OPSEU/SEFPO area councils are coordinating a constituency lobby week for May 20 to May 24. This is one of several weeks throughout the year that MPPs are in their home riding and spend time meeting with constituents. Constituents are the voters that elect MPPs to the Ontario Legislature.

Many of us believe politicians know more than we do or they wouldn’t be in decision-making positions. Possibly we even think we aren’t articulate enough or that we’ll freeze when we approach the politicians. Often, we forget that the politician’s job is to serve their constituents. That’s why they get elected to office. We forget that it’s us – the voters – who hold the power. The act of lobbying is reclaiming some of that power and expressing the desire for action on a particular issue.

MPPs must be held accountable to their constituents and that’s why they need to hear from us!

The goal is to get as many OPSEU/SEFPO members together to lobby your local MPPs and bring the pressing issues affecting our membership such as retention and recruitment, funding for quality public services, and so much more.

This is also an opportunity to build and show our strength – particularly in ridings with Conservative MPPs – in the lead up to the 2026 provincial election. The time to start building this power is now.

To prepare ourselves to lobby our MPPs during the May Constituency Week, we are holding two online lobby training sessions on:

• Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 PM

• Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 PM

RSVP now: https://opseu.org/news/learn-how-to-lobby-your-mpp/225640/

At the training session, you will learn how to:

• Schedule a meeting with your MPP;

• Present your issues passionately and effectively;

• Build power in your riding in the lead up to the 2026 election.

Invite other leaders in your membership and encourage them to sign up! We hope you can join us!