I am often amused when constituents express surprise when I call them personally on the phone to discuss a suggestion or problem they have brought to the attention of my office.

We live in a cynical age, and many people believe that trying to get the attention of a Member of Parliament is a waste of time. Some folks think that their ideas, suggestions and criticisms fall into a black hole en route to Ottawa. I read all of the letters and survey results that are delivered to my office, and many of those comments help me to act on your behalf. Is contacting me a waste of your time? Actually, it’s quite the opposite.

If you have a problem that is federal in nature, then it’s something I’d like to know about. I read the comments on every survey that’s returned from my mail-outs to constituents. I discuss what I read with my staff and speak to cabinet ministers on behalf of many of the people who contact me. Calling my constituents to discuss their situation in person helps me better understand their concerns. I often have to make calls in the evening because of my busy schedule in Ottawa. Staying in touch with people helps a Member of Parliament to represent them.

Past governments may have created the cynicism by plugging the lines of communication between the people and their elected representatives. Our government is trying to listen to those who put us here. We heard that Canadian seniors and families wanted tax relief, so we passed two budgets and a mini-budget since January 2006 to leave more money in the pockets of Canadians. Twice we have lowered the GST by a percentage point, which provides a significant saving over the course of a year. If we weren’t listening, we wouldn’t be cutting taxes.

While government should not govern according to the whims of public polls, it is essential for M.P.s to keep in touch with people back home. When I was first elected as a Member of Parliament more than 14 years ago, I made up my mind to ignore the distance between Yorkton-Melville and Ottawa. Although my duties may differ, I make sure that the person who gets on that plane in Saskatchewan is the same person who lands in Ottawa. Amid all the committee work, meetings, legislative debates and votes that occupy my time in Ottawa, I regard my communications with constituents as essential.

I do care about what you have to say, so taking a minute to fill out a survey or write me a note in the old-fashioned way helps me do my job better. Feel free to write me c/o The House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 and remember no postage is required if you put M.P. after my name.

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