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Meetings and public comment: Canada.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Voice

Meetings and public comment: Canada

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/meetings-and-public-comment

Public meetings are where many local decisions are made, and many of them take comments from residents. This sheet covers how to follow a meeting and have your say.

Before the meeting

  • Find the agenda and papers on the body’s website.
  • Check how it takes comments: in person, in writing or online.
  • Check if you need to sign up in advance, and any time limit.

A two-minute comment

  • Name the agenda item.
  • Say who you are and your connection to the area.
  • Say how it affects you and what you’d like to happen.
  • Be courteous, and thank them.

Writing to decision makers

  • One issue per message, with the topic in the subject line.
  • Say clearly what you would like them to do.
  • Keep it short and keep a copy.

Afterwards

  • Read the minutes to see what was decided.
  • Follow up in writing if you have more to add.
  • For voting questions, use only your official election office.

In Canada

  • Municipal councils. Municipal councils, usually a mayor or reeve and councillors, pass by-laws that affect the local community. Check your municipality’s website for council meetings, agendas and how to take part.
  • Your Member of Parliament. The House of Commons website has a search to find your Member of Parliament and their contact details.
  • Federal consultations. The Government of Canada’s Consulting with Canadians page lists federal consultations that are open to the public.
  • Voting questions. Elections Canada runs federal elections. Provincial, territorial and municipal elections have different rules, so check with the election authority for that level.

Official places to check:

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada/read-online/federal-elections.html
  • House of Commons of Canada: www.ourcommons.ca/members/en
  • Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/government/system/consultations/consultingcanadians.html
  • Elections Canada: www.elections.ca/home.aspx

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/meetings-and-public-comment