Why It's Important
Engaging with policymakers—such as Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and local government officials—is the process of influencing public policy and government decisions. For communities and small organizations, this is a critical activity. It is the most direct way to ensure that your community's needs regarding digital infrastructure, funding, and regulation are understood and addressed by decision-makers. Effective engagement can lead to better policies, more funding for local projects, and fairer regulations, all of which are essential for creating a supportive environment for local economic development and digital equity.
History
Historically, engaging with policymakers was a formal process dominated by professional lobbyists and large corporations in capital cities. The rise of digital tools has democratized this process significantly. The internet and social media have made it easier for grassroots organizations and ordinary citizens to organize, raise awareness, and communicate directly with their elected representatives. Canadian advocacy groups have successfully used these digital tools to mobilize public support on technology issues, demonstrating that a well-organized community voice can have a significant impact on policy debates.
Examples
OpenMedia: A prominent Canadian non-profit that engages in large-scale digital advocacy campaigns on issues like internet affordability, privacy, and net neutrality, successfully mobilizing hundreds of thousands of Canadians to contact policymakers.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM): This organization represents municipalities across Canada and regularly engages with the federal government on key policy issues, including the need for rural broadband funding, providing a model for collective advocacy.
British Columbia Association of First Nations events: BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Rural and Remote Economic Forum
Software and Tools
Find Your Member of Parliament: An essential tool on the Parliament of Canada website to identify and find the contact information for your federal representative. Provincial legislatures have similar tools.
[Government Consultation Portals (Consulting with Canadians): The federal government and many provinces have online portals where they post opportunities for public input on new policies and legislation.
[Social Media Platforms ([X/Twitter, Facebook]): These platforms are closely monitored by policymakers and their staff, making them effective tools for raising the profile of an issue and engaging in public discourse.
[Simple Email Campaign Tools (Mailchimp): Free tiers of these tools can be used by community groups to build a list of supporters and send out calls to action, such as a template letter to send to a policymaker.
AI Considerations
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for advocacy. It can be used to quickly summarize long, complex policy documents, track mentions of key issues in legislative proceedings, and even help draft initial versions of briefing notes or letters. However, the most effective engagement is authentic and personal. An AI-generated form letter is far less impactful than a personal story from a community member. The key is to use AI for research and preparation, but to ensure that the final communication with a policymaker is a genuine reflection of the community's voice and experience.
FAQ
An MP (Member of Parliament) is your elected representative in the federal government in Ottawa. An MLA (or equivalent) is your representative in the provincial or territorial government.
Both are good. An email allows you to provide detailed information and links, while a phone call to the constituency office can also be very effective for registering your opinion with their staff.
It is a short, one-to-two-page document that concisely summarizes an issue, provides background information, and makes a specific recommendation or "ask."
The best time is before a decision has been made. This means engaging when a new policy is being developed, when legislation is being debated, or during government consultations.
Yes. Inviting a policymaker to see an issue firsthand (like a community with poor internet) can be one of the most powerful forms of engagement.
Pro Tips
Develop skills to engage with elected officials and civil servants effectively. Practise preparing concise briefs that link your digital initiatives to concrete economic and cultural outcomes, and refine your storytelling by incorporating experiences from youth and Elders. Building relationships with policymakers ensures your voice is heard and increases support for your projects.
Checklist
External Resources
Parliament of Canada: The official website with information on bills, committees, and how to contact Senators and Members of Parliament.
Imagine Canada – Public Policy: This organization provides resources and training to help Canadian non-profits engage in public policy and advocacy.
The Samara Centre for Democracy: A non-partisan charity that works to strengthen Canadian democracy through research and educational resources, including guides on civic engagement.