Letters to Politicians
The tips apply to either e-mail or letter: Personal letters are better than petitions, petitions are better than pre-printed cards (those get mostly thrown away). However, if you have no other choice, use a form letter or sign a petition. It is always better to do SOMETHING rather than nothing at all.
Generally speaking you should concentrate on your own representative (MP/MLA). Your Member of Parliament has an obligation to consider your view. MPSs 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. It is better to stick with your own elected official. Of course, it does not mean you cannot write other politicians but your first priority should be your own representative.
Also, 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.
TIPS TO SEND AN EMAIL OR LETTER are basically the same except that an e-mail is even shorter than a letter. Keep it very brief and to the point. Lengthy, rambling e-mails will probably never get read, so say as much as you can in as few words as possible. All the same tips apply here as are listed for a letter to the editor. Following are a few additional things to consider when writing to a politician.
Quick Tips
- If you know of someone who is knowledgeable about the topic, check with that person
- Focus on one issue. Your communication will be most effective if you stick to one issue.
- Be clear that you want to know the position of your representative, for or against whatever bill and what action you want him or her to take.
- Ask for a response
Already doing this? What else can you do?
Places to get info on governments
http://canada.gc.ca/home.html -> scroll down on left to “Contact your MP” -> put in your postal code
For Senators click on “Parliament” and you will see “Senators” -> click on that and you will get the full list.
You can call MPs at 1-866-599-4999
You can call Senators at 1-800-267-7362
Info on the Government of Canada at 1-800-O-Canada (622-6232) e-mail for your rep
Enquiry BC: 604-660-2421 for BC politicians
Telephone book lists MLAs in blue pages
www.leg.bc.ca Provincial Legislature go to “MLA Finder”
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.
