But in order for this funding to be secured, it is necessary to bring the Plan's benefits to the attention of the Canadian public, media, and politicians. We hope that the RASC Executive, National Council, and membership feel the same way. The best way to support this initiative is to become familiar with it and then to inform others, including local media and politicians. Because next year's budget is largely decided in the early fall, it is essential that the Plan be promoted as soon as possible, certainly before September while MPs are still in their home riding. Once you are informed about the Plan after viewing its website, we recommend that you show your support through conversations and letters, particularly to local media and MPs.
Letters are very important for politicians to gauge the depth of public interest in an issue.
It is important to include or at least to keep in mind the following points when promoting the Plan. Frequent exciting discoveries, especially those by Canadians, have high educational and intellectual impact. Without it, not only will Canadian researchers lose their competitive edge, but the Canadian economy will not benefit to the same degree it has in the past. Remind people that the Plan has already received the support of Canadian university presidents, of a distinguished international review panel, as well as the three funding agencies that support astrophysical research. A template letter that RASC members may wish to send to their local MP can be found here .