Activism 101: Write a Letter to Your MP

When it comes to government policy making, your opinions count but only if you share them. A letter to your Member of Parliament or provincial representative is one sure way to make certain your views are considered. A few things to ask yourself:

WHO SHOULD I WRITE?

Concentrate on your own representative. Your Member of Parliament has an obligation to consider your view. MP's are most concerned with what the people who voted for them have to say. Remember, it is your vote that will get them re-elected so they are concerned about your opinion. If you are not sure who your member is, call 1-800 O-CANADA to find out.

…but don't forget to write the Prime Minister. As government leader, the Prime Minister is accountable to all voters. Individual ministers may also be contacted regarding issues within their jurisdiction.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY?

Try to focus on one subject. Your communication will be most effective if you stick to one issue. Generally, the more you say the less you will be heard. For example, if you are writing to learn your MP's views on same-sex marriage and move to a discussion of the Prime Minister's spending habits and negotiations on Aboriginal issues the main point of your letter will get lost.

Ask the legislator to tell you her/his position on the matter. Will he/she support or oppose this legislation? As your elected representative, your Member has a responsibility to inform you.

HOW SHOULD I WRITE THE LETTER?

Be original. Mass-produced letters or pre-printed postcards do not communicate as effectively as your own words. Form letters usually receive form replies. The effort you make when informing your Member will speak loudly for the strength of your position. Constituents who take half an hour out of a busy day to write a letter are also likely to get out and vote on election day. However, if a form letter is all you have time to send then do it, it still represents your viewpoint.

Be concise. If possible keep your letter to one page. Two or three page letters may only be 'scanned' and not given the attention your opinion deserves. It will take more effort to condense your ideas into a single page, but it's worth it if you want to be read. Typing your letter will give you more room to write but it is not necessary if you have clear hand writing.

Be constructive. Indicate how a bill is counter-productive. Letters should, whenever possible, include the bill number or the popular title since there can be many bills concerning any given topic.

Be informative. Unfortunately, it is impossible for your member to be an expert on every issue legislators deal with. If you have expert knowledge, share it and be a part of the educational process for your member. You can't assume your member has as much information as you do, or as much time to investigate it thoroughly. All opinions expressed are important, but those from someone with real experience are a gold mine to conscientious members. You can also point out the moral issues involved. Legislators get so much mail from special interest groups that they need to hear from citizens who are primarily concerned with what seems right to them on moral grounds.

Be engaging. Communication between you and your member should be open and non-threatening. Emotional arguments or language that is demanding or aggressive will not advance your cause. While the subject may be emotion-laden, use facts and illustrations to make your point. Statements like "Vote against the bill, I'm bitterly opposed" do not help much. But a letter that says "As a parent I feel this legislation does nothing to support stronger and healthier families in Canada. Instead, our government must enact legislation that will…" says much more.

If you disagree with your legislator or are complaining about his/her actions on an issue, be mindful of the differences in opinion. Your attitude will inevitably show and it should be polite and respectful. Displaying anger or resentment in a letter will only make it easier to ignore. Your legislator will assume that you wouldn't vote for him even if he did what you ask, and you want him to think of you as a potential supporter. If you ever hope to convince your member of the rightness of your opinion you must engage him/her in dialogue and an argumentative approach will not allow that to happen.

Feel free to ask for a response from your member. Request an answer to a specific question or action on a particular issue. But do not be demanding. As your elected representative, your member has the responsibility to respond to your requests.

Be accurate and courteous. Your name and address should be on both the envelope and letter. Write legibly and spell names accurately. Use proper etiquette. Elected members generally should be referred to by Mr. or Ms. (unless you know they are a Mrs., or a Dr.). See below for the correct way to address letters to Cabinet ministers and others.
 

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Timing is important. Read the newspaper or check Parliament's Website for dates of scheduled floor votes or committee action. Obviously, your letter should come as early as possible before decisions are made. By doing so it is possible to encourage the legislator to take your position before being influenced by the opposition. The best time to write is when you first learn that Parliament is going to consider the issue.

