Free Legal Information for Writing to Your Local Representatives (MP, MPP, MLA)

Location: Ontario Response # 719

In case you feel that you haven't been treated equitably under the law, or your concern necessitates governmental action, writing to your Member of Parliament or Member of Provincial Parliament is your best bet. These elected authorities are assigned the task of changing the law and representing the interests of citizens in your riding, along with yours.

It would be helpful to ensure that your concerns fall within the purview of the government that your representative works with. If you're handling issues pertaining to Employment Insurance or Workers’ Compensation, reaching out to your MP or MPP may ease your struggle.

Corresponding with your MP

"MP" is an abbreviated form for Member of Parliament. The federal government of Canada is called Parliament, and it convenes in Ottawa at the House of Commons.

The federal government is in charge of shaping laws that concern immigration, Canada's public pension system, employment insurance benefits, old-age security, and so on. You can find out who your local MP is by navigating to Elections Canada.

You can write to your MP in Ottawa at:

• The House of Commons
• Parliament Buildings
• Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Additionally, if you're writing to the Prime Minister, the address is: Office of the Prime Minister, Langevin Block, 80 Wellington Street, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, Canada, K1A 0A2. You don't necessarily have to affix a stamp to your letter to an MP or the Prime Minister.

Corresponding with your MPP

"MPP" is an abbreviated form of the Member of Provincial Parliament. The Provincial Parliament governs the province of Ontario, and its base is in Toronto at Queen's Park.

The provincial government is responsible for framing laws that concern family benefits, worker's compensation, health, housing, schools, and other such matters. Members of Provincial Parliament have both a local office and a Toronto office. If you're penning your MPP to address a personal problem, write to the local office. If you're writing about the government or relevant policies, addressing your concerns to the House of Commons or to Queen's Park might be a better option.

Visit the official website of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to find out more about MPPs. There, you'll find general instructions on how to contact your MPP, links to MPP addresses, and contact information lists.

You're required to apply postage to your letter to an MPP or the Premier.

What to Include in Your Letter

When you address an MP or MPP by letter, it's essential to initiate your text using the words “The Honourable,” followed by his or her name, and then "MP" or "MPP," as required.

Your letter should communicate the following information:

• - Who you are
• - What issues you'd like to address
• - How you're affected by the matter
• - What you'd like to see done about it
• - A deadline to hear the steps they're taking to remedy
• - Your name and address
• In some instances, it might be suitable to send copies of your letter to the opposition party or other ministers.

To find out if your problem or concern falls in the domain of the federal or provincial government, call your local library or the Liberal, Conservative, or NDP party's local office. To learn more about Canadian governance, navigate to Canada.ca.

Explore membership information pertaining to the Ontario Legislature by following this link: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en"

or

"Access details about Members of Parliament based on your postal code by clicking here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC"

or

"There are presently three alternatives at your disposal:"