How to write your MP: delivering justice by mail

CPJ’s Envisioning Canada Without Poverty campaign has ended. We thank CPJ members and supporters for contacting their MPs and sharing the important message that poverty must be addressed. Thanks to you, the campaign was a success. For new opportunities to get involved in the fight against poverty, check out CPJ’s new campaign: Dignity for All.

Members of Parliament are elected and therefore accountable to their constituents – including you. They are concerned about your opinions and requests. They also know their re-election depends on how well the public regards their performance as representatives and legislators.

Since your MP represents you, writing a letter is an effective way to express your concerns and communicate what you would like to see your MP address on your behalf. Public pressure and encouragement expressed in letters can be influential in shaping government decisions and policies.

Steps to take:

1. How to write a good letter

• Be brief and emphasize two or three major points. Try to keep the letter to one page.
• Be educated about poverty by using CPJ resources to learn more about the issues.
• Write in your own words. A personal letter is more effective than a form letter.
• You may use a pen to handwrite or the computer to type your letter. If your handwriting is hard to read, type out your letter.
• Keep copies of the letters you send. When you get a response, refer back to your original letter to see if your questions are answered adequately and follow up accordingly.
• You can send your letter by email or by mail. Email is used commonly enough these days and is not regarded as less formal than a letter. Use proper letter-writing etiquette even when writing by email, though.
• No stamp is required to send your letter by mail.

2. What to include in your letter

• An introduction that briefly explains your concern.
• An explanation of what you want to see happen.
• A description of your interest in the issue, including actions you may have taken previously and your membership in a concerned group.
• Questions that provoke a direct response.
• A request for commitment to action.
• A request for the MP to respond to your letter.

3. How to follow up

• Thank your MP for his or her response to your letter and reply by reminding them of what you are asking and for any new commitments they made.

4. Let CPJ know what you are hearing

• Send us a copy of your letter.You can address this copy to the party poverty critics, (Lynne Yelich, Ken Dryden, Tony Martin and Yves Lessard).
• Send us a copy of your MP’s response.