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Once upon a time in the not so distant past, people could spank their children and not wear a seatbelt.

That was until the government decided hitting is abuse and not wearing a seatbelt meant you could become seriously injured, put a strain on the health-care system and be a bad example for your kids who may become orphans, all of which costs a lot of money.

"Regulations from the government are always restrictive of your personal autonomy in that, in the past, it was based on that philosophical notion that you can do what you want providing you don't hurt other people," said John Lawford, counsel for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Whether you agree with them or not, today we have laws that say we can't be in a vehicle without a seatbelt, smoke in bars or in a car with children or go over a certain speed limit without having your car confiscated.

However, Lawford said if you really think a law is unfair or unjust you don't have to lie down and take it. After all, the issue was introduced by an individual or groups that lobbied for legislation and convinced someone to introduce a bill. So there really is nothing to say you couldn't do the same.

The problem is for the most part, the average citizen doesn't hear about new laws until they have already been passed.

So Lawford said people have to become informed.

"You can tell the average citizen to go and look at the legislatures website, but it never happens, so I think it's more the media's job to say, 'Here's what's coming down the pipe guys, and if you don't show up or write your MPs then in six months you're going to have a law that looks like this and do you want this'?" Lawford said.

For example, let's say you're furious about being forced to use energy-efficient light bulbs and wonder if you can do something now that the law is passed.

Lawford said absolutely.

"There's no reason why any law can't be repealed or amended and it's a matter of writing the individual letter to the member of parliament or member of provincial parliament, which is extremely effective," he said.

While you may think 'What does a letter do,' Lawford said government representatives must open and read everything that comes into the office and log it. And "one letter counts for about 200 constituents because they know that nobody takes the time to write them," he said.

Lawford suggested people seek out like-minded people and groups and take a stand.

"It's one thing to go to a bar and complain about the world, it's a different thing to say, 'Well you know we've had a discussion and we agree on these points, let's write them down and put it up somewhere the public can see it and see if they agree with those points'."