Your assignment is to write a "mock" letter to an Ontario MPP about something in the report that is of concern to you. Obviously, I don't expect you to read

the entire 534 page report! Browse through the report until you find something that resonates with you. Letters don't have to be long (in fact, long letters are less effective) -- the best letters are focused on a specific issue or concern, include some outside information (e.g., an article, a study, etc.) to support your argument, are polite and well-written, and are personal -- why this issue matters to YOU. Instructions 1. Start by browsing the report to find an issue that concerns you. 2. Figure out to whom to address the letter. It could be the MPP for your riding, or to a cabinet minister responsible for the portfolio that includes your issue of concern (e.g., if your concerns relate to agriculture, you could write to Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs). You can find the list of MPPs and how to contact them here: https://www.ola.org/en/members/current Cabinet ministers: https://www.ola.org/en/members/current/ministers 3. Find an external source that supports your argument/concern. It could be a primary paper (journal article), an article in the media, a report from an NGO, etc. -- the source does not need to be academic, but it should be credible and authoritative. 4. Write a SHORT formal letter (~200 - 300 words -- remember, concise and to-the-point is better than a long rambling missive). Further information is posted below. To write your letter: Make sure to consult this guide: https://www.trec.on.ca/letter-tips/ You don't need to do a lot of background research or write a long essay.. Your letter should contain the following: a) Your letter should make clear reference to a specific issue raised in the report. Saying, "I am worried that we are not doing enough to combat climate change in Ontario" is kind of weak; saying "I am very concerned that over the last decade, there has been a net loss of 38,003 ha of forest in Southern Ontario" is much more effective. b) Your letter should explain WHY you, personally, are concerned about this issue. Are you worried about the impacts on your future? On a species or ecosystem that matters to you? On a marginalized or under-represented group in Ontario? Including a personal statement tells a politician that this issue actually DOES matter to you, and thus is likely to affect how you vote. (For the purposes of this assignment, it doesn't matter if you are not a resident of Ontario and are not able to vote in Ontario provincial elections.) c) Your letter should include an external source to support your argument. There is no need to go into great detail to summarize your external source -- it's there to demonstrate that you know something about the issue. If applicable, you can suggest a solution -- e.g., if the government is considering scrapping a program that you think is important or effective, you can specifically ask for them to reconsider this action. It's not absolutely necessary to suggest actions or solutions -- this assignment is not intended to require a huge amount of background research -- but letters that are focused on specific actions are usually the most effective. d) Your letter should be properly addressed and formatted. For example, if I was writing to a cabinet minister: "The Hon. Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 11th Floor 77 Grenville St. Toronto, ON M5S 1B3 March 4, 2024 Dear Minister Thompson, " If I was writing to my local MPP: "Ms. Sandy Shaw, MPP Critic, Environment, Conservation and Parks Room 359 Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A8 March 4, 2024 Dear Ms. Shaw,