Voting is one of the most important and effective ways to have our voices heard in a healthy democracy. Researching where each party stands on environmental and social justice can help you decide who gets your vote. (Photo: Warren Wong via Unsplash)
A healthy, functional democracy requires voters to educate themselves on the issues that matter most to them.
If you’re passionate about solving the climate crisis, protecting and restoring nature and ushering in a new era of social justice and Indigenous rights, this guide can help you decide who gets your vote on September 20.
Find out where, when and how to vote on Monday September 20, 2021 on Election Canada’s website.
**Note: Because the David Suzuki Foundation is a federally registered charity, we can’t say anything politically partisan. In other words, we can’t encourage people to support or oppose any particular party or candidate. We can, however, provide information on important policies and platforms to help bring you up to speed on the environmental and social issues that matter most to you – so you can make your vote count.
“One Earth One Vote”
The David Suzuki Foundation is a member of One Earth One Vote, a non-partisan initiative led by a coalition of Canadian organizations working to ensure that the environment, social justice and Indigenous rights are on the national agenda for this federal election.
As the 2021 election campaign ramps up, the coalition is calling on all federal parties to commit to the following seven demands:
- Honour Indigenous rights
- Invest in a green and just recovery
- Support workers in a sustainable economy
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Stop pollution
- Protect the land and water
- Invest in Indigenous stewardship
As you do your own research into the various party platforms, we encourage you to examine where each party stands on these key issues.
One Earth One Vote also sent a 12-question survey to all major political parties to dig into the details of each party’s commitment to environmental and social justice.
Some helpful reading
In the meantime, here are some excellent resources from leading thinkers to help you learn where the parties stand on key environmental and social justice issues.
Climate:
- Blog post by Smart Prosperity Institute: “Election 2021: A Comparison of Climate Policy in Federal Party Platforms“
- Guide to “What makes a strong climate plan?” by Environmental Defence
- Article in The Tyee: “Where They Stand: The Parties on Climate Change“
- Article in The National Observer: “Canada’s election comes at a critical time in the climate fight“
Nature:
- Column by Nature Canada’s Michael Polanyi: “In a time of crisis, nature needs your vote“
Indigenous rights:
- Assembly of First Nations election priorities: “2021 Federal Priorities for Strengthening and Rebuilding First Nations“
The federal party platforms (in alphabetical order):
The most important thing? Vote!
If you’re planning to vote, you’re already doing the right thing.
If you’re feeling eager, no need to wait for Election Day. Visit Election Canada’s website for information on advance voting and mail-in ballots.
What else can you do? Encourage others to do the same! Voting is one of the most important and effective ways to have our voices heard in a healthy democracy.
