What you can do
This campaign is focused on one goal: securing the National Apology recommended by the Senate of Canada in its 2018 report, *The Shame Is Ours*. There are two meaningful ways individuals can support this work.
1. Contact Your Member of Parliament
Reaching out to your MP is the most effective action individuals can take. A short message — by email or phone — helps demonstrate that Canadians care about this issue and want the government to act on the Senate’s recommendation.
Email Template:
Subject: Support for a National Apology for Coercive Adoption Practices
Dear [MP Name],
I am writing as your constituent to express my support for a National Apology for the coercive and discriminatory adoption practices that separated more than 350,000 mothers from their newborns in Canada between the 1940s and the 1990s.
The Senate of Canada documented this history in its 2018 report, *The Shame Is Ours*, and recommended that the Government of Canada issue a formal National Apology. I am asking you to support this recommendation and to advocate for the government to act without further delay.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Postal Code]
Phone Script:
Hello, my name is [your name], and I live in the riding.
I’m calling to express my support for a National Apology for the coercive adoption practices documented in the Senate’s 2018 report, *The Shame Is Ours*.
I’m asking the MP to support this recommendation and to raise it with the government.
Thank you.
Find Your MP:
Find Members of Parliament - Members of Parliament - House of Commons of Canada
2. Encourage Organizations to Sign On
Individuals are not asked to sign the Open Letter themselves. However, you can help by inviting organizations you are connected to — such as nonprofits, community groups, professional associations, unions, faith communities, and student groups.
Organizational sign‑ons help demonstrate the national scope of support for the apology. Organizations can find full instructions on the Sign‑On page.
Follow the campaign on Instagram: @canadiansforanationalapology