Write a Letter to the BC Government

Letters to public officials are like votes—one isn’t enough to make a difference. But when everyone does it, change is possible.

Send a message to your local MLA, Premier Horgan and members of cabinet supporting a law that will establish a minimum passing distance on our roads.

Here are two ways to do it:

  • Read our letter—if you like it, copy it

  • Use the following guide to write your own custom letter

Salutation

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss [Full Name Here] MLA for [constituency name]…—for most MLAs

Dear Premier…—for Premier John Horgan

Dear Minister…—for cabinet ministers

It’s a good idea to address your letter to your MLA, and copy the Premier and cabinet ministers (you don’t have to address them directly). Conversely, you may address your letter to the Premier or a cabinet minister, and copy your MLA.

About You

Introduce yourself—it's important for elected officials to know when a letter is coming to them from a constituent, as opposed to a representative of an organization or a lobbyist (ie. someone paid to represent a special interest).

Providing a bit of background about yourself and your life can also establish an important human connection between yourself and the elected official, which can focus their attention on the topic of the letter.

Why You’re Writing

In one or two sentences, state the purpose of your letter. Be clear that you want to express your support for a minimum passing distance. Try touching on some or all of the following:

  • minimum passing distances support road safety

  • BCCC is asking for 1.5 metres

  • Minimum passing distances of 1-1.5m exist in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

  • This can become law through an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act

In the current make-up of the Legislative Assembly, the provincial government has the power to amend the Motor Vehicle Act.

Your Thoughts on Safe (and Unsafe) Passing

  • What has been your experience with close passes on neighbourhood streets, city streets, or rural roads and highways?

  • What do you think about rising rates of cycling across the province, government encouragement of active transportation, and the risks posed by motor vehicle traffic?

  • Could a safe passing law support safer driving behaviour, just like laws against distracted driving, impaired driving, and excessive speeding?

Share your experiences and thoughts on cycling, and how a safe passing law could change road behaviour and encourage more cycling.

Your Ideas About Cycling & Active Transportation

First, consider the following:

  • The provincial government introduced an active transportation strategy in 2019 with a goal of doubling the current rate of cycling and walking by 2030.

  • 2.5% of British Columbians commute by bike; we spend about one-sixth of our travel time walking or cycling to typical destinations.

  • One-third of BC households have at least one school-aged child walking or cycling to school.

Are we doing enough to encourage and support cycling and active transportation?

Share some final thoughts, whether related to what is happening in BC today, or what you would like to see for the future.

Final Thoughts & Closing

Be sure to thank your addressee(s) for their service to your community, and for their attention on this matter.

You may also wish to add a final, inspirational thought on how their own advocacy on this matter can positively impact all British Columbians.

If it's not obvious, add the names of any other recipients to a 'cc list', following your sign-off and name.