Wrap-Up Report: Leading Change Through Legislation

During our first Speakers’ Session of the year, we heard from the professionals. Peggy Sattler MPP, Ted Hsu MPP and Chris King Constituents Assistant shared some ideas about how to be heard and advance our goals.

Each of the participants were involved in advancing Private Members Bills. They reminded us that it may take a couple of parliamentary sessions before we achieve our goal. They also explained that an amendment to a Government Bill might get you close to your goal so consider that option.

Some advice:

• Make sure you can articulate your issue in a couple of sentences

• Ask for a deliverable (What do you want to see done)

• Ask for an in-person meeting but a zoom meeting might be just as effective and easier to  achieve

• Hold a premeeting planning session

• Choose a spokesperson or two

• Leave the Member with something to remind them of your goal

• Personal letters are more persuasive than form letters.

• If your issue is going to be discussed at a Standing Committee ask to be heard or at least make submissions

• Recognize that you are not the only group asking for support so be patient. But do follow-up and reach out to staff in a reasonable time frame.

• Try and get other organizations to join in pursuing your goal

• Expand your presence by having clubs from different ridings make presentations to their MPPs

• Always try and get press.

When planning an innovative don’t forget that Ontario Council Committee Chairs may be able

to help because there maybe other clubs pursing similar goals. We can share tools and learn

from each other.

Submitted by Niki Carlan, Legislation Chair, Ontario Council