How to Contact Your MP in Canada
Your Member of Parliament works for you. Whether you want to share your opinion on a bill, ask for help with a federal service, or raise a local issue, contacting your MP is one of the most direct ways to participate in Canadian democracy.
Step 1: Find Your MP
Every Canadian has one MP who represents their federal electoral district (riding) in the House of Commons. Your MP is determined by your home address.
The fastest way to find your MP is to enter your postal code on MyMP.ca. You'll see their name, party, riding, and full contact details.
Step 2: Choose How to Reach Them
Every MP has two offices — one in Ottawa and one (or more) in their riding. Here are the main ways to get in touch:
Phone
Call your MP's constituency office for local issues, or their Ottawa office for legislative matters. Phone calls are logged and tallied by topic — a spike in calls on an issue gets noticed quickly. Be polite, state your name and postal code, and keep your message to one issue per call.
Most MP email addresses follow the format firstname.lastname@parl.gc.ca. Write a clear subject line, identify yourself as a constituent (include your postal code), and explain your position in a few paragraphs. Personalized emails are far more effective than copy-paste form letters.
You can send a letter to any MP at the House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 — no postage required. Physical letters carry weight because they take more effort to write. This is a good option for formal requests or petitions.
In Person
Most MPs hold regular open office hours in their riding, especially when Parliament is not in session. Call ahead to book a meeting. Town halls, community events, and local festivals are also good opportunities to speak with your MP face-to-face.
Social Media
Many MPs are active on Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. Public posts can draw attention to an issue, but private messages or emails are better for substantive policy discussions. Social media is best for quick, visible signals of support or concern.
Step 3: Make Your Message Count
MPs hear from hundreds of constituents. Here's how to make sure your message stands out:
- Be specific — Reference a bill number, policy, or government program by name. “I'm concerned about Bill C-XX” is more actionable than “I'm worried about the environment.”
- Be personal — Explain how the issue affects you, your family, or your community. Personal stories are more persuasive than abstract arguments.
- Be clear about what you want — Ask your MP to vote a specific way, raise the issue in committee, or write to a minister. A clear “ask” is easier to act on.
- Be respectful — You don't have to agree with your MP to be heard. Respectful, well-reasoned messages are taken more seriously than angry rants.
- Follow up — If you don't get a response within two weeks, call the office and ask about the status of your correspondence.
See the most active MPs
Find out which MPs are speaking, voting, and meeting with lobbyists the most
How does Parliament work?
Understand bills, votes, committees, and Question Period
What Can Your MP Help With?
MPs can assist with both federal policy issues and individual casework:
- Federal services — Immigration applications, passport delays, CRA issues, EI claims, veterans' benefits, and other federal programs.
- Legislation — Sharing your views on bills being debated in the House of Commons or Senate.
- Government programs — Questions about grants, funding, or federal infrastructure projects in your area.
- Advocacy — Asking your MP to raise an issue in Parliament, write to a minister, or support a petition.
Note: MPs handle federal matters only. For provincial issues (health care, education, provincial roads), contact your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP/MLA/MNA). For municipal issues (transit, zoning, local bylaws), contact your city councillor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out who my MP is?
Enter your postal code on MyMP.ca to instantly find your Member of Parliament. You can also check the House of Commons website or call 1-866-599-4999.
Can I meet my MP in person?
Yes. Most MPs hold regular constituency office hours and attend local events. Call their constituency office to request a meeting — they are required to be available to their constituents.
Will my MP actually read my email?
Your MP's office tracks all correspondence. While the MP may not personally read every email, their staff logs each message by topic. When many constituents write about the same issue, it gets flagged directly to the MP.
Is it better to call or email my MP?
Phone calls are generally more effective for urgent issues because they demand an immediate response. Emails are better for detailed arguments or when you want a written record. The best approach is often to do both.
Can I contact an MP who doesn't represent my riding?
You can, but MPs prioritize their own constituents. If you have a specific policy concern, write to the relevant Cabinet minister or critic regardless of your riding — they are responsible for that portfolio nationally.