How to Vote for the Ocean in Canada’s 2025 Election
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April 24, 2025

How to Vote for the Ocean in Canada’s 2025 Election

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Canada’s federal election on April 28, 2025, is quickly approaching. Now is the time to vote for the ocean and for the future you want. From overfishing and habitat loss to  climate change and plastic pollution, marine ecosystems are under growing pressure. This threatens the rich biodiversity of ocean life that supports food security, cultural identity, and coastal communities.  

This election is your chance to speak up for the issues you care about and stand up for healthy oceans. Make sure you’re registered to vote and have a plan to cast your ballet—the ocean can’t vote, but you can!

Why your vote for the ocean matters

Oceans are facing more threats than ever before. In 2024, global ocean temperatures hit record highs, marking the warmest year on record. Rising sea levels and increasing acidification are destroying critical habitats, such as corals and sponges, putting entire marine ecosystems at risk of collapse. These challenges compound ongoing issues like pollution, overfishing, and biodiversity loss—making it more important than ever to vote for the ocean.

From coast to coast to coast, Canadians depend on healthy oceans. The ocean provides sustainable seafood, supports jobs and livelihoods, sustains our culture, offers recreation, and shapes our weather and climate.

Dive into the details

To make an informed decision this election, we encourage you to read each federal party’s platform (linked below). As you review them, look for specific commitments with measurable goals and timelines.

(To quickly find relevant sections, press CTRL and F and search for keywords like “ocean,” “plastic,” “habitat protection” or “fish,” for example.) 

You can also check out this election promise comparison resource that summarizes where major parties stand on key ocean issues—so you can vote for the ocean with confidence. Linked here >> 

Questions to ask federal election candidates about ocean protection

One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard is by asking direct questions. Take the time to learn who your local candidates are and where they stand — especially on protecting the ocean and earning your vote for the ocean.

Find candidates running in your riding at elections.ca by entering your postal code. 

This election is your opportunity to ensure that ocean protection is a top priority for the next federal government. Here are a few questions to ask:

  • Plastic pollution: I am concerned about the impact of single-use plastic pollution on the environment, oceans, and my health. What will your party do tackle plastic pollution at the source and reduce the production of single-use plastic? 
  • Fish population recovery: Currently, 17% of Canada’s marine fish populations are depleted, and only about one-third are considered healthy. What will your party do to rebuild depleted fish populations and secure long-term economic, cultural, and social benefits for Canadians?  
  • North Atlantic right whales: With only about 370 critically endangered North Atlantic right whales remaining, extinction is possible in our lifetime. These whales are dying from preventable threats, like  fishing gear entanglement and vessel strikes. What will your party do to protect them? 
  • Ocean habitat protection: What steps will your party take to safeguard fragile marine habitats from oil and gas exploration and extraction, mining, overfishing and bottom trawling? 

Make Your Voice Heard: Vote for the Ocean

Your local candidates are running to represent you, so don’t hesitate to ask them directly about the issues that matter most to you. When you speak up for ocean protection, you send a powerful message: Canadians care deeply about marine conservation and expect strong leadership from their elected officials. 

To learn more about these issues – and how Oceana Canada is working to protect marine life and habitats, rebuild fish populations, and reduce plastic pollution – visit Oceana.ca/Campaigns. >>

This federal election, make your voice count. Vote for the ocean. Vote for our future. 

See you at the polls!