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2025 Federal Election Guide

On March 23, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a snap federal election. Election day is April 28, 2025. Check out the resources below to support your advocacy efforts during election season!

Why Parks And Recreation Matter This Election

All elections are important; however, this federal election is of particular significance. Our collective votes will determine how Canada navigates through the unknown waters of tariffs and growing diplomatic tension. 

Parks and recreation issues may seem unrelated to ongoing economic and democratic threats. However, we challenge you to ask; where do the citizens of this country learn about what it means to be Canadian?

We believe that parks and recreation professionals are brokers of Canadian identity.

Parks and recreation professionals connect Canadians to meaningful, life-enriching experiences on ice rinks, lacrosse fields, hiking trails, and canoe routes. Now more than ever, Canadian identity and sovereignty must be protected and cherished.

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How To Vote

The first step of elections advocacy is preparing to partake in the most important democratic process - voting. Use the checklist below to make sure you are prepared to cast your ballot!

Register to vote at your current address

☐ Check your mail for your voter information card

☐ Decide how and when you will vote:

☐ Know who the candidates are in your riding

Bring your ID when you vote

For more information on when, where, and how to vote, visit www.elections.ca

Getting involved in election advocacy

This federal election presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate why investment in parks and recreation matters to fostering and maintaining a unified Canada.

There are many different ways you can make a difference this election season. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend townhalls, public events, or all candidates debates

  • Email and meet with local candidates

  • Like, comment, share and repost #WhyItMatters and #PROVotes on social media

  • VOTE! Practice your democratic right and vote! (And encourage others to do the same!)

Before engaging in political discussions, be sure to carefully review and abide by corporate policies your organization may have.

Advocating At All Levels Of Government

Most parks and recreation professionals regularly engage with local government and community members to advance programs and services in the communities they serve. However, there are many benefits of parks and recreation professionals engaging in advocacy at the provincial and federal level.

When parks and recreation professionals engage in advocacy at all levels of government:

Policies and programs reflect the needs of communities.

Good policy requires insights and expertise from professionals working directly in the sector. When parks and recreation professionals engage in advocacy at the federal level, federal-decision makers can develop well-informed policies and programs that result in direct community benefits.

Bridges are built between communities and government

Good policy requires insights and expertise from professionals working directly in the sector. When parks and recreation professionals engage in advocacy at the federal level, federal-decision makers can develop well-informed policies that result in direct community benefits.

Democracy thrives

Good policy requires insights and expertise from professionals working directly in the sector. When parks and recreation professionals engage in advocacy at the federal level, federal-decision makers can develop well-informed policies that result in direct community benefits.

Tips, Tools And Resources

We've developed and complied tips, tools, and resources for members to support elections advocacy. Members are invited to reach out to request a copy.

Review our Summary of Federal Funding Programs from 2020-present that have provided funding and resources to the parks and recreation sector.

Review our Party Platform Analysis to learn what the major parties are saying about issues that impact the parks and recreation sector.

Read our Overview of Key Issues, which includes primers, talking points, and questions to ask candidates about aging infrastructure, barriers to participation, and strengthening the workforce. 

Read Martin Sampson's (CEO, CPRA) op-ed in The Hill Times on why Canada can't afford to ignore parks and recreation infrastructure this election.

Check out our Guide for Meeting with Candidates, including an email template, tips for effective meetings, and qualities of effective elections advocacy.

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