Canada’s 2025 Federal Election: Voting for the Ocean, Beaches and Waves

Canada is a water-rich nation: with the longest coastline in the world, a fifth of the world’s freshwater, an incredible diversity of aquatic ecosystems, and some of the planet’s most iconic cold-water surf breaks. From the west coast kelp forests to east coast salt marshes, from Arctic fjords to urban beaches, these aquatic ecosystems support and inspire every generation that walks the earth.

We continually engage with these ecosystems: 78% of Canadians participate in outdoor activities close to home - surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, or simply walking the beach. We are also embedded in these environments, as they support every element of our lives, from the food we eat, the water we drink, the energy we rely on, and the materials we depend on. Yet, the environment and climate that underpins our existence is increasingly threatened by resource extraction, industrial operations, a linear economy, pollution, corporate greed and a lack of accountability.

On April 28, Canadians will elect our next federal government. The outcome will shape environmental policy - and the future of the ocean, coasts, beaches, inland waters, and climate for decades to come. Whether we show up or not, we are participating in the result of the election. In the 2021 Canadian federal election, 10.2 million eligible voters didn’t vote. The most common reason? “Not interested in politics”. Yet, politics shapes every part of our existence. We all enjoy rights, including the right to a healthy environment, because people stood up for these rights through political action and processes. Now, we have the chance to be a part of this history of advocacy by making our voices heard, which includes voting in the upcoming election. By voting for candidates who support ambitious environmental and climate measures, we can address the plastics crisis, restore coastal habitats, and build a more resilient, just and blue future for the people of today and tomorrow.

Surfrider Foundation Canada is a charitable organization. So, we must remain non-partisan: we cannot support or oppose a political party or candidate. However, we inform and empower voters with information, helping connect people to party platforms to the issues that matter most to ocean, coastal, and aquatic dwellers and visitors.

Below, you’ll find resources to support your decision-making through the lens of Surfrider’s mission: the protection and enjoyment of the ocean, beaches and waves for all people. This election period, all political parties should support tangible measures for coastal, marine and aquatic ecosystems. As of April 10, comprehensive 2025 party platforms have not been released. However, some policy statements have been released, including the comparison on climate change and energy from CBC. Below are links to additional documents from each party to support your decision-making (parties by alphabetical order). 

Bloc Québécois 

You can read about the 2025 Bloc Québécois Party plan here.

Conservative Party of Canada

You can read the 2025 Conservative Party plan here.

Green Party of Canada

You can read the 2025 Green Party of Canada plan here.

Liberal Party of Canada

You can read the 2025 Liberal Party of Canada plan here.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

You can read the 2025 New Democratic Party commitments here.

People’s Party of Canada

You can read the 2025  People’s Party of Canada’s platform here.

Additionally, we must use our critical thinking skills to reach beyond the party and the candidate’s words. This means examining the history of their decisions and which motions, bills, laws, regulations and policies they have supported or rejected. You can view the decision-making history of candidates, including those running for Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, by searching their name in the House of Commons (click the search icon). 

Getting engaged in the 2025 federal election:

• Check that you’re registered to vote. Find out if you are eligible, register and update your information on Elections Canada’s website.

• If you have friends and family out of the country, send them the form to vote by mail-in-ballot

• Hold discussions with people in your network about the election, including the coastal and marine actions you hope our next government will achieve. You can also unpack the logistics of the election with them, including the dynamics of your electoral district, the voting dates, and how they’ll be getting to the voting booth. The more we can bring awareness to the upcoming election and generate literacy about Canada’s electoral system, the more people we can positively influence to participate in the election. 

• As David Suzuki Foundation shares, “learn to identify mis- and disinformation and stop the spread. There are many sources to support you in this. Here’s one: How to spot fake news in eight simple steps.”

• Talk to your candidates! If you have candidates (or their volunteers) come to your door, have your questions ready about the policies you’d like to see them take action on. You can also reach out to your candidates directly for a meeting to discuss their commitment to the ocean, beaches and waves, and the environment at large. You can also email them your questions and feedback. If they see a pattern of an issue being important to their constituents (you!) they’re more likely to be a voice on this issue if elected.

• Sign the Greenpeace Canada petition - “urge political parties to commit to a nature law in their election platforms” and David Suzuki Foundation’s petition “Tell party leaders you’re voting for a safe, affordable, sustainable future”