The immigrant vote is crucial to Canada’s elections. According to Statistics Canada’s data from the 2021 Census, immigrants make up 23 percent of Canada’s total population, representing nearly one in four people, the highest proportion recorded in over 150 years, according to the agency.
Engaging in Canada’s political system can be exciting and overwhelming for many newcomers. While newcomers cannot vote when they are permanent residents, they gain the right when becoming a citizen of Canada. Toronto lawyer Maya Kotob’s journey illustrates the excitement of participating in Canadian democracy for the first time. On the same day she became a Canadian citizen in 2021, Kotob voted in her first election.
“I had my citizenship ceremony via Zoom, and they encouraged us to vote that same day. I went down to vote, and it was a huge day to become Canadian and to vote for the first time ever in my life,” Kotob told CBC. Originally from Syria, Kotob shared her experience on social media and received an outpouring of welcome messages, making her feel embraced as a voting citizen in Canada.
Who Can Vote in Canada?
According to Canada’s Constitution, any citizen over 18 can vote in federal, provincial, or local elections. This right extends to Canadians living abroad, who can vote via absentee ballots, and even those serving prison sentences. Elections allow Canadians to debate and shape the direction of their government.
In Canada, citizens do not vote directly for the prime minister. Instead, they vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent local ridings in the House of Commons. On general election night, 338 individual elections take place across the country.
The Levels of Government
Canada’s political system operates across three levels:
1. Federal Government
Federal elections determine the MPs who will form the House of Commons. In Ottawa, the government oversees national and international issues, including defence, foreign policy, and trade.
2. Provincial/Territorial Government
Each of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories elects Members of Provincial Parliaments (MPPs) or Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). These bodies govern education, healthcare, and infrastructure within their regions.
3. Municipal Government
Municipal elections elect officials such as mayors and city councillors. These governments manage local matters like public transportation, emergency services, and community planning.
By-Elections
By-elections occur outside the regular election schedule to fill vacancies when a politician resigns or dies.
Canada’s Parliamentary Democracy
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The federal parliamentary system has three main components:
- The King (Sovereign): A ceremonial role represented in Canada by the Governor General.
- The Senate: Appointed senators who review legislation.
- The House of Commons: Elected MPs who debate and pass laws.
Voting Requirements and Methods
To vote in a federal election, individuals must:
- Be Canadian citizens.
- Be at least 18 years old on election day.
- Provide proof of identity and address.
Ways to vote include:
- On Election Day: At assigned polling stations.
- Advance Voting: Held on the 10th to 7th days before election day.
- At Elections Canada Offices: Early voting is available until the Tuesday before election day.
- By Mail: Canadians living in or outside the country can vote by mail, adhering to deadlines.
Barriers to Voting
Despite being eligible, newcomers may need help voting. An Elections Canada report noted that political participation is vital to representing immigrants’ unique needs and preferences. According to the report, little attention has been paid to how immigrants adapt politically, yet their participation matters because their unique needs and preferences may differ from those of earlier immigrants and native-born citizens. With new immigrant waves coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, their views risk being underrepresented in the host society if they do not engage in politics. This highlights the importance of political participation for immigrants to ensure their voices are heard and their interests addressed.
Mobilizing Voter Participation
Community groups play a significant role in encouraging civic engagement among underrepresented groups.
“This is an important message to get out because voter turnout among new Canadians has been historically low,” Andrea Marantz, Regional Media Advisor for Elections Canada in B.C., said during the 2021 election cycle.
“We are reaching out to community leaders across the country through our Inspire Democracy platform and a handbook for community leaders and are urging them to get the message out.”
The Canadian-Muslim Vote (TCMV)
The Canadian-Muslim Vote has run extensive Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns, including knocking on doors, making calls, and leveraging social media. In the 2018 Ontario election, voter turnout among Canadian Muslims was 71–80 percent, compared to the average of 58 percent. In 2023, TCMV launched the Civic Leadership Institute to equip Canadian Muslims with political engagement and leadership skills.
Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC)
Founded in 2004, Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) focuses on increasing the political representation of Black Canadians. OBVC encourages civic participation and supports Black Canadians aspiring to public office through leadership training, voter education, and youth engagement programs. The organization does not endorse candidates or parties but aims to diversify Canada’s political landscape.
Understanding and engaging in Canada’s political system is crucial for newcomers to foster inclusion and ensure their voices are heard. Organizations like TCMV and OBVC provide vital support to encourage political participation. By voting and getting involved in civic life, immigrants contribute to shaping a diverse and representative democracy that reflects the needs and aspirations of all Canadians.
FAQ: Understanding Canada’s Political System as a Newcomer
Who can vote in Canada?
Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or older can vote in federal, provincial, or local elections. This right extends to Canadians living abroad and even those serving prison sentences. Permanent residents cannot vote until they become citizens. Voting helps shape government policies and ensures diverse voices are represented, including those of newcomers. Participation is crucial for contributing to Canada’s democratic process.
How does Canada’s parliamentary democracy work?
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as the ceremonial head of state, represented by the Governor General. The federal system consists of three components: the Senate (appointed members who review laws), the House of Commons (elected Members of Parliament), and the Sovereign. Citizens vote for MPs in their local ridings, and the party with the most elected MPs forms the government, with its leader becoming the prime minister.
What are the levels of government in Canada?
Canada operates under three levels of government:
Federal: Handles national issues like defense and foreign policy.
Provincial/Territorial: Manages regional matters like healthcare and education.
Municipal: Oversees local services like public transit and emergency services.
Each level has elected officials, ensuring governance addresses national, regional, and community-specific needs effectively.
What barriers do newcomers face when voting?
Newcomers often face challenges like language barriers, unfamiliarity with Canada’s political system, and a lack of outreach tailored to their needs. Reports highlight low voter turnout among new Canadians due to these issues. However, community groups like The Canadian-Muslim Vote and Operation Black Vote Canada actively work to engage underrepresented groups through education, outreach, and leadership programs to ensure their voices are heard.
How can newcomers participate in Canada’s democracy?
Newcomers can participate by voting once they gain citizenship, staying informed about political issues, and joining civic initiatives. Organizations like The Canadian-Muslim Vote and Operation Black Vote Canada offer resources and training to empower underrepresented groups. By engaging in political activities, immigrants help create a more inclusive democracy, ensuring their needs and preferences are represented in government policies and decisions.
