Letter-Writing Guide: Responding to the Draft Parks Planning Framework

Why a handwritten letter?

Handwritten letters or typed and signed letters are more powerful than emails or form letters and worth the extra effort. It is said that for every letter received, you represent the views of 100 people, so your words will have a BIG impact. Making a phone call or visit to the minister’s office (contact information below) also sends a very strong message.

What do I write?

The letter needn’t be longer than a paragraph. Be concise and polite and directly ask for action on the issue. If you ask for a reply you will likely receive one.

1. Open with why you are writing the letter:
   -I have recently learned about the plan for parks your ministry is developing…
   -I am writing to you because I am deeply concerned…
   -Your department is entrusted with the establishment, protection and management of Alberta’ natural heritage…

2. Explain why parks are important to you. Some ideas to draw on:
   -Do you have a favorite park in the province (focus on provincial parks as opposed to municipal or national parks);
   -Have you used the parks system since you were a child?
   -You can recount a memory of visiting a park, explaining how wildlife and the ecosystems were important in that experience.
   -If you have children, express a desire for them to have the same opportunities to enjoy Alberta’s wilderness and wildlife now and as adults.

3. State that the plan is weak and why/what can be done to improve it. Some ideas (you don’t need to include them all, choose some that resonate with you and rephrase them in your own words):
   -If implemented, the proposed framework will have long-term negative consequences for the protection of Alberta’s biodiversity and wilderness for generations to come.
   - The plan has too much emphasis on recreation and very dangerously seeks to accommodate anyone who wishes to use any parks for any recreational reason.
   -Parks are not simply for recreation, but provide critical habitat for wildlife, help protect critical water supplies, and ensure that what is left of the incredible variety of Alberta ecosystems continue to exist and function for many generations.
   -There is a need to expand/complete the parks system.
   -There is a need to increase the types of ecosystems represented in the parks system.
   -We need to increase the size of parks in Alberta and the connectivity between those parks.
   -All forms of recreation are not appropriate for all areas.
   -We need a spectrum/range of recreational activities and modes of access for the various parks depending on their natural heritage values and level of sensitivity.
   -We need a spectrum/range of park classifications to better allow different areas achieve different goals.
   -The plan fails to articulate how current parks legislation or policy will relate to the proposed Provincial Land Use Framework.

4. Conclude by reiterating what you’ve said in the letter in a couple of sentences. You may request a reply and the minister will be obligated to respond. Ensure you write your full address at the top of the letter or below your signature if you wish a reply.

5. Copy your letter : Your letter will have three times the impact if you send a copy to the premier and your local MLA as well. Write CC: Premier Ed Stelmach, and the name of your MLA under your signature. You should be mailing three identical copies; one to Cindy Ady, one to Ed Stelmach and one to your MLA. CPAWS would also be delighted to receive a copy of your letter as it helps us gage the effectiveness of our actions (CC: CPAWS Northern Alberta). If you mail or drop off your original letter to CPAWS we will be happy to copy and mail all three letters for you, just attach a note to your letter specifying so.

Contact Information :

Please cc: your letter to Premier Stelmach and your MLA; and CPAWS.

Find your MLA: http://www.electionsalberta.ab.ca/streetkey/

Feel free to give the Minister or the Premier a call, even if you have written a letter. It is most likely you will speak to an aide, not the Minister/Premier. He or she will make a note of your position on the issue and thank you for your call.

Sample letters

CPAWS Northern Alberta's response to the Draft PPF