Many of us at one time or another in our lives have thought of writing to our MP or Congressman or Senator. We have likely had a topic that was of great concern to us and we wished to see this topic raised during parliamentary season. So, in an attempt to be politically active, we write a letter and more often than not we get a reply, though that reply is generic and meaningless. It is a rare treat to get a politician who will answer your question.
I wish to highlight a case example at this time of what a good response from a politician should look like.
A while back I wrote a letter expressing concern over Bill C-484 to the NDP, the party I vote for and a party I feel represents me as a Canadian, even if my local MP is a Liberal. I explained how I felt about the bill and how it didn’t truly respect my rights as a woman.
I wrote it back in May. Today I opened my inbox and I was greeted with a pleasant surprise; I had a response back from the NDP. I was expecting it to be a generic response at the time but when I clicked on it, I found that it answers my question and provides me with more details about what the party is doing to ensure that the bill isn’t passed.
I have attached the email in question to this post because I want to share it with everyone who has ever felt that there is no one who will listen to your legitimate concerns. There are politicians who will listen and will take the time to heed your concerns.
Thank you, Mr Layton. It’s a shame that more Canadians don’t see you as a real leader.
Thank you for writing concerning Bill C-484, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (injuring or causing the death of an unborn child while committing an offence).
Please know that I am receiving many letters and emails from others who also agree that C-484 must be stopped. Let me assure you that my NDP caucus colleagues and I stand firm in support of women’s right to choose. We are united in our opposition to Bill C-484 and when it is returned to Parliament for a final vote, the NDP caucus will vote against it.
Speaking in opposition to Bill C-484 in the House of Commons, New Democrat Members of Parliament articulated that such a measure would open the door to restricting a women’s right to choose and therefore must not become law. A “fetal homicide” law would completely sidestep the issue of domestic abuse and do nothing to protect pregnant women from violence before it happens. It would also do nothing to protect women who are abused shortly after giving birth. Foremost, the government has an obligation to make sure that women’s rights are protected by addressing the systemic problem of domestic violence.
NDP MPs also stressed that effective measures to stop violence against women, particularly pregnant women, and children must be undertaken. These include investments in: programmes to end violence against women, affordable housing, regulated child care, improvements to maternity and parental leave and the legislation for proactive pay equity.
As you may know, the NDP is the only federal party which has publicly declared support for a women’s right to choose. The NDP has consistently stood for universal access to abortion services for women and believe that reproductive freedoms must be guaranteed for all Canadian women, regardless of income or where they live.
Finally, we are proud of the efforts of Irene Mathyssen (NDP critic for the status of women) and Judy Wasylycia-Leis (NDP caucus chair) in launching our comprehensive action plan for equality in Canada. We have also challenged the leaders of all other parties to join us in addressing issues affecting women. Key issues addressed in our proposal include: equal pay for equal work, child care, workplace flexibility, affordable housing, women in politics, human trafficking, discrimination, violence, parental and maternity benefits, and much more. For complete details, we encourage you to visit: http://www.ndp.ca/fairnessforwomen.
Again, we appreciate the opportunity to explain our position on this important matter. Feel free to pass along this email to anyone who may be interested. All the best.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada