Write a Letter

Write a letter to your Member of Parliment. Find your MP's contact information here.

Write a letter to Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety.

Let them know what you think about RCMP self investigation.

Write:

Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety

Suite 306, Justice Building House of Commons

Ottawa.Ont. Canada

K1A 0A6

Please include your name, address, and e-mail address if you have one, so that the MP receiving the mail will know that it is genuine. Most letters get a written reply. This letter is just an example, to give you an idea of what we hope you will say. If you wish, add your own opinions, examples, etc. It is better if the MPs do not get many copies of the exact same letter.

If you are able to use the facts in this sample and write your own letter using your own ideas, stories and opinions, please do so.

If your MP is from the NDP party, which is already behind this bill, write any way to express your support. Your MP can use your letter when lobbying for the bill.

Use a fairly large print. If you fax or e-mail your letter it is probably a good idea to follow it with the original in the mail. (Hand-written letters do seem to get attention.) Please cc a copy to Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

Attention BC Residence:

Write the Minister and the of Public Safety and Solicitor General

MP Sample Letter (download sampleletter.doc)

Your MP (Find you MP here.)

House of Commons

Parliament Buildings

OTTAWA, ON K1A 0A6

Dear

I am writing to support the passage of Bill # C-472, Ian’s law, because I believe that it is not right for police to investigate police.

(Add your own comments, reasons, etc.)

There have been many instances in the news recently that clearly show that the current system of investigation is flawed. It is time for change.

One of the last investigations Paul Kennedy did as Chair of the Commission for Complaints Against the RCMP was whether RCMP should investigate themselves. He found that they should not. The RCMP has announced that they will no longer investigate themselves but will use civilian or civilian-led investigation teams where they are available or another police force where there is no such provision. RCMP Commissioner William Elliott has stated that it is not up to the RCMP to change how they are investigated, and that changes should be made so it is simpler for the RCMP to discipline or dismiss members when it becomes necessary. It is up to government to make these changes.

The BC Police Chiefs, led by an RCMP member, have recommended “civilian-led” investigation. This is a step in the right direction, but the best solution would be the formation of a civilian investigative force.

I want to know if you are in favour Bill #C-472, and if we can count on you to help see that it passes. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly

Your name