Novocastrian

...a female Parliamentary Secretary?

I have to deal with one tomorrow and I don't know. Ministers are obvious. Madame Secretary sounds a bit American. Any advice?

Of course, she's a Harperist, so just spitting is one possibility.

Oink

Salutation: Dear Ms 'lastname'

On the envelope "The Hon 'first and last name' MP
Parliamentary Secretary for . . . ."


In person, oi **** face or more traditionally just Ms 'lastname'

Novocastrian

It's face to face though. But I'm still not wearing a tie. **** that.

Oink

As I said above, just; Ms 'whatever her last name is'.

Editha

Ms Surname or Mrs or Miss, depending on her preference. I've had no dealings with Canadian politicians, but in the UK parliamentary secretaries are the lowest of the low - third tier of minister. I gather they are a bit higher here, but it makes no difference. There's no reason to address a politician at that level by a special title.

Novocastrian

It's second tier here. I've dealt with Ministers and usually they like being addressed as Minister. In Canada Deputy Ministers are civil servants so bugger them, Parliamentary Secretaries are probably prima donnas even if they're not women.

JamesM

Madame.

Bali2010

will Sir Humphry not go across very well?

or if you followed his (+ more recently Cameron's) style, then perhaps 'Dear lady' would ensure the meeting ended quickly

el_richo

"Now Then"

Novocastrian

Excellent plan.

I'm thinking of "Hi {firstname}, how's it going?"

What do you think?

Oink

"Darling fascist bully boy..?"



I'll get Neil's coat that I've obviously stolen.

Chookie

It probably should be Madame if face to face, but I would probably just hedge my bets, shake her hand and say "I am very pleased to meet you" and not use any titles or honorifics at all just to avoid egg on my face

Of course the other option is to use the midlands vernacular and say "Eh up me'duck"

Oink

Wot cheor canny lass.

Jingsamichty

"Milk, no sugar, thanks love."

Novocastrian

Perfect.

I think I'll just go with Madame (no french accent).

Avec du lait, pas du sucre s'il vous plait is a close second.