How to Contact Your MP
Practical guidance on how to effectively reach your Member of Parliament, get a response, and make your concerns heard.
Why Contact Your MP?
Members of Parliament (MPs) represent you in the House of Commons. They can bring forward your concerns, assist with federal services, and influence national debates. Contacting your MP is one of the most direct ways to make your voice heard.
How to Find Your MP
Use the official tool: Find your MP by postal code at [House of Commons – Find your MP](https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en).
Each MP has an Ottawa office and at least one constituency office in their riding.
Both email and phone contact info are public and free to use.
What Works When Contacting an MP
Always include your **full name and address**. MP offices want to confirm you are a constituent. Leaving this out often leads to back-and-forth emails that waste valuable time.
Be concise: keep emails under one page, letters under two pages.
Clearly state the issue and the specific action you want the MP to take.
Be respectful: even if your MP disagrees with you politically, polite engagement increases your chances of being heard.
Request a meeting if the issue is especially important. MPs and their staff frequently meet with constituents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mass form letters rarely get the same attention as personalized messages. MPs and staff recognize copy-paste campaigns instantly.
Not identifying yourself as a constituent (always include address).
Being overly aggressive or hostile in tone.
Making vague requests (e.g., “Do something about healthcare”) instead of specific, actionable asks.
Contacting the wrong level of government — MPs deal with federal issues, not provincial or municipal matters.
Meeting Your MP
You can request a meeting at your MP’s constituency office, or during special events such as town halls and community visits. Staff may meet with you first, which is normal — they advise the MP and prepare them for follow-up.
Tip: Bring a one-page handout summarizing your issue and what you are asking for. It helps staff keep your issue on file.
Sample Email Template
Subject: Concern Regarding [Issue] Dear [MP's Name], My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Full Address, including postal code] in your constituency. I am writing to express my concern regarding [briefly state the issue]. This issue matters to me because [explain personal impact or connection]. I respectfully request that you [specific action: raise the issue in Parliament, support/oppose a bill, meet with me, etc.]. Thank you for your time and for your service representing our community. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Phone Number / Email Address]