What they can do
A MP can intervene with a federal department or agency on your behalf, ask formal questions, speak and vote on legislation, and push a stalled case up the queue. An intervention from a legislator's office is treated differently to a call from a member of the public — that is the real leverage.
- Chase a federal department or agency about your case
- Ask a formal question and put an answer on the public record
- Vote on and amend legislation
- Refer you to the right ombudsman or tribunal
What they cannot do
They cannot overturn a court decision, act for someone living in another area, intervene in a live legal case, or instruct a council or agency to decide your way. Asking for the impossible usually produces a polite letter explaining why nothing can be done.
Who to write to instead
Local services — bins, roads, planning, schools — belong to your council or local authority. Regulated services usually have a statutory ombudsman. Rights and discrimination questions belong with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Write to whoever holds the power, and copy your MP so the pressure is visible.