Sample Letter to an MP

Dear ________________,

I am contacting you as a concerned citizen and as a member of the Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee.

Our country has been helping the people of Afghanistan to rebuild their nation after years of war. It is very much in our interests to remain involved in Afghanistan in order to promote peace, protection for human rights and the security of our own citizens here at home. The United Nations has asked us to continue on as part of the international mission in Afghanistan and we have answered their call.

Yet the commitment of our country post-2011 is very much in doubt. As such, I have several questions for you.

1. What is your party’s specific plan for Afghanistan post-2011 in terms of providing continuing development aid to reinforce gains already made in terms of economic development, education, health and civil society?

2. What is your party’s specific plan for Afghanistan post-2011 in terms of helping ensure that our development aid is able to continue? Given that:

• The situation in Afghanistan is at a critical moment.
• The United Nations wants us to remain involved and a Canadian disengagement from Afghanistan could be extremely demoralizing for the commitment of other countries as well as for Afghans.
• Our NATO allies, particularly those military forces newly committed to Afghanistan’s security, would benefit greatly from our presence and experience in the area of training. 
• Canada has already made great sacrifices in order to help Afghanistan. Many of our metrics of progress would be reversed immediately upon a larger international disengagement
• It is in Canada's interests and foreign policy traditions to help in the promotion of freedom and human rights around the world

Is your party willing to debate with the government the scope of a renewed mission for Afghanistan past 2011?

Thank you. I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

Name
City, Province