The recent election of Quebec's new government is clearly an opportunity for the RCCAQ to reiterate its message. It is also an opportunity to spotlight certain issues facing the brokerage sector and to educate all new MNAs.

One key aspect of our mission as a professional association is opening lines of clear communication with our elected officials. You can play a role in this regard by meeting with your MNA and discussing the challenges that affect you directly. To help you prepare, here are a few handy hints!

Getting to know your MNA

If you don't know who your MNA is, please consult one of the following sites:

- Quebec's Chief Electoral Officer (Directeur général des élections)

You can find the name of your electoral district by entering your postal code and building number: https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/provinciales/fr/informer.php#infoCirc

- National Assembly

You can look up the name of your electoral district and your MNA's name/contact information on the following page under "Find an MNA by postal code, name or electoral division". http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/index.html

Please make a note of the contact information for your provincial MNA, as well as for your federal MP.

Meeting with your MNA

If you request a meeting with your MNA, you should be prepared. Remember that MNAs have to balance their parliamentary responsibilities with their duties to voters in their district. In other words, you have to be ready!

Before the meeting

Think about your agenda. What would you like to say? Will you be submitting any documents? Will you be asking your MNA to take action? Or to assist you? Do you have examples ready to illustrate your points? If you are concerned about an industry-wide issue, contact the RCCAQ beforehand. We'd be happy to share information with you!

During the meeting

1. Say who you are and introduce anyone who may be accompanying you (as applicable).
2. Submit your documentation (as applicable).
3. Explain the goal of your meeting.
4. Stick with the points you want to make.
5. Avoid industry jargon and acronyms/abbreviations. Don't do all the talking. Give your MNA time to ask questions and make sure that the meeting involves a two-way conversation. If you're asked to provide information that you don't have, make a note and be sure to submit it later on.
6. Remember that you want to forge a relationship with your MNA. Don't react with frustration or anger if your MNA doesn't share your point of view. Don't burn any bridges, even if you didn't vote for him/her. Thank your MNA for taking the time to meet you amid a very busy schedule.

After the meeting
Take the time to write a thank-you note. This is an opportunity to remind your MNA of why the meeting was important to you. If you said you would provide additional               information, be sure to follow up.

Since the RCCAQ defends your interests in its dealings with governments and various institutions, be sure to keep us informed about any meetings you attend. That way, we'll be better able to represent you (and if we ever contact your MNA, we'll know what happened during your meeting). Please don't hesitate to get involved!

You'll find all the information (in french) in your download kit.