Step-by-step guide to meeting with your MP

Meeting with your Member of Parliament (MP) is a powerful way to share how wildfires have affected you, someone you love, or a place that’s important to you – and it’s easier than you may think. 

MPs are more likely to push for changes when they hear directly from people affected by wildfires. By meeting with your MP and sharing your story, you’re helping build support for policies that protect people, communities, and nature.

It can feel daunting if you think you don’t have all the facts, but remember: you are the expert in your own experience, and that’s what matters most when sharing with your MP. You don’t need to be an expert on every aspect of the issue – your story is powerful enough on its own.

We are also offering a phone call before and after your meeting with the My Climate Plan team to help you prepare and debrief. Email us at community@myclimateplan.com to schedule one.

Why Talk to Your MP About Wildfires?

Canadian wildfires are already twice as bad as they used to be. Since 1970, the area of Canada burned by wildfires has doubled. If fossil-fuel driven climate change continues, then the area that burns every year will double again. This poses a growing threat to the communities, wildlife, and landscapes we hold dear and rely on.

At the same time, wildland fighters are defending what we love for low pay in life-threatening working conditions. And too many paid and volunteer firefighters lack the full crews and tools they need to stop fires now.

Government decisions affect how easily our communities can stay safe and rebuild. They affect how many animals die in the fires, and they affect how much smoke fills the skies. They affect how much training and support wildland firefighters receive to help keep us safe.

In the wake of the past summer’s record-breaking wildfires, the federal government is considering what its role should be in preventing out-of-control fires. Now is the time to reach out – they need to hear from you.

Steps to Meeting with Your MP

1. Find out how to contact your MP
   
   Go to https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en and enter your postal code to find out who your MP is. Click on their name, and navigate to the “contact” tab to find their email address, telephone number, and address for their constituency office.
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2. Find 2-3 others to join you if you can
   
   It’s powerful to meet with your MP by yourself – and if you can find others to join you, even better: a small group shows that the issue matters to multiple people in the community. Having others with you can also help you to feel more confident.
   
   Reach out to other community members (family, friends, or neighbours) and ask them to join you in the meeting – the more voices, the stronger the message!
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3. Schedule the Meeting
   
   Once you have their contact information, contact them by phone, email, or visit their office. Share your name, postal code, and let them know you’d like to schedule a time to speak with your MP about how wildfires have impacted you.
   
   If the MP isn’t available, you can ask to meet with a member of their team, who can listen to your concerns and pass them along to the MP. Staff members often have more flexibility in their schedules to meet with constituents.
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4. Prepare for the Meeting

• Plan your story: Be ready to share your experience with wildfires. Whether it’s a personal loss, the impact on a loved one, or damage to a place that matters to you, your story can make a real impact.
• Have a clear request: The Don’t Let Canada Burn campaign is calling for the government to double the support for wildfire fighters fighting double the fires. Ask your MP to support this, highlighting the need for more resources and training for firefighters. If you have other concerns about wildfires, you can mention them too, but make sure to focus on the need for more funding for firefighters.
• Review some facts, if you like: You don’t need to know everything – your story is what matters most. However, if you want some more information about how wildfires have impacted communities across Canada, and how climate change is making them worse, you can check out this factsheet from the Canadian Climate Institute.
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5. In the Meeting

• Set the stage: Introduce yourself and the members of your group, and share what neighbourhood or community you are from. 
• Share your story: Tell your MP how wildfires have affected you, your family, or your community. 
• Talk about the big picture: Help your MP see how wildfires are becoming a bigger problem across Canada. Stress the need for more preparation, support for those affected, and help for first responders who are on the front lines keeping our communities safe.
  
  MPs may ask you questions you don’t have immediate answers to. That’s normal in these kinds of meetings. In this situation, you can let them know you’ll get back to them after the meeting with more information. You can reach out to us at community@myclimateplan.com to help you with your follow up.
• Listen to your MP: Give your MP a chance to respond and ask questions. This can lead to a productive conversation and help them see how they can support change, and help establish a relationship that you can continue to build on later. 
• Take a photo with your MP: Ask your MP if they will take a photo with you and share the photo with us at community@myclimateplan.com so we can celebrate your impact!
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6.  Follow Up

• Send a thank-you note: After your meeting, send a brief thank-you email to your MP. Thank them for listening and remind them of the main actions you’re asking for.
• Stay engaged: Check in occasionally to ask about progress on the issue. Aim to make one follow up email or phone call each month over the next 3-4 months. Staying involved shows your MP that this is an on-going priority for members of their community.
• Share your experience: Email us at community@myclimateplan.com to let us know how your meeting went! You can also share on your social media tagging your MP and using the hashtag #DontLetCanadaBurn