Making a Deputation to a Government Committee

Deputations give Ontario residents the opportunity to participate in government decision-making processes. It is also the opportunity for interested parties to appear at meetings of standing committees of your local municipal council or the provincial legislature to speak on matters of concern

It’s easy to speak to a committee. You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to make a formal speech. You should be treated politely by committee members and will have support in the room from other community members.

Just go and tell the committee what you think, from your point of view.

HOW: You will need to put your name on the list of deputants by calling the committee secretary in the Clerk’s Office who is responsible for the committee you wish to address.

Tell the committee secretary that you want to make a deputation and you will be given a time for your deputation.

WHAT: You will usually have about 3 minutes to speak. It’s a good idea to prepare notes or to write out your presentation ahead of time to make sure that you have time to make all your points. Try practicing your comments in front of your family or friends. When you’re waiting for your turn to speak, try not to get distracted with what other deputants are saying. Stick to the comments you have prepared – it’s fine to repeat points that people have already made. The committee members may ask you questions when you have finished (although they probably won’t). If you don’t know the answer, just say so. You don’t need to be an expert on the entire issue-just on your own views!

REMEMBER:

¨            Relax and make yourself comfortable

¨            Speak from your heart and from your own experiences.

¨            If you put your comments in writing, try to bring an extra copy to give to the committee secretary, who will distribute it to committee members.

¨            Have fun! Your views are a crucial part of public decision making. City councillors and members of the provincial parliament are elected to hear from you!