One of the general inquiries that I’ve had over the last year is: What can an MP do for me? If I have a problem with the federal government, can he “fix it” for me? The answer to the question does depend on the problem. However, there are some general guidelines.

First of all, it usually has to be within the jurisdiction of the federal government. While I’d like to help people with their SGI problems, drug plan problems and property tax questions, these issues do not fall under the control of the federal government. MLAs or municipal officials are better equipped to deal with these types of concerns. Unemployment insurance, federal pensions, CAIS and immigration tend to be more the type of programs that my office is best equipped to handle.

If you don’t know if an issue is federal or provincial, call my office and we’ll direct you to the help you need. My staff often acts as a liaison between constituents and provincial (and local) officials.

The second thing to remember is that I can’t break the rules for a constituent. Regardless of how it is sometimes portrayed on TV, no politician has the power to just make things happen by personal whim. What my office can do is ensure that you are treated fairly, according to both the letter and the spirit of the law.

We can also make sure that your case doesn’t get lost in the bureaucracy. The first case file I worked on after the election was a simple matter of some employment insurance forms getting misplaced. Since I had no staff at the time, I called the department myself. The government workers were very surprised to have an MP call personally. They solved the problem immediately.

All in all, an MP can’t work miracles. But you deserve to be treated fairly. I’m your advocate. I’ll always do my best for you.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament. Write or call my offices to express your views, or if you need our assistance in any way.