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Canadian Elections

The most recent federal election was Monday, April 28, 2025.  

For in-depth election information (including key election results, new electoral districts, and more), please see: Elections Canada 2025 Federal Election Website

Every Vote Counts

For those who remember the 2024 BC Provincial election, you will know that only 22 votes led to the NDP’s majority government. It was a wonderful example of why every vote counts.  

There is a time and place for everyone to vote so please consider making your voice heard. 

Past Elections

The last federal election was held on September 20, 2021, resulting in a Liberal minority government led by Justin Trudeau. Trudeau resigned as Prime Minister on March 14, 2025 and Mark Carney (who won the Liberal Leadership race) was sworn in as Canada's 24th prime minister on the same day. 

Electoral Process

Federal general elections in Canada are typically held every four years on the the third Monday in October. The purpose of the election is to select, by way of a public vote, 338 individuals to fill the 338 seats in the House of Commons. (The number of seats will be increasing to 342 after the 2025 election.) The individuals who receive the most votes in their electoral district become Members of Parliament (MP) and so serve in the next session of the Canadian Parliament. Generally, the leader of the political party with the most seats (i.e., MPs who are affiliated with that party) becomes the country's Prime Minister. In each election, Canadian citizens can vote for 1 MP candidate in their electoral district.

Political Parties

A complete list of registered political parties with contact info and links to official party websites can be found on the Elections Canada website. Specific details about each party's electoral platform and current leadership can be found on their respective websites. The five parties listed below hold seats in the 44th Canadian Parliament.

News Coverage

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Newspapers and Magazines Subject Icon

Full-text access to over 500 BC and major Canadian daily newspapers. Some titles go back as far as the 1970s.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
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Newspapers and Magazines Subject Icon

Delivers full-page images of 5,000 newspapers and magazines from 100 countries before they appear on the newsstands. Includes titles such as The Vancouver Sun, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders

Useful Websites

Useful Website Description

Official online portal with information on voting registration, electoral districts, registered political parties, registered candidates, election results, and more.

Useful Website Description

Learn about the part of Canada's Parliament that is elected by way of general public vote.

Useful Website Description

An Elections Canada program that aims to reduce barriers faced by some Canadians to electoral participation

Digital Library Resources

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General Reference Subject Icon

CBCA is a Canadian-focused database that offers access to newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals and reference sources. *Also suitable for research at the elementary, high school and undergraduate levels.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
Image
Newspapers and Magazines Subject Icon

Delivers full-page images of 5,000 newspapers and magazines from 100 countries before they appear on the newsstands. Includes titles such as The Vancouver Sun, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders