Federal Elections 2025

Voting and Advocacy

"Voting is one of the most direct ways people can connect to their government and country. It is a meaningful act that can influence how a country is governed and who its leaders are.

This is why exercising the right to vote is especially important for people who are not often heard, such as autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Voting itself requires setting aside a few hours to go to a designated location with the proper documents. It’s something anyone can do, as long as they are 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and have proof of identity and address. Yet, when each of these individual votes come together, they can have a powerful impact, amplifying the voices of diverse and underrepresented communities.

To understand how this happens, it helps to know how our parliamentary democracy works.

Canada’s voting system is called first-past-the-post. This means a party does not need to win the majority of votes (over 50%) to form a government — they just need to receive more votes than any other party. Once all the votes are counted, the party that wins the most electoral districts (also known as ridings) forms the government. Their leader becomes the Prime Minister (federally) or Premier (provincially).

It’s important to know who you are voting for and what defines their platform. There are many tools to help with this. Elections Canada, for example, has a search tool where you can enter your postal code to find your electoral district. Most major political parties also have tools that let you see who is running in your area, learn about their policies, and read their personal stories. Party leaders — those running for Prime Minister or Premier — are usually featured prominently on these sites. As the election approaches, parties typically release an online platform outlining their vision and policies.

This may all seem overwhelming, but it’s important to remember: voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. It influences the policies and decisions that shape your everyday life and how you are represented in society. This is true for all Canadians — and especially true for marginalized communities, including the neurodiverse population."

- Alexandre Gagné, Graduate of Political Science and autistic self-advocate

The Federal Candidate Debate on Disability Issues took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

This important event, hosted in collaboration with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and other community partners, provided a platform for federal candidates to share their party’s positions on key issues impacting people with disabilities, including those in the autism community.

View the recording here