Believe it or not, writing letters is a highly effective way of influencing politics and government policies. As a general rule, politicians and bureaucrats credit every letter they receive as representing the thoughts and feelings of 500 to 1,000 taxpayers who simply didn’t bother to report their concerns. That makes each letter you send about 1,000 times more important than you realized. So don’t ever discount the influence you have on the political process. Your letters do count and you do have the power to effect change! Here are a few hints to maximize your letter writing potential: - Write an original letter that expresses your own views and opinions. Form letters or mass produced postcards don’t carry as much weight. Letters are more effective than petitions, because politicians realize they involve more effort than just simply signing your name without having to fully understand the issues.
- Keep your letters short and to the point – no more than one page. Choose one point and stick to it.
- For maximum effect your letter should be polite and remain non-partisan. Avoid name-calling – you don’t want to get the reader’s back up. Have a friend or family member edit your letter for effectiveness and tone.
- Clearly identify the issue and state whether you are in support or opposition. If your letter opposes current policy, be sure to suggest positive ways to resolve the problem. End with a clear and realistic request that urges action.
- Suggest that you would appreciate a reply in writing or by phone. This makes the brush-off less likely.
Send your letter to the Minister and be sure to copy your MLA (provincial) or MP (federal). You may wish to add a short (no more than one sentence) personalized handwritten note to your letter. It is also beneficial to write the person directly in charge of a particular area. This shows that you understand that they are important and influential – and that you know who they are. You may choose to write the editor of your local newspaper. Making your opinion public can be a very effective way to persuade politicians and prompt action. Here are some important contacts you can write:
(if you live in BC) Letters concerning environmental issues or wildlife should be written to the Minister of Environment. In the body of the letter, she should be addressed Dear Minister: The Honourable Barry Penner
Minister of Environment
Room 337, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: (250) 387-1187
Fax: (250) 387-1356
Email: env.minister@gov.bc.ca Letters concerning the management of bears by the
Conservation Officer Service should be addressed to: Mark Hayden, Chief Conservation Officer
Conservation Officer Services Headquarters, Ministry of Environment
P.O. Box 9338 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9M1
Phone: (250) 952-4852 Fax: (250) 952-4874
Email: Mark.Hayden@gov.bc.ca
Any letters concerning the area in which you live should
be addressed to your MLA. If you live in the Sea to Sky
corridor your MLA is Joan McIntyre. If you live elsewhere
in the lower mainland, check the blue pages of your phone
book or online
for the name and address of your MLA or call Enquiry BC
at 1-800-663-7867.
Joan McIntyre, MLA West Vancouver - Garibaldi
Room 201, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: (250) 387-2283 Fax: (250) 356-7156
Email: joan.mcintyre.mla@leg.bc.ca
Other mailing or email addresses of B.C. government employees can be found online at: www.dir.gov.bc.ca.
This information was summarized in part from a guide written by the Steelhead Society of B.C. It is called Writing letters – that count. You may request copies by contacting them at: 130-1140 Austin Avenue
Coquitlam, BC V3K 3P5
Phone: (604) 931-8288 or Fax: (604) 931-5074 | 
