Your local MPP (or MP) is in his or her constituency office in your riding most Fridays.  You can make an appointment to discuss your concerns.

To find your MPP, click here to go to our government internet links.

A Physician's Guide to Political Lobbying
by Stephen Skyvington

Perhaps the most misunderstood role in modern politics is that of the lobbyist. By definition, lobbying is the act of influencing either an individual or group of people about a specific issue or a political decision. In other words, by lobbying we are simply exercising one of our most basic democratic rights, that is to have a say in how we are governed. Unfortunately, lobbying has been given a bad name in most part due to the unscrupulous "hired guns" who haunted Ottawa and Washington during the late '80s and early '90s and carries with it a stigma that most people would rather not be associated with.

Be that as it may, lobbying is undoubtedly the most important political skill that an individual or organization must develop in order to be recognised as more than just a spectator in the political arena. And while it may be preferable to leave this chore to colleagues, or your professional organization, political action by its very definition implies involvement.

For the political neophyte, lobbying elected officials may seem like an intimidating proposition. However, there are a few simple rules to follow that will make this task a great deal easier.

First and foremost, it is important to keep in mind that your MPP is, like yourself, a busy professional. Besides being required to adhere to a fairly rigorous parliamentary schedule, he or she must also devote a significant amount of time attending to constituents' needs. And whether your MPP is a high profile cabinet minister or a backbencher, it is very likely that much of his or her time will be spent listening to other lobbyists, whose interests could very well be in conflict with yours. It is therefore vital that you do your homework before you pick up the phone and make an appointment.

Learn all you can about the riding and your MPP's background. Riding profiles and biographical information are available from the OMA Public Affairs and Communications Department, [also via internet links on this COFP website] as are election results and portfolio responsibilities. It is also helpful to review back issues of your local paper to gain a sense of the issues that are of concern to fellow constituents. As well, it may be wise to read Hansard (the official transcript of the daily proceedings in the legislature, which is available in almost every public library) or watch a few segments of Question Period, especially if your MPP has recently made a statement or asked a question. (Question Period is carried live on the Parliamentary Channel between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, during the fall and spring sessions. It is repeated at 6:30 p.m. on the Parliamentary Channel and again at midnight on TVO.)

You must also prepare a list of the issues you want to bring to your MPP's attention and prioritise them. Remember, your MPP is a busy person and you are likely to only get a half-hour meeting. So make the time count by deciding which issues are the most important. (It is best to focus solely on four or five issues. Otherwise, it may appear that you've come armed with a shopping list.)

As well, you must be prepared to answer questions, not just ask them. After all, a successful dialogue is never one-sided.

Perhaps nothing, though, is as crucial as the attitude you display toward your MPP. You must be positive and professional. It is also extremely important that you arrive early for the meeting and not exceed the agreed to time limit, unless your MPP agrees to do so. Remember, you are trying to build a relationship. You don't want your first meeting to be your last.

During the meeting, be sure to make your MPP aware that you are willing to serve as a local resource on health-care issues. This offer is likely to both surprise and please your MPP, as most lobbyists he or she encounters will only want to "take" and not "give." Explain how you can help your MPP - either in dealing with his or her constituents or with his or her fellow parliamentarians - when matters pertaining to health care arise. Your value as an important resource on health-care issues will set you apart from other special interest groups and will likely stay with your MPP long after the details of the meeting are forgotten.

Once the meeting is over, remember to thank your MPP for his or her time and be sure to send a follow-up letter within a week to 10 days. The follow-up letter should be short and cordial (even if you didn't reach a consensus) and should reiterate what was said in the meeting. It should also contain the suggestion that you and your MPP continue to meet from time to time in order to keep each other abreast of new developments.

The last bit of business before you leave your MPP's office is to exchange business cards with the executive assistant, and request an invitation to the next fund-raiser. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, it allows you to make contact with the MPP's "gatekeeper." (The executive assistant manages the MPP's schedule and determines who gains access and who doesn't.) It also demonstrates that you are interested in more than just your own issues.

10 Things to keep in Mind When Lobbying Your MPP

1. Take the time to learn some basic facts about your MPP and the riding he or she represents in advance
2. Prepare a list of the topics you wish to cover during the meeting and prioritise them
3. Arrive early for the meeting and don't run over the agreed to time limit unless your MPP agrees to do so.
4. Stick to four or five issues and stay focused.
5. Be prepared to answer questions as well as ask them.
6. Be positive and professional.
7. Don't just bring up problems, offer solutions.
8. Make sure your MPP knows that you are willing to act as a local resource on health-care issues.
9. Thank your MPP for his or her time and be sure to send a follow-up letter within a week to 10 days.
10. Exchange business cards with your MPP's executive assistant and request an invitation to the next fund-raiser.
    

A Final Note

The COFP strongly encourages physicians to take an active role in the political process.  Contact us if you need more information.

Physicians who would like to discuss any political or government relations issues - from how to lobby your MPP to recent issues in Question Period - are encouraged to contact Stephen Skyvington Vice President of PoliTrain Inc.