Why I Wrote This Guide
“I’m sorry, but I’m not a Canadian citizen yet.” That’s what someone told me while I was door-knocking during a campaign. It made me realise that many people believe if you aren’t a Canadian citizen, you can’t get involved in federal politics or help make changes in the country. That’s simply not true.
Even without citizenship, if you live in Canada, federal politics has an impact on your life. In fact, non-citizens often have even more at stake, especially regarding immigration policies. Decisions about staying in Canada, becoming a citizen, or sponsoring family members all depend on federal politics.
While non-citizens can’t run for office or vote in elections1, they are not powerless. Permanent residents, for example, can make political donations2 and vote in party leadership races, which helps decide who might become the next prime minister.
And nothing stops you from canvassing for a candidate3, even if you are not yet a permanent resident. Once people realise this, many choose to volunteer and work alongside others to make the country better. Many of them devote more time and effort to these activities than most Canadian citizens, even though they are not yet permanent residents.
As of 2025, more than 7% of Canada’s population is made up of non-permanent residents. Including permanent residents, more than one in ten people in our communities are non-citizens. It’s unfortunate that so many don’t realise their potential to contribute, even though they often have more at stake than citizens in certain areas.
Why It Can Feel Difficult to Get Involved
For some people, especially depending on where they come from, participating in politics can feel extremely challenging. In some countries, civil rights and human rights are heavily restricted. In others, there isn’t a full democratic process at all.
Even in some developed countries, campaigning isn’t done in the same open and active style as in Canada. All these differences can make it harder for newcomers to realise they have the power to get involved and help shape Canada’s future alongside citizens.
Filling the Information Gap
There aren’t many resources that explain these things clearly. Some materials, like Discover Canada4, explain how the Canadian political system works well enough to vote in federal elections. The Elections Canada website also outlines the election system and rules5.
But those resources don’t talk about how to volunteer in politics or how volunteering can make a real difference. Plus, Welcome to Canada is mainly known to people preparing for the citizenship test. Most non-permanent residents, or those not yet interested in citizenship may never see it.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide may also be helpful for Canadian citizens who want to learn more about elections and campaigns. But it is mainly for people who are not yet familiar with Canadian federal politics. It’s designed to provide just the right amount of focused, simplified information to help you get involved.
It doesn’t cover the behind-the-scenes details of how campaign staff manage a campaign.
In the sections that explain Canadian politics and the election system, I’ve kept things as simple as possible to provide essential knowledge for anyone who wants to volunteer and get involved.
References
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Voting in a Federal Election, Elections Canada ↩
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Understanding contributions, Elections Canada ↩
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Frequently asked questions, Elections Canada ↩
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Discover Canada, Government of Canada ↩
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Welcome to Elections and Democracy!, Elections Canada ↩