Write for What’s Right
Writing a letter or email to your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), a government minister, or a professional organization is one of the most direct and effective ways to advocate for change. Elected officials are accountable to the public and your story, concerns, and values remind them that Albertans are watching.
What Makes a Good Letter?
You don’t need to be a policy expert. The most powerful letters are:
Personal: share your story, experience, or what you care about
Respectful: you’re more likely to be heard when your tone is calm and constructive
Focused: keep it clear and concise, with a specific ask
Raise your voice. Make it personal. Let Alberta’s leaders know: Care must come with consent.
Ready Made Templates
Use one of our templates to get started, you can copy, paste, and customize!
Download Our One-Pager: Advocacy Through Letter Writing
This quick, printable guide walks you through everything you need to write a compelling letter or email, whether you're contacting your MLA, a government minister, or a community organization.
Where to Send Your Letter or Email
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions: Rick Wilson
Legislature Office: 403 Legislature Building, 10800 - 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Constituency Office: 5019 - 50 Street, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1K1
Premier of Alberta: Danielle Smith
Legislature Office: 307 Legislature Building, 10800 - 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Main Office: Unit A, 503 4th Avenue West, Brooks, AB T1R 0B3
Tips & Tricks for Powerful Advocacy Writing
Keep It Personal
Your lived experience, values, and concerns are powerful. Speak from the heart… polished policy language isn’t required. A sincere, human voice is more likely to resonate.
Be Clear and Focused
Stick to one main issue per letter or email. If you’re writing about The Compassionate Intervention Act, focus on that, not every healthcare concern.
Use Plain Language
Avoid jargon or overly complex terms. Decision-makers receive a lot of emails… make sure yours is easy to read and understand quickly.
Make a Clear Ask
Don’t just explain your concerns, say what you want the person to do (e.g., oppose the Act, meet with constituents, support voluntary care).
Follow Up
If you don’t hear back, it’s okay to send a respectful follow-up email. Persistence = power.
Keep It Brief
For both emails and printed letters, 2 – 5 short paragraphs is usually enough. Aim for clarity over length, officials are more likely to read a concise, focused message.
Copy Others
CC relevant people, like the Minister of Health or your local MLA. This shows collective concern and keeps everyone in the loop.
Add Your Voice to Others
Mention if you’re part of a group, campaign, or community. Collective voices are harder to ignore.
Letter Writing Structure
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Address the person you're writing to.
Example: Dear [MLA Name] or To the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
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Let them know who you are, and if you're a constituent (if emailing your MLA)
Example: “My name is [Name], and I live in [City/Town]. I’m writing today as someone who cares deeply about how we treat people who use drugs.”
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Example: “I’m concerned about Alberta’s Compassionate Intervention Act and the harm it could cause to people and communities.”
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Mention personal experience, a loved one, your values, or your work.
Example: “As a nurse and harm reduction volunteer, I’m deeply concerned that forced treatment will lead to more trauma, not recovery, based on what I’ve seen supporting people who use drugs”
-
Examples:
It allows involuntary treatment without consent
It lowers the threshold for detaining youth
It uses police instead of healthcare-based responses
It raises the risk of drug poisoning and/or overdose upon release
-
Examples:
“I’m asking you to oppose the Compassionate Intervention Act.”
“I’m asking you to reconsider the Compassionate Intervention Act.”
“Please commit to supporting evidence-based, voluntary care instead.”
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Wrap up with a thank you and a reminder that you're paying attention.
Example: “Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you’ll stand for care based on choice and compassion.”
Email Writing Structure
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Make it clear and to the point.
Example: Concern About the Compassionate Intervention Act
-
Address the person you're writing to.
Example: Dear [MLA Name] or To the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
-
Let them know who you are, and if you're a constituent (if emailing your MLA)
Example: “My name is [Name], and I live in [City/Town]. I’m writing today as someone who cares deeply about how we treat people who use drugs.”
-
Example: “I’m concerned about Alberta’s Compassionate Intervention Act and the harm it could cause to people and communities.”
-
Mention personal experience, a loved one, your values, or your work.
Example: “As a nurse and harm reduction volunteer, I’m deeply concerned that forced treatment will lead to more trauma, not recovery, based on what I’ve seen supporting people who use drugs”
-
Examples:
It allows involuntary treatment without consent
It lowers the threshold for detaining youth
It uses police instead of healthcare-based responses
It raises the risk of drug poisoning and/or overdose upon release
-
Examples:
“I’m asking you to oppose the Compassionate Intervention Act.”
“I’m asking you to reconsider the Compassionate Intervention Act.”
“Please commit to supporting evidence-based, voluntary care instead.”
-
Wrap up with a thank you and a reminder that you're paying attention.
Example: “Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you’ll stand for care based on choice and compassion.”