When attempting to implement a successful lobby, a Member of Parliament can be a good place to start as they are the obvious first link between the electorate and the government. Direct and personal contact is the best way of approaching this MP as they receive many letters and petitions from others who are trying to advance causes, so getting face-to-face is the best way. The issue that will be lobbied for is affordable housing in Toronto.
MP's are a good starting place for a successful lobby as they have the ability to take steps on a certain issue in several ways. They may not agree with the position being lobbied for, or perhaps they might not think of the issue as important enough to warrant concern, but they do have an obligation to forward the concern to the appropriate minister. On the other hand, if the MP does take a personal interest in the issue, they can request that it be debated in Parliament. Apart from a debate in Parliament, the MP has much influence and can advance the cause through articles or public speaking.
[...] Chow was first elected as a school trustee in 1985, and then as a City Councillor in 1991, being the first Asian woman elected at this level. She was then re-elected three times, after gaining the trust of her constituency from all her hard work. She then became a Member of Parliament on January and re-elected in October (OliviaChow.ca, 2009). She has long been an advocate for the poverty stricken in Toronto. One example is her unique approach to dealing with children's issues, among them housing and daycare. [...]
[...] Summary of Issue There is a growing demand for affordable housing in the City of Toronto as it is increasingly becoming tougher for families to juggle the responsibilities of paying rent and meeting other financial obligations like food and bills. This is evident from the increasing number of homeless, the ever-crowded hostels and the longer waiting lists for social housing. It has been estimated that about 260,000 households in Toronto pay in excess of 30 percent for their housing costs, which is widely thought of as the maximum that should spent on housing so as to accommodate other bills - like those associated with food, clothes and utilities. [...]
[...] Key Points for Lobbying When lobbying this issue it will be important to present it as an issue of human rights, as there are many people in Toronto who are being forced to live in situations of dire poverty because of the lack of affordable housing. The key issues will be: human rights, poverty and equality. Biography of Olivia Chow Olivia Chow has always been a social advocate. She has seen much social inequality as she was born in Hong Kong and then moved to Canada where she received her education, and would then follow with a life in politics. [...]
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