Project Overview
The FindMyMLA application is a simple web application that helps Canadian citizens find their MLA, MPP, MNA, or MHA. The application uses the postal code of the user to search for their representative, or allows a user to find their representative based on their current location. The application will return the name, party, and contact information for the representative.
This is a not-for-profit project intended to aid citizens with finding their representatives. This project was built simply with the purpose of being easily reusable and re-insertable for the open source use by other non-profits.
The application can use an individual’s postal code, or can search based on their current location.
Technical Challenges
The main challenge was integrating accurate postal code lookup and geolocation to reliably match users with their correct representatives. Ensuring data accuracy and privacy for users was also a key concern, addressed by using trusted APIs and minimal data retention.
Project Gallery
Technologies Used
This application uses two APIs to provide citizens with the correct information.
- Python: Core programming language
- Streamlit: Web application framework for easy deployment
- Geocoder.ca Provides the API used to accurately search using postal code information.
- Represent Civic Information API Provides the API used to search for representatives based on location.
The project is open source and designed for easy reuse by other non-profits or civic tech initiatives.