A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected representative serving in Canada's House of Commons, representing a geographic constituency (riding) and participating in federal lawmaking. Canada has 338 MPs representing constituencies across the country. MPs debate and vote on federal legislation, represent constituent concerns, serve on parliamentary committees, and hold government accountable through Question Period. MPs belong to political parties or sit as independents, with the party holding majority support forming government. Municipal leaders often engage their local MPs to advocate for federal funding, policy changes, or assistance with federal matters affecting their communities.