Be encouraging. When appropriate, say "well done." Your Members of Parliament are human too, and appreciate a word of thanks from people who believe they have done the right thing. Thank your legislator if he/she voted for your position on an issue. Very few constituents bother to do this. It will be appreciated! Also, do this while the vote is still fresh in the member's mind. If possible, phone after a vote and leave a message of thanks.

MPs are not looking for pen pals. Quality, not quantity, is what counts. Write when you feel prompted, but don't try to instruct your representative on every issue that comes up. Writing once a month or less is a good rule of thumb.

Keep a copy of your letter. Retain and file a copy of your letter and the reply from your representative. They are especially useful should you arrange an interview to discuss your concerns. If you receive a negative response, it helps to have a copy to discuss it with others.

Network with like-minded people. Join with others, and write letters on behalf of a group. True to the old adage, there is strength in numbers. Plus, you can gain from the experience of others who have already initiated contact with elected representatives. If you've never written a letter to a legislator, hearing of someone else's experience can encourage you to try it yourself.

Follow up. Sending a follow up letter will communicate that the legislator's position is raising serious concerns from constituents. Make these letters thoughtful and polite, but insistent if you feel the issue was not adequately addressed in your legislator's response. Cover at least three elements in follow-up letters:

1. Express thanks for your legislator's time and consideration of the issue.

2. If appropriate express your viewpoint again.

3. Ask a question or two, so the staff will have to think about the issue and respond. Some suggested questions include: Have you consulted . . . ? Did you know . . . ?

Visit and discuss his/her response to your views. The more attention you pay to an issue the better your chance is to make your legislator understand the importance of addressing the situation.

Above all, do not get discouraged. Remember, your legislator needs your help getting re-elected. Your vote and the votes of those within your sphere of influence are important.

 

CORRECT FORMS OF ADDRESS, SALUTATION AND CLOSING

Prime Minister of Canada
 

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper,
Prime Minister of Canada,
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Mr./Madam Prime Minister:
Yours sincerely,
Note: "P.C." indicates member of the Privy Council.
"M.P." indicates Member of Parliament.

The Premier of a Province
 

The Honourable (name), M.L.A.
(In Quebec - M.N.A. / In Ontario - M.P.P. / In Newfoundland - M.H.A. )
Premier of the Province of _________
Dear Sir/Madam:
Sincerely,

Member of the Executive Council (Cabinet) of a Province
 

The Honourable (name), M.L.A.
(In Quebec - M.N.A. / In Ontario - M.P.P.)
Minister of (area of responsibility)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Yours truly,

Member of the Federal Cabinet and Member of Privy Council
 

The Honourable (name)
Minister of (area of responsibility)
Privy Council Office
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3
Dear Sir/Madam:
Sincerely,

Member of the Senate
 

The Honourable (name)
The Senate
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4
Dear Sir/Madam:
Sincerely,

Member of the House of Commons
 

(name), M.P.
House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Sir/Madam:
Sincerely,

Chief Justice or Supreme Court Justices
 

The Right Honourable The Chief Justice of Canada
Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0J1
or, The Honourable (name), Chief Justice of (province/territory)
Sir/Madam:
Sincerely,

No postage is needed when sending a letter to the Prime Minister, Governor General, Senators and Members of Parliament at their Parliament Hill offices. When writing to a local constituency office rather than to the House of Commons, "M.P." must follow the recipient's name.
 

SAMPLE LETTER TO A MP

Judy Sanders
334 Main St.
Toronto, ON M8X 3Y0

July 12, 2004

Jack Smith, M.P.
House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Sir,

I would like to express my support for the definition of corporal punishment described in Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada and as recently upheld in a Supreme Court challenge. Section 43 clearly does not permit the assault of children. Instead, it clearly allows parents and guardians the freedom to use physical discipline in a reasonable and non-abusive way.

As a parent, it is distressing to hear reports of children being subjected to traumatic, forceful or confrontational removal from their home. It appears that too often officials involved in similar cases display a complete lack of respect for family autonomy. Civil servants should tread exceedingly lightly when they try to tell loving parents that they, not the parents, know what is best for the children.

It is my hope that you will take an interest in and become well informed regarding the issue of spanking and the role and impact of child welfare services. Appropriate checks and balances must be implemented quickly to ensure that children are not removed from their parents unless it is absolutely necessary. Your response on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Judy Sanders