Watching Your Representative

Accountability Starts with Paying Attention

Voting isn’t the end of your job as a citizen — it’s the beginning. Your MLA (provincial) and MP (federal) make decisions that affect your rights, freedoms, finances, and future. This section shows you how to track their votes, statements, and performance — so you can hold them accountable, reward integrity, or challenge betrayal.

Section One

Track Their Voting Record

Every vote your representative casts is part of their public record.

For MLAs, visit: Legislative Assembly of Manitoba – Votes & Proceedings

For MPs, use:
- www.ourcommons.ca
- www.openparliament.ca

You can find:

How they voted on specific bills
Whether they were present for the vote
Trends in support or opposition by issue

If they voted in a way that contradicts their campaign promises, that’s your signal to speak up.

Section Two

Monitor Their Public Statements

Stay informed on what your rep is saying — and to whom:

Review Hansard transcripts for speeches and debates
Watch local or national interviews
Follow social media posts and newsletters
Check for inconsistencies between their words and votes

Words are cheap — actions are recorded. Compare both.

Section Three

Track Attendance and Participation

Many reps quietly miss votes, skip debates, or disappear between elections. You can often track:

Committee attendance
Debate participation
Town hall or community presence
Response times to emails or calls

This shows whether they’re truly representing your community — or just occupying a seat.

Section Four

Tools and Resources

Email Alerts: Sign up for notifications from Parliament or your provincial legislature
Local Media: Read council and legislative coverage from independent or regional sources
Citizen Portals: Use tools like OpenParliament.ca
Freedom of Information (FOI): Inquire about MLA/MP expenses, travel, or communications

Section Five

Final Takeaway

Democracy doesn’t work on autopilot. When you pay attention to what your MLA or MP does after they’re elected — and speak up — you don’t just vote for change. You enforce it.