Decoding: What do MPs do?

I recently met with my elected representative in the House of Commons, my Member of Parliament (MP), for the first time in my life. I walked into his office, and was surprised to find not a quiet place, but one full of activity and stacks of paper. Telephones were ringing and constituents were coming in for meetings. After talking to a staff member, I found out my MP was doing much more than just sitting in the House of Commons as I had imagined.
 
Roles, Responsibilities and Activities

Basically, an MP is elected to represent us in the House of Commons and this activity is closely linked to their work in the riding. Besides answering correspondence, an MP or their staff meets constituents to discuss problems concerning pensions, immigration, or many other issues connected to federal government activity.  Although the workload of each MP can vary greatly, they may deal with thousands of these cases at a time. This can require meeting with people in their workplaces and at various events; in a large rural riding considerable travel can be required.  However, through this work an MP comes to understand the needs of the community. With this information, they can create and change federal programs and laws to benefit their constituents. This activity can include debating in the House of Commons, working on committees, or attending party caucus meetings.
 
Support Network

An MP is supported in these activities by strong working relationships with colleagues and a support team, which includes Ottawa and local riding staff, who together with volunteers provide essential administrative assistance, research, and community contact. As well, an MP’s spouse often finds himself or herself assisting with administrative tasks or attending social and community events. This network helps manage what can a very stressful, demanding schedule.
 
How to Make our MPs Work for Us

My MP’s schedule included time for me to discuss a change in policy I felt was vital for my community. This meeting, and the research I did into the work of parliamentarians, showed me it is possible to build lines of communication so that my MP can understand how to best represent me. With this in mind, I will meet again with him or his staff, and I might even volunteer. Perhaps this is something you can do, too. So why not meet your MP? If you can, why not go to Ottawa and sit in a committee or watch Question Period? These can be steps in understanding this most basic link between you and your living government.

Sources

Guide to the Canadian House of Commons - The Role of a Member of Parliament

"How Parliament Works." Canadian Psychological Association / Soci. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.

"How to Communicate Effectively with Members of Parliament." Canadian Psychological Association / Soci. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.

Jackson, Robert. "Member of Parliament." The Canadian Encyclopedia. 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.

"Managing Staff and Offices for Better Results and Fewer Headaches." Parliamentary Government (Special Edition): Briefing Notes for New MPs (2006): 25-34. Print.

"The New MP and Committees." Parliamentary Government (Special Edition): Briefing Notes of New MPs (2006): 21-24. Print.

"On the Front lines: The New MP and Constituency Work." Parliamentary Government (Special Edition): Briefing Notes for New MPs (2006): 17-20. Print.

"Roles of the MP." Parliamentary Government (Special Edition): Briefing Notes for New MPs (2006): 11-16. Print.

"Stress and The MP." Parliamentary Government (Special Edition): Briefing Notes for New MPs (2006): 35-42. Print.





 

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