Federal Election in Canada

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Download the 2025 Election Toolkit 

Take the AFP Canada Federal Election Survey

The 2025 federal election, which will take place on April 28, provides a unique opportunity for AFP leaders and members to raise the profile of our sector and to be heard by those wishing to represent us. Because of the revenue driven by fundraisers in Canada, and the government’s dependence on charities to deliver essential services, AFP’s government relations (GR) work is critical.

AFP Canada's priority for the 2025 federal election is the following: to create a permanent, dedicated secretariat for Canada's charitable sector and to include the sector in government assistance programs in response to the U.S. trade dispute. 

Now that the election has been called, AFP members are encouraged to raise the profile of our sector by reminding candidates that we raise funds to power charities nationwide. Here are some specific things you can do:

1. Mark your calendar for April 28!
2. Download the AFP Canada Election Toolkit which offers tools and guidance to help members engage.
3. Take the AFP Canada Federal Election Survey.
4. Engage with local candidates when they knock on your door or when you see them at community events. These are great opportunities for you to get to know current and potential leaders in government, and to remind them about the impact of our sector’s work, particularly in your community. Refer to this information on the critical need for a secretariat in government. Specific questions you can ask:
   • Tell me about your experience with charities.
   • Do you know the size and impact of our sector? (Refer to the webpage about the need for a secretariat for stats about our sector's impact.)
   • Did you know that our sector doesn't have a single window into government? (Refer to the webpage about the need for a secretariat to learn how it would improve support for Canadians.)
   • If elected, what would you do to support our sector? How would you mitigate the impact of the U.S. trade dispute on our sector?
   • Encourage them to learn more about nonprofits and charities in their communities.
5. Share responses to questions on social media using hashtag #AFPCanada, #PolCan and #Elxn45. Don’t forget to tag your local candidates where appropriate.
6. Vote—and encourage others to vote. To find your voting location, go to Elections Canada.
7. After the election AFP Canada will reach out to newly elected MPs on behalf of AFP Canada. AFP members will be encouraged to keep building relationships with their MPs after the election.

AFP Canada is a leading national voice for fundraising professionals across this country with over 3,000 members working in organizations from coast to coast to coast. AFP members play a critical role helping to shape Canadian policy and raising funds that change lives. They fundraise for organizations large and small, in rural and remote communities as well as towns and major cities across the country. Fundraisers support the arts, culture, shelters, emergency services, healthcare, education, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and social justice, all while contributing over 8% to Canada's GDP. 

Key Messages:

• More than 5 million Canadians report making donations of all sizes each year.
• Our sector contributes over 8% to GDP.
• There are 170,000 nonprofits and charities in Canada.
• 24% of Canadians rely on the sector for basic needs – just to get by!

If you are posting on social media, please include the following hashtags: 

• #AFPCanada
• #PolCan
• #Elxn45

For further information:

• Policy, Politics, and Charities: Ensuring Our Voices Are Heard
• The Critical Need for a Secretariat for the Charitable Sector
• AFP Canada 2025 Pre-Budget Consultation
• Elections Canada
• Imagine Canada -Federal election readiness for nonprofits