In my column, I generally talk about policy. But this week, I’m going to give advice on how to write your Member of Parliament.

Every MP office receives hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of correspondence every month. We try to respond to our constituents in a reasonable amount of time, but we need your help.

First, write to your own MP.  While there are occasions when it is useful to write other MPs who have a specific expertise, a Member of Parliament is primarily responsible to his local constituents and rightly gives their views priority.

Secondly, be brief, stick to the point and try to limit each letter or e-mail to one subject.  If I’m not sure what you are asking about, I can’t answer your question.

Finally, avoid sending in form letters or pre-printed cards to which you simply add your name and drop in the mailbox. I need to know what you think, not what some professional organizer wants you to mail to me. After all, I work for you, not a lobby group based in another province.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.