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5 things to know about your Provincial Government constituency office

Selina Robinson has been MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville since 2013. Here are five things she wants you to know about her constituency office. 1.
Selina Robinson 1

Selina Robinson has been MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville since 2013. Here are five things she wants you to know about her constituency office.

1. It’s there to help

Ms Robinson’s office deals with any services that are funded provincially, which include Worksafe, ICBC, BC Housing, social assistance and education. “If something has gone astray or sideways around a government service, my office can set you on the right path, giving you information and support, and connecting you with the right people,” says Ms Robinson. “Our role is to help people access what they’re entitled to.”

 

2. If the team there can’t help, they know who can

“People don’t always make distinctions about types of government, so they may come to us with issues we can’t help with directly, but we can point them in the right direction,” says Ms Robinson. “For example, if they’re worried about a project in their area, we will direct them towards the mayor and council. If they have immigration issues, we’ll send them to their MP, who is three doors down in the same strip mall.” Likewise, people are often confused about exactly which constituency they’re in, so the team at Ms Robinson’s office will always ask your postcode in case you’re actually represented by one of Coquitlam’s other three MLAs.

 

3. The best day to reach Ms Robinson is Friday

These days, she travels a lot, but reserves Fridays to meet with people in the community. That said, she’s not the only expert in helping get her constituents the help they need. “Don’t wait for me – meet with my staff. They are just as able as I am to connect you with the right service,” she says.

 

4. Any feedback is appreciated

Ms Robinson encourages all her constituents to stay in touch and raise issues or concerns, but also to tell her they like what the team is doing. “We don’t need pats on the back but we do need to know if we’re on the right track, if policy decisions have been helpful in constituents’ lives, and what we need to be doing more or less of,” she explains. The best way to make contact is initially by email, including your phone number in your message. “I might have questions and usually it’s easier just to pick up the phone instead of getting into an email chain,” Ms Robinson explains.

 

5. It doesn’t matter who you support or voted for

While Ms Robinson was elected under the New Democrat banner, she represents everyone in the Coquitlam-Maillardville riding. “I serve everyone in this region – it doesn’t matter how you voted, or if you voted,” she says.

Selina Robinson MLA’s office is at 102-1108 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam. Contact her by email at selina.robinson.mla@leg.bc.ca, phone 604-933-2001 or visit SelinaRobinson.ca