Dear Members,
With succcessful celebrations of Seniors Month in Ontario by CARP chapters (the timing of this observation varies across provinces and territories) have passed, summer is here and it’s time to enjoy and rest. But, don’t forget: with the House of Commons adjourned for the summer season, members of parliament have headed home to their ridings. This is a great time for our CARP members to reach out to their elected officials to share what issues influence their vote.
We can never over-emphasize how signifcant your engagement can be. While CARP representives have a presence in many governmental processes (for instance, I recently acted as a witness in the House of Commons, weighing in with respect to the Pharmacare Act – you can read more about that below), and CARP meets face-to-face with decision makers, the plain truth of it is that until something becomes an issue at the voting level, it rarely, if ever, becomes an issue at the policy level.
Our decision-makers know that older Canadians vote! Over 90% of you tell us that you vote at the federal and provinical level. What’s more, we are a growing demographic. So don’t underestimate the power you have as constituents.
When it comes to making your voice heard, we know anecdotally from politicians that in person meetings, phone calls, and hand written letters get the most notice. Emails are counted by issue, however emails with attached PDFs of a hard copy letter might get more attention and elicit more than an automatic e-response.
As for what you are speaking up about – well, that is up to you! Take a look at CARP’s advocacy priorities for 2024, read up about the issues and why they matter on our website (go to www.carp.ca and click on ‘our advocacy’ to see the advocacy we are engaged in), and pick up the phone or pen.
Find your elected officials here
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” – Frederick Douglass