On reaching a live person:

“Hello my name is .............. I would like to speak to (name of your MPP).”

The person answering the phone will likely state that the MPP is not available right now and ask the reason for your call.

“I am calling because I’m very concerned about the lack of legislation to protect workers from violence in the workplace.  I would like to know if (name of your MPP) would support the introduction of a violence in the workplace regulation that would require employers to protect working people from being injured at work.”

It is not necessary to use this exact wording. You do need to make your concern clear and ask for a commitment for a violence in the workplace regulation.

Use the background information to prepare some points that are important to you, just in case the MPP or his/her staff are willing to have a short discussion with you.

If the MPP is not available, ask when he/she will be, or request that he/she calls you back.  Be polite but persistent.

On reaching voice mail or the answering machine:

“Hello my name is .............. I am calling because I’m very concerned about the lack of a violence in the workplace regulation.  I would like to know if (name of your MPP) would support the introduction of a regulation that would require that workers be protected from violence in the workplace.  I would like (name of your MPP) to call me back at (your phone number).

Thank you.  Good bye.”

It is important, when leaving a message, to keep it short as most systems will have a time limit for messages and will stop recording or disconnect when the time is up.

If no one from the MPP’s office returns your call, phone back.  Be calm and polite but leave another message pointing out when you called before, that this issue is important to you and that you would like to have your call returned.  If the MPP or someone from the office calls back, thank him/her and try to get a commitment that the MPP will support a violence in the workplace regulation.