IFAW Sample Letter

Dear Senator;
I am writing you as a concerned Canadian to ask you most sincerely to second Bill S-229, the Harb Seal Bill. You are no doubt aware that Canada's commercial seal hunt is a controversial issue. I believe that you should know a little about Canadian public opinion on the seal hunt before you decide if the issue should be considered by Canada's chamber of sober second thought.

Public opinion polling conducted by Environics shows that a majority of Canadians - 6 in 10 - oppose Canada's commercial seal hunt. The same polls find that 75% of Canadians think that "the federal government should stop spending money and effort defending Canada's commercial seal hunt, and concentrate on more important issues instead." As Senator Harb can tell you, public opposition to the hunt has also been demonstrated by the more than 40,000 individuals who have already contacted him to support Bill S-229.

Finally, a Senate debate on Bill S-229 would serve to demonstrate the utility of that very institution. A careful consideration of this heated political issue where most politicians are opposed to the position of the majority of Canadians, like the commercial seal hunt, would do much to demonstrate the continued utility of the Senate. Whatever your ultimate vote might be on S-229, I urge you to lend your voice to seconding the bill so that Senator Harb can speak on behalf of the majority of Canadians who wish to see an end to Canada's commercial seal hunt.

Sincerely, Name, Address