Engaging Elected Officials

How to approach your MLA, MP, or council member with confidence and credibility

Build relationships, hold meetings, and follow up with purpose — whether you agree or challenge.

Section One

Overview

Most people never contact their elected officials. Many don’t believe they’ll listen. But that assumption works in politicians’ favour—because silence from the public is often mistaken for consent.

In reality, your MLA, MP, and local council members are public servants, and their legitimacy depends on public engagement. Whether you're seeking policy change, opposing legislation, or simply holding officials accountable, direct contact is one of the most effective and underused forms of advocacy.

This section will show you how to:

Identify the right representative for your issue.
Make a strong first impression.
Deliver your message clearly and respectfully.
Build long-term relationships—even when you disagree.
Turn one meeting into lasting political impact.

Done right, engaging your elected officials can influence votes, shape priorities, and put your community’s concerns on the record.

Engaging with elected officials is one of the most accessible and impactful actions a citizen can take—yet most people never do it. Whether due to intimidation, cynicism, or simply not knowing how, many Canadians miss critical opportunities to influence the very people whose decisions shape their lives.

But here's the truth: elected officials expect to hear from you. In fact, they rely on public input to stay connected to their constituents—especially between elections. When citizens speak up with clarity, respect, and persistence, they often find that even hardened politicians take notice.

This kind of engagement is especially powerful when it comes from informed, organized individuals who know how to frame issues in practical, political, and moral terms. You don’t need a law degree or a political science background. What you need is confidence, preparation, and the courage to speak directly.

This section is designed to demystify the process of political engagement and make it approachable for every citizen. You’ll learn how to:

Identify which level of government is responsible for your concern—federal, provincial, or municipal.
Locate the correct contact person—whether it’s your local MLA, MP, or councillor.
Craft a persuasive message that goes beyond emotion and speaks to principle and policy.
Hold effective meetings—in person, by phone, or virtually—and make sure your message is heard.
Follow up strategically, building pressure through repetition, coalition-building, and public visibility.

Engagement is not about confrontation—it’s about presence. Even when your views are unwelcome, your respectful persistence can help shift priorities and plant seeds for future change.

The democratic process doesn’t begin and end at the ballot box. It’s what happens between elections that truly defines the direction of your country.

Section Two

Understanding Who to Contact and When

Knowing which elected official to approach is just as important as knowing what to say. In Canada, different levels of government are responsible for different issues, and misdirecting your concern wastes time—for you and the representative.

MP Contact Inofrmation

MLA Contact Information

Federal (MP – Member of Parliament)

Your MP represents your federal riding in the House of Commons. Contact your MP for issues related to:

National laws and legislation (e.g., firearms, immigration, taxation)
Federal programs and services (e.g., EI, RCMP, CRA)
Charter rights and federal mandates
International trade, borders, and national defense

Find your MP and contact details here: www.ourcommons.ca/Members

Provincial (MLA – Member of the Legislative Assembly)

Your MLA represents your constituency in the Manitoba Legislature. Contact your MLA for matters involving:

Health care and education policy
Provincial mandates or legislation
Highways, utilities, and natural resources
COVID-related restrictions or provincial bills

Find your MLA and contact details here: www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members

Municipal (Mayor or Councillor)

Municipal officials handle local bylaws and services. Contact your Mayor or Council Member for:

Property taxes, zoning, and development plans
Local infrastructure and public works
Parks, libraries, transit, and emergency services
Issues like noise, signage, and business licensing

Each municipality has its own website with councillor contact information.

When in Doubt

If you’re unsure where jurisdiction lies:

Start with your local MLA—they can often redirect you.
Or check the issue against the Canadian Constitution’s division of powers (Sections 91 & 92).

Pro tip: If the issue affects multiple levels of government (e.g., public health mandates), it’s perfectly appropriate to write to more than one official—just tailor the message accordingly.

Section Three

Preparing for the Conversation

The most successful meetings with elected officials are the ones that are clear, respectful, and strategically focused. Preparation gives you confidence—and makes your message harder to ignore.

Know What You Want to Say

Define your goal. Are you asking for a vote, raising awareness, or seeking support for a policy change?
Stick to one or two issues. Stay focused and avoid overwhelming the conversation.
Write out your main points in advance—this keeps you on message and ensures you don’t forget key facts.

Know Who You’re Talking To

Research the official’s voting record, public statements, and party position.
Learn a bit about their background and riding—this helps frame your message in terms they’ll understand.
Be aware of recent legislation or motions related to your issue.

Bring Evidence

Prepare a short, well-documented summary of your concern.
Include citations, statistics, or personal stories that back up your position.
Hand them a one-pager they can refer to later—bullet points are best.

Practice the Delivery

Rehearse with a friend or in front of a mirror.
Time yourself. Most meetings are 15–30 minutes.
Be ready to answer questions—or admit when you don’t know something. That’s okay.

Dress and Demeanor

Dress neatly and present yourself with calm confidence.
You’re not there to flatter or fight—you’re there to be heard.
Passion is welcome, but civility builds credibility.

