The approach you're taking right now is great. I have been following the committee's discussions and have noticed just how carefully you are studying the issue.
Practically speaking, when we made the decision in Quebec City to launch an e-petition system, it took staff about six months to put it in place. Obviously, it had a lot to do with technology. Initially, we really had to make sure that the technology we used dovetailed with existing parliamentary technology.
One thing made the job easier for us in Quebec. Although it could have done the opposite, it ended up making things easier for us. At the same time as we were launching the e-petition system, we were completely overhauling our Web site and information architecture. We were able to incorporate the e-petition option into a much broader project. It was a bit easier to introduce because we had modified the system slightly. When citizens click on the option, it has to work. That is the most important element; people notice right away when something doesn't work.
The second most important consideration was ensuring that the people at the assembly who would be reviewing the petitions were properly trained and ready to handle any problem that might arise. When we launched the system, we worried that we would be flooded with electronic petitions, but that did not happen. We never had a flood, but the number of e-petitions did increase gradually as citizens became aware of the option.
The two most important considerations are technology and staff preparedness. I am not talking about the procedural component, but it goes without saying that everything has to work properly in that regard as well.
However you decide to proceed, I am certain you will have very knowledgeable people to guide you throughout the process.