What Does a Member of Parliament Actually Do?
Your Member of Parliament is your representative in Ottawa. They vote on laws, raise your community's concerns, and hold the government accountable. But what does that look like day to day?
In the House of Commons
When Parliament is in session, MPs spend their Ottawa weeks in the House of Commons and committee rooms. Their main responsibilities include:
- Debating and voting on bills — MPs participate in debates on proposed laws and cast votes at every stage of the legislative process. On major votes, the party whip may direct how to vote; on some issues, MPs get a free vote.
- Question Period — Every sitting day, opposition MPs get to directly question the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. This is the most visible part of Parliament and often makes the news.
- Committee work — Most MPs sit on one or two committees that study bills, review government spending, or investigate policy issues. Committee work is less dramatic than Question Period but often more impactful.
- Introducing bills and motions — Any MP can introduce a private member's bill or motion. While most don't become law, they can set the public agenda and force debate on issues the government might prefer to ignore.
- Statements and petitions — MPs make statements on issues that matter to their constituents and table petitions signed by Canadians.
See MP activity rankings
Which MPs speak the most, attend the most lobbying meetings, and sponsor the most bills?
What is Question Period?
How the daily exchange between government and opposition works
In the Riding
When the House is not sitting, MPs return to their ridings. This is the less visible but equally important part of the job:
- Constituent casework — Helping residents navigate federal services like immigration, passports, EI, and veterans' affairs. Most MPs have a riding office with staff dedicated to casework.
- Community events — Attending town halls, festivals, school visits, and meetings with local businesses, non-profits, and community groups.
- Meeting with stakeholders — Organizations, businesses, and lobbyists request meetings with MPs to discuss policy issues. These meetings are tracked in the federal lobbying registry.
- Party work — Fundraising, attending party functions, and working on re-election campaigns.
The Parliamentary Calendar
An MP's year follows the parliamentary calendar:
| Period | Months | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Winter session | Late Jan – Late Jun | Budget, legislation, committee studies |
| Summer recess | Jul – Mid Sep | Riding work, constituency events |
| Fall session | Mid Sep – Mid Dec | Legislation, estimates, Question Period |
| Holiday recess | Mid Dec – Late Jan | Riding work, party conferences |
Lobbying and Your MP
MPs are frequent targets of lobbying. Companies, non-profits, and industry groups seek meetings to influence policy. Under the Lobbying Act, these meetings must be disclosed publicly. On MyMP.ca, you can see exactly who is meeting with your MP, how often, and about what subjects.
Understanding your MP's lobbying meetings helps you see whose interests they're hearing — and whether those align with your community's priorities.
Look up your MP
Enter your postal code to see your MP's full profile
What are parliamentary committees?
Where the detailed work of Parliament happens
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MP get paid?
As of 2024, the base salary for a Member of Parliament is approximately $194,600 per year. Cabinet ministers, the Speaker, party leaders, and committee chairs receive additional compensation on top of this base salary.
Can you contact your MP about any issue?
Yes. Your MP represents you on all federal matters. You can contact them about legislation, government services (passports, immigration, EI), or any issue you want raised in Parliament. Most MPs have riding offices with staff who help constituents navigate government services.
Do MPs have to live in their riding?
No. There is no legal requirement for MPs to live in the riding they represent. However, most MPs maintain a residence in their riding and spend time there regularly, especially when the House is not in session.
What is a backbench MP?
A backbench MP is any MP who is not a cabinet minister, party leader, or House officer. The term comes from their seating position — literally the back benches of the House. Backbenchers make up the majority of MPs and participate through speeches, committee work, and private members' bills.
How often is the House of Commons in session?
The House typically sits from late January to late June, and from mid-September to mid-December. When the House is not sitting, MPs are expected to work in their ridings — holding town halls, meeting constituents, and attending local events.