How to Have a Say in Government: 16. How to Write a Good Letter

Workbook Page 46

Many people do not know what to say in a letter to government. Here is a good way to plan your letter so it says the right things.

If you do not write, you can tell someone else what to write for you. Put your answer for each numbered step in your workbook or on a sheet of paper as we come to it. Do not wait until the end of the list to do your letter because it is to easy to miss important steps.

Say who you are and what you are writing about (name the topic)
Say why they should listen to you, such as

You have personal experience
You see a problem with a government decision or rule
You have ideas for how to make things better

Describe the problem or situation

Why is it a problem?
What did you try to do to make things better?
What kept your actions from working?

A bad rule?
Information hard to find?
Information hard to understand?
Costs too much?

How does the problem affect more than just you?

Say any ideas you have to fix the problem
Offer to talk some more so government understands the issue, or work together to fix the problem. Include your phone number or e-mail so they can contact you to talk.
Ask a good question. Government people must write back to you if you ask a question.

What will you do to fix the problem?
How can I get involved to help government with this?

Say you will contact them if you do not hear from them in a few weeks.
Thank them for listening.
Sign the letter and print your name and full address below.

Use Page 47 of the workbook or a new sheet of paper to put all the pieces together into a neat letter.

Workbook Page 48

Who Should the Letter go to?

The main letter should go to the person who is responsible for decisions about your issue.

Which government is responsible for the problem (Canada, Alberta, city)?
Which Ministry or Department is responsible for the program?

For Canada: the Cabinet Minister or Minister of State for the program
For Alberta: The Minister or Associate Minister for the program
For the city: the City Council Committee that looks after the program

Who Else Should Get a Copy of the Letter?

Your elected representative in that level of government (MP, MLA, or City Councillor or Alderman)
The head of that level of government (Prime Minister, Premier or Mayor)
The head of the opposition party or party representative who focuses on that issue, and the head of any other party who will fight for you.

These other people may also speak up for you with the government if they get a copy.

How Should You Send the Letter?

You can send the letter by mail or e-mail. If you do not know the address to send the letter to, you can get the addresses on the government website, or you can phone

1-800-755-7047 for Canada
403-310-0000 or 780-310-0000 for Alberta
311 for the City of Calgary