Individual
Advocacy
Navigating the Political System
Many programs and services that people
with disabilities require are funded and run by government departments.
To advocate for yourself in this context, you will need to know how to
find help using the political system. Where it is appropriate to contact
your MLA/MHA or MP, there are certain steps that should be followed. Before
you take any steps at all, you should be informed about the program/service
with which you are experiencing problems. Be familiar with the various
people that you will need to communicate with. Read all the information
you are given on a program, and call the program or another advocate if
you have questions. The key to success is being informed.
Before You Contact Your MLA or MP
Make sure you have gone through all the proper channels before contacting
your political representative. If there are procedures that you are supposed
to follow, you must do so. Go through the appropriate people first to
try and resolve the issue. There are many levels to the government and
this is often frustrating. But if you write a letter to your MLA or MP
without first going through the right channel, this may only lengthen
the process of getting the assistance you need, as you will be referred
back to the proper officials.
Contacting Your MLA or MP
When you have gone through the appropriate channels and are still dissatisfied,
then consider contacting your MLA or MP. MLAs and MPs are elected first
and foremost to serve their constituents (the people in a specific electoral
riding). Those who become Cabinet Ministers or who sit on committees take
on additional duties, but they do not give up their responsibilities to
represent those who elected them. No representative can agree with all
constituents however opinions are never unanimous. They often have to
take sides depending on the platform/positions of their political party,
the constituents' point of view and the MLA/MP's personal beliefs.
You are not limited to the MLA/MP for your constituency. You can contact
the Cabinet Minister responsible for a specific department, although they
will be more difficult to contact and meet with. You can also contact
an MLA from an opposition party, but their ability to help you may be
limited.
You may wish to meet with your MLA/MP as a group or individually. Because
political representatives are concerned about keeping their position,
where people begin to express their concerns as a group, this has a greater
effect.
To find your Member of Parliament,
go to:
www.parl.gc.ca
To find your Provincial MLA, go to:
Requesting
A Meeting
Find out who the MLA is. Call or write a letter expressing your
situation and your concerns. Make sure to state that you have
gone through the appropriate channels already. Request a meeting
so that you can discuss your concerns. Where you receive a response
asking you to call and make an appointment, be aware that it
may be awhile before the MLA/MP is able to meet with you. If
you do not receive a reply within three weeks, telephone or
write again.
Meeting
Arm yourself with information. Have all documents that relate
to your issue, including letters from the department, doctors'
reports and articles. Explain how the situation is impacting
you and others. · Don't assume the MLA/MP has any knowledge
of the issue, because he/she may not. Technical language may
have to be explained. Try not to get angry and don't make accusations
that are unfounded. This may be an emotional situation for you
but you should stay calm. If the MLA/MP supports you, ask how
he/she could assist you. Don't overstay the scheduled length
of the meeting.
After the meeting
Make notes and follow up on any steps you should be taking.
Send a letter thanking the MLA/MP. It may also be a good idea
to summarize your discussions and any actions or commitments.
Tips on Writing Your MLA/MP
A personal letter is a great tool for communicating with your
representative. You can send an e-mail if you have e-mail access,
but it is less formal, not entirely secure and easily forwarded
to others. If you have ongoing contact with the MLA/MP, this
may be a good way to communicate, as it is quicker. A personal
letter is the best way to start communication with your representative.
Other suggestions:
- Make sure to address your letters properly, using the proper
titles.
- Check the spelling and address before sending your letter.
- Keep your letter short. One to two pages is ideal.
- Ask the member to reply to your letter. Copy/send the letter
to another representative or organization.
The Ombudsman
The Ombudsman conducts impartial investigations of written
complaints by people who believe they have been treated unfairly
by the provincial government. This office is independent of
government and has broad powers to investigate actions, decisions,
practices and procedures. The Office of the Ombudsman
is a last resort. All formal and informal appeals
must have been completed. This does not include contacting
your MLA, which can be done at the same time. If you have
gone through all the appeal options available to you and you
are still dissatisfied, you can write to the Ombudsman.
How
Do I File a Complaint?
In order for an investigation to be conducted, your complaint
must be in writing and signed by you (the person affected by
the decision). If someone assisted you, indicate so and describe
your relationship to that person.
Your complaint should contain: · Name, address, phone number(s)
and any file numbers relating to your complaint · Name of the
department/board/agency/commission being complained about ·
Details outlining the complaint · Steps that have been taken
to resolve the complaint (e.g., contact with manager/supervisor,
formal appeal hearing) · Copies of any relevant documents How
Much Will it Cost? The investigation is provided at no cost
to you.
What Does an Investigation Involve?
The Ombudsman, if he approves your complaint for investigation,
sends a letter to the appropriate Deputy Minister, President
or Chairman of the government body you are complaining about.
It includes information outlining your complaint and requests
a detailed response.
The Ombudsman then gathers additional information that helps
him determine if the claim has merit. If the complaint is justified,
the objective then is to resolve the issue in a fair and reasonable
manner.
What Will the Result Be?
In most cases, government representatives are receptive and
will try to correct the action. However, the Ombudsman does
not have the power to change the decision. He makes recommendations.
If negotiations with a department are unsuccessful, the Ombudsman
may take the recommendations to the appropriate Minister. The
Ombudsman will also make public any matter considered to be
public interest.
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