Lobbying is an important activity in our toolkit that we can use to achieve better working conditions and a better society for everyone in Canada.

MPs are human beings and will be moved by compelling, factual stories. They’ll also be motivated by their own electoral success. They want people to appreciate their work and efforts – they want people to vote for them. Your job is to convince them that taking action is good for workers because it’s the right thing to do, and that it could help them gain support in future elections.

Tell compelling stories and then back it up with facts. You don’t need to know everything about the issue. Your own story will always be more powerful than a list of numbers or facts. You will provide some facts with your story, and more in your leave-behind material

Read the message guide 

Tips and tricks for a successful in-person lobby 

Plan your team and book your meeting: 

• At least one member should be from the MP’s constituency, if possible. 
• A team of three is ideal – any more is too many. 
• Phone to book the meeting, confirm by email, and ask for a response. 

Before your meeting: 

• Do some research on the MP.
  • What did they do prior to being elected? Were they a member of a union?  
  • How have they voted on legislation that we care about? 
  • What issues are they most concerned about?  
• Gather and review your materials – your notes, documents to leave behind, and swag. 
• Meet with your team to plan your approach including deciding on a speaking order and which member will discuss what issue. 
• Practice what you will say a few times. 
• Arrive for your meeting a few minutes early. Prepare for transit delays, parking challenges, and wait for all the members of your team to arrive before heading into the meeting. 

 Once in the office: 

• Introduce yourselves. 
• Present your position clearly and don’t be sidetracked. 
• Make notes when the MP asks questions or comments. 
• Answer questions to the best of your ability. Make a commitment to follow-up if you don’t have immediate answers.  
• Ask the MP to take specific action(s) and take very accurate notes when they explain why they will or won’t take those actions. If you aren’t sure you understood the commitment(s), re-confirm with the MP.  
• Leave any lobby materials and your contact information with the MP.  

Download the leave behind flyer