The power of one vote
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Elections are a powerful opportunity to shape the future for animals. When Canadians speak up and vote for animal protection, we can create real change that improves the lives of animals across the country.
Vote for Animals
2025 Federal Election
Make animal protection a priority this election
The next federal election is our chance to create a better world for animals. Canadians care about animal welfare – will political leaders take action?
An October 2024 Nanos poll shows overwhelming support for stronger protections:
- 84% of Canadians support or somewhat support stronger laws to reduce the commercial trade in wild animals.
- Three in five Canadians support or somewhat support reducing factory farming even if it could raise the price of meat and dairy or slow down economic growth.
- 43% of Canadians would be more likely to vote for a political party at the upcoming election if they support stronger animal protection laws and policies.
The message is clear: voters want real change for animals and parties must respond.
Animal protection isn’t just about compassion – it’s about creating a more sustainable, humane and healthier world for all of us.
We are calling on all political parties to commit to:
- Curbing the illegal and unsustainable legal wildlife trade by funding modern digital detection technology at Canada’s borders.
- Supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices by increasing investment in plant-based proteins, climate-resilient crops and regenerative farming.
- Reducing the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and protect life-saving medicines.
How you can help
You have power and influence. Election candidates will be knocking on your door to learn more about what you care about in hopes of earning your vote.
Tell candidates that animals matter to you
Print out and post this sign on your door or window to tell candidates that animals matter to you.
Be ready to speak up for animals
Not sure what to say when candidates visit or call? Use our talking points guide to be ready to speak up for animals.
Ask a question at your local all-party debate
This is one of the most powerful ways to influence candidates. When you bring up animal welfare in a public forum, you educate not just the candidates but also your community and local media. MPs take notice of the issues raised at debates—and who is raising them.
Make your vote count for animals
In preparation for the upcoming federal election, we sent a survey to the five main political parties to highlight where each of the parties stand on our current priority animal welfare issues.
Learn where the parties stand:
- Bloc Québécois
- Conservative Party of Canada - awaiting response, stay tuned!
- Green Party of Canada
- Liberal Party of Canada
- New Democratic Party of Canada
National animal protection debate
Watch the recording of the national animal protection debate to hear where the main political parties stand on strengthening animal protection in Parliament.
Participating candidates:
- Liberal Party: Nathaniel Erskine-Smith
- NDP: Alistair MacGregor
- Bloc Québécois: Yves Perron
- Green Party: Elizabeth May
Moderator: Journalist Karman Wong
Frequently asked questions
How do I vote?/Where do I vote?
You can find all the information you need to vote here: elections.ca
Which party should I vote for to help animals?
We encourage you to look at all of the information submitted in response to our questions and choose the party that best aligns with your views.
Which party do you support?
We support policies that help improve animal welfare and will gladly work with all parties or government official in the mission to gives all animals in Canada a life worth living.
Why are World Animal Protection’s platform proposals focused on the wildlife trade, promoting plant-based food and addressing antimicrobial resistance?
World Animal Protection’s 10-year strategy is squarely focused on addressing the biggest issues of our time that cause the highest number of animals to suffer: the wildlife trade and factory farming. Government action to halt and reverse these two systems and implement policies to transition towards community-led wildlife friendly tourism and humane and sustainable agriculture would not only alleviate the suffering of millions of animals, it would also help Canada address the climate and biodiversity crisis and pandemic risk.
Our platform proposals were carefully drafted after years of MP and government engagement, including success during the last federal election. We believe they offer very practical and achievable next steps that all 5 of the main political parties could get behind.
What about other animal welfare issues?
Our election survey covers the issues that support our priority program areas. However, we encourage you to speak to your electoral candidates about the other issues you care about. World Animal Protection is also working in coalition with other animal welfare organizations in Canada to encourage all political parties to consider other animal welfare commitments and we will be co-hosting an all party animal welfare debate where various animal welfare issues will be discussed. Stay tuned for more updates on this.
5 ways to advocate for animals this election
Blog
With a federal election underway, political candidates are paying close attention to what matters most to voters. This is our chance to make sure animals are on their agenda.