Meeting with your Member of Provincial Parliament is one of the most direct and effective forms of civic advocacy. MPPs are elected to represent you, and they take constituent meetings seriously. Use this guide to prepare for your conversation. You do not need to cover every point — pick the ones most relevant to your personal situation and the ones you feel most comfortable discussing.
1. Introduction
Begin by briefly introducing yourself and establishing your connection to the riding. MPPs appreciate knowing who they are speaking with before diving into policy.
- Your name and how long you have lived in their riding
- That you came to Canada under the CUAET program fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine
- Your current situation: where you work or study, whether you have family with you, your children’s school if applicable
- That you are here as a concerned constituent who wants to share an urgent issue affecting thousands of Ontarians
Key message: “I am your constituent. I pay taxes, I work here, my children go to school here. I am asking for your help to let us stay.”
2. The Problem: Temporary Status and an Uncertain Future
Explain clearly what the challenge is and why it is urgent. Keep this section factual and concise.
- Over 127,000 Ukrainians came to Ontario under CUAET since 2022
- CUAET is a temporary status program — it does not lead directly to permanent residence
- Work and study permits under CUAET must be renewed by March 31, 2026
- The temporary public policy protecting status runs only until March 31, 2027
- Federal permanent residence programs are not well-suited to our circumstances — most require job offers, language test scores, or points that disadvantage war-displaced persons
- Without provincial action, tens of thousands of skilled, integrated workers will be forced to leave Ontario
3. Why a Dedicated OINP Stream Makes Sense
This is the core of your ask. Break it down clearly:
a) The precedent already exists
Manitoba created a dedicated stream within the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) specifically for CUAET holders. It worked. Workers who were already integrated into Manitoba’s labour market and communities were able to apply for permanent residence based on that experience. Ontario can and should do the same through the OINP.
b) The economic case is clear
Ontario is experiencing well-documented labour shortages in healthcare, construction, IT, skilled trades, and education. CUAET holders are already filling many of these gaps. They are not competing for jobs — they are doing jobs Ontario needs done. Losing them to policy inaction would directly harm Ontario’s economy and public services.
c) The integration has already happened
Traditional immigration programs are designed to evaluate whether someone could integrate into Ontario. CUAET holders have already done it. We speak English or French (or are actively learning), we know our workplaces and neighbourhoods, our children are in school. The usual integration costs and risks simply do not apply. Nominating us is low-risk, high-return for the province.
Key message: “We are not asking Ontario to take a chance on us. We are already here, already working, already integrated. We are asking you to keep us.”
4. The Human Dimension
Policy is made by people for people. Share the human reality — briefly and without oversharing personal trauma.
- Many CUAET holders left everything behind: their homes, their extended families, their careers, their savings
- Children born in Ukraine are now growing up as Ontarians — they speak English, they have friends here, they know no other home
- Forcing families to leave would be a profound disruption — for them and for the Ontario communities that depend on them
- This is not an abstract policy question. These are your neighbours, your coworkers, your children’s classmates
If you are comfortable, share one specific personal detail. Even something simple — “my daughter is in Grade 3 at [school name] and this is the only country she remembers” — makes the issue concrete and human.
5. Specific Asks
Be direct about what you want the MPP to do. Politicians appreciate clarity.
- Raise this issue in the Legislature — ask the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development directly about a dedicated OINP stream for CUAET holders
- Write to the Minister — ask the MPP to send a letter to Hon. David Piccini’s office expressing support for a dedicated CUAET stream in the OINP
- Champion the issue in caucus — ask the MPP to raise it with their party colleagues and within their caucus meetings
- Meet with UCC-OPC — offer to connect the MPP with Ukrainian Canadian Congress representatives for a fuller briefing
Key message: “I am not asking you to solve the whole immigration system. I am asking you to make one call, write one letter, and raise this one question in the Legislature.”
6. Alignment with Ontario Values
Close by connecting your ask to Ontario’s broader identity and values. Most MPPs, regardless of party, support these principles.
- Ontario is a province of immigrants — our history is built on welcoming newcomers and giving them a chance to contribute
- Ontario stands with Ukraine — the Ontario Legislature has passed motions of solidarity with Ukraine; those words must be backed by action
- Ontario rewards hard work — CUAET holders have worked hard, paid taxes, obeyed the law, and integrated into their communities; they deserve the opportunity to stay
- Ontario is a global leader — creating a dedicated pathway for CUAET holders would demonstrate that Ontario leads on humanitarian and economic immigration policy
Closing statement: “Ontario welcomed us when we had nowhere else to go. We have worked hard, contributed to this province, and made it our home. All we are asking now is for the chance to make that home permanent. Please help us stay.”