Quebec

How to write a letter to your Premier

Jillian Hollander Activism, Newbie Talk, Open Letters, Politics , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I just wanted to write a quick note to all those who have been passing around my letter to Kathleen Wynne. Thank you so, so very much. It was hard for me to write, and I felt emotionally exhausted after getting it out of my system. I needed to say it, and with the response I’ve been getting I’m glad I was able to inspire others to not just share the letter but to write their own.

I’ve been finding it linked to from places I hadn’t expected. Reporters and bloggers have been calling attention to it, and I’ve seen one blogger comment it’s about time she puts her pen to the paper and drops a note in support to the Premier as well. My fingers are crossed waiting for a response from Premier Wynne herself.

If you haven’t had time yet to write a letter asking your premier to refer the matter to your province’s Supreme Court, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Saturday, December 6th is when the laws take effect, so I’d recommend you drop your letter into the mailbox no later than Monday, December 1st, but she can do it at any time even after the 6th so go ahead anyway.

While I have been focusing on Kathleen Wynne because she’s my premier, this is something that can be done all across Canada. All you need are three things:

  1. A letter. And a template already exists for you, courtesy Nikki Thomas and Naomi Sayers.
  2. Your Premier’s Name and mailing address. Lo and behold, they’re all listed here!
  3. The name of the Highest Court in your province that you are requesting the Premier refers the bill to for a judgement.

That last one is a little tricky, but I’ve gone ahead and made a list for you.

  • ALBERTA: The Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta
  • BRITISH COLUMBIA: The Supreme Court of British Columbia
  • MANITOBA: The Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba
  • NEW BRUNSWICK: The Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick
  • NFLD & LABRADOR: The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • NORTHWEST TERR.: Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories
  • NOVA SCOTIA: Nova Scotia Supreme Court
  • NUNAVUT: Nunavut Court of Justice
  • ONTARIO: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
  • QUEBEC: Superior Court of Québec
  • SASKATCHEWAN: The Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan
  • YUKON: The Supreme Court of Yukon

This is something that takes a group effort, from sex workers to clients to allies all over. All it takes is 30 minutes, a stamp and a walk to a mailbox.