Meeting an elected official isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing that you’re informed, serious, and represent more than just yourself. Preparation is the first step to influence.

Section Four

Making the Meeting Count

Whether in person, over the phone, or by video call, the moment you get a meeting with an elected official is an opportunity to shape policy, influence priorities, and speak on behalf of your community. Use the time wisely—and with purpose.

Start with Respect, Not Rhetoric

Open with a thank-you for their time and service. Even if you disagree, civility earns credibility.
Briefly introduce yourself and explain why the issue matters to you personally.

State Your Purpose Clearly

Be direct about what you’re asking for: a vote, a public statement, a policy position, or further discussion.
Don’t assume they know the details—explain the issue in accessible terms and then offer supporting facts.

Listen Actively

Let them speak. Take notes.
Ask clarifying questions about their position or level of influence on the issue.
If they seem resistant, stay calm. Sometimes it’s about planting a seed, not harvesting results immediately.

Be Concise but Impactful

Use personal or local stories to illustrate your point.
Offer a solution, not just a complaint.
If applicable, mention other constituents or groups who share your concern—it demonstrates broader support.

Leave Something Behind

Provide a printed one-pager or summary sheet outlining your position and key facts.
Include your contact information and a note that you’d appreciate a follow-up response.

Close with Next Steps

Ask: “Can I follow up with you on this?” or “Will you consider raising this with your caucus or committee?”
Thank them again and confirm how you’ll follow up (e.g., by email in a week).

Remember: A productive meeting doesn’t always end in agreement—it ends with mutual understanding, documented advocacy, and an open channel for future dialogue.

Section Five

Following Up With Purpose

A meeting is only the beginning. Following up reinforces your message, keeps the issue alive, and shows that you're serious. It’s often in the follow-up where real influence begins.

Send a thank-you within 48 hours

Whether your meeting was productive or tense, always send a courteous follow-up email. Thank the official for their time and briefly restate your key points. This positions you as professional, respectful, and engaged.

Restate your ask

Clearly remind them of what you’re requesting. If they promised something during the meeting—like raising the issue with a colleague or reviewing a document—mention it. Written follow-up creates a record and helps ensure accountability.

Include documentation

Attach any supporting materials you referenced in the meeting, such as:

Reports or studies
A summary of your issue
A copy of your petition or public letter

Track their response

If you haven’t heard back within 1–2 weeks, follow up again. Be polite but persistent. Ask for an update or clarification. Many officials handle high volumes of communication, and persistence often makes the difference.

Loop in others

If you're part of a group, ask others to send supporting emails. Coordinated follow-ups can amplify your message and demonstrate that it’s not just a personal issue—it’s a community concern.

Keep records

Save copies of emails, meeting notes, and responses. These can support future advocacy, public awareness, or media efforts—and establish a timeline of your engagement.

Follow-up is where one conversation becomes a campaign. It’s the difference between making noise and making change.

Section Six

Turning One Voice Into Many

While a single voice can open a door, a chorus of voices can’t be ignored. After you’ve made your case to an elected official, the next step is to build momentum by mobilizing others to join the conversation.

Recruit allies

Talk to neighbours, friends, and community members who share your concerns. Help them understand the issue and how to take action. The more diverse the group—by age, profession, or background—the more seriously you’ll be taken.

Organize coordinated outreach

Encourage others to contact the same official with their own versions of the message. When an MLA or MP receives multiple calls and emails on a single issue, they take notice.

Use numbers strategically

If you’ve gathered petition signatures, mention the number and keep collecting. If you’ve spoken to other constituents, say so. Officials are especially responsive when they believe an issue could affect their standing in the next election.

Engage with media and social platforms

Public visibility adds pressure. A well-written letter to the editor, local radio interview, or social media post can broaden awareness—and let the official know people are watching.

Work with advocacy groups

Connect with organizations already active on the issue. They may offer tools, talking points, or networks that multiply your impact.

Create a community presence

Host a public meeting, hold a town hall, or create an information night. Invite the official to attend, and if they decline, document that. Either way, you’ve demonstrated community leadership.

One voice is powerful. Many voices, united and persistent, can shift policy, stall bad legislation, or move a sleeping issue to the front burner.

Don’t just speak—rally.

Section Seven

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Your elected officials work for you. MPs, MLAs, and municipal councillors are public servants—approaching them is not just your right, it’s your civic responsibility.
Know which level of government handles your issue. Federal, provincial, and municipal officials all have different powers. Direct your message to the right desk.
Preparation builds credibility. Clear goals, concise messaging, and respectful presentation will make your voice more effective—and harder to dismiss.
A single meeting can make an impact. Especially when paired with written follow-up, supporting documentation, and persistence.
Your voice becomes stronger when amplified. Engage others, build coalitions, and speak as a community—not just an individual.
Be consistent, not combative. Relationships matter in politics. Professionalism opens more doors than confrontation ever will.
Don’t give up after one try. Real political influence comes from follow-up, follow-through, and follow-on action. Make it clear you're not going away.

Manitoba Stronger Together