SUN members have a number of ways to influence issues that are important to them. Speaking with your elected representatives is one of the most effective.
 
Members of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are getting ready for an election year. Throughout the summer, your MLA will be out in communities across the province and eager to speak with you: their constituent. Elected members of government and the official opposition use the summer months to connect with the people that they represent, which involves not only spending more time in their constituency offices but also attending a variety of community events and supporting issues of interest.
 
Find Events Near You:

Be sure to also check the social media account (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) of your local MLA to find more information about upcoming events in your area, or call your constituency office for further details.
 
If you choose to do so, this is a great opportunity to have your voice heard on prioritizing healthcare and the nursing shortage. Respectful, evidence-based conversation is always welcomed by political representatives. Registered nurses are the largest provider of direct care in the province, and patients regularly trust and rely upon you to speak up on their behalf.
 
Now more than ever, your voice deserves to be heard.

Potential Script:
 
Hi, my name is _____ and I live in town/area. I’m one of your constituents and I’m also a registered nurse. Thank you for paying attention to the nursing shortage but the situation needs urgent action:
 
Choose one key ask and include why it’s important to you:
 
Ex. Government must work with frontline registered nurses to create retention and recruitment committees across the province. Without solutions that directly address problems in my area, I am afraid for patients who are already suffering from facility closures and a lack of staff. This has a devastating impact on rural Saskatchewan - more families continue to leave for better access to healthcare.

Priority Asks:

  1. Make access to healthcare your government’s top priority. This must involve timely care for patients and safe registered nurse staffing in both rural and urban areas.
  2. Act now to develop a provincial retention and recruitment strategy with key stakeholders, including SUN, to find immediate solutions to the nursing crisis. This would include collaborative retention and recruitment efforts in both urban and rural areas with solutions that come from local communities and registered nurses themselves.
  3. Ask them to commit publicly – especially in an election year. Often political representatives will support issues behind closed doors, but what they are willing to commit to publicly is the best determination of whether they deserve your vote.

If you would like to have a more in-depth conversation with your representative, contact your MLA’s constituency office to set up a meeting. Unsure who represents you in government? Use the tools below. 

 

Other Ways to Communicate your Point of View: a phone call, by email/letter, in-person meeting

  • Personal Visit: One of the most effective ways to influence your representative is a face-to-face visit. Many legislators have offices within their area of representation and make time available for meetings with constituents.
  • Letters/Emails: These can be written to any MLA, but letters/emails from a constituent will have much greater influence. If you are a constituent, begin your letter/email by saying so. Make clear your position and state exactly what action you want your representative to take.
  • Phone Calls: When you call, you will likely be initially talking to a secretary or aide, identify yourself by name, address and hometown, and that you are a constituent. State your issue/request and ask that your call be returned.

 

Tips for Speaking With Your Representative:

  1. Introduce yourself as their constituent and a registered nurse. Your MLA’s job is to hear from you and they are eager for your input.
  1. Be concise and fact-based. Identify the issue and how it directly affects you and your patients.
  1. Be helpful. Try to anticipate questions your representative may ask, and if you don’t have the answer, commit to following up with their office.
  1. Bring solutions to solve important problems. By providing solutions to the issues the government and the public care most about, your representative is more likely to listen and stay in touch.
  1. Be passionate and polite. Continue to speak respectfully whether you are speaking to your MLA or their staff. Remain courteous even if you disagree with their position, and thank them for their time.
  1. Building relationships with decision-makers is a process. It can mean formal meetings but also getting to know them as an individual. Researching their roles, histories, personal values, and interests, doesn’t guarantee their support, but it does help to build common ground and connection.