Petition
Petition to the Minister of Municipal Affairs
Petitions may also be presented to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on five specific matters: to form a Municipality, to change the status of a Municipality, to undertake a viability review, to appoint an auditor, or for an Inspection into the affairs of a Municipality. Information on these types of Petitions is outlined in the Petition to the Minister publication created by Alberta Municipal Affairs. This publication is not a legal document and is not a replacement for consulting legislation or obtaining legal advice. You are encouraged to consult legal counsel for advice on specific situations.
Informal Petitions or Letters of Concern
Citizens may also carry out an informal petition which may provide public opinion to County Council; however, it has no legal authority in accordance with the MGA. Individual letters of concern is another way to forward your opinion concerns to County Council, these submissions are managed in accordance with the Correspondence and Submissions at Public Meetings Policy.
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact Legislative Services at legservices@laclabichecounty.com or call 780-623-1747 and ask to speak with a Legislative Services Coordinator.
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