From Hesitation to Action

While canvassing during a federal campaign, I met a woman who told me, “I’m sorry, but I’m not a Canadian citizen yet.” She thought that meant she couldn’t help in politics. That moment opened my eyes to how many newcomers share this belief and how much potential we lose as a country when we don’t help them understand the ways they can participate.

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 realize that many people believe if they aren’t a Canadian citizen, they can’t get involved in federal politics or help create change in the country. That’s simply not true.

Even without citizenship, if they live in Canada, federal politics has an impact on their 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, helping decide who might become the next prime minister.

And nothing stops them from canvassing for a candidate³, even if they are not yet a permanent resident. Once people realize this, many choose to volunteer and work alongside others to make the country better. I have seen many people 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 realize 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

Political participation by newcomers is often difficult due to multiple layers of the information gap.

First, there is a gap in understanding how federal politics affects their lives. People raised in Canada have opportunities to receive civil rights education or learn through lived experience. But newcomers may have received a different kind of civic education, influenced by a different political system. In some countries, the education system does not encourage political awareness because the government may not want people to participate. As a result, newcomers may not fully understand how much Canadian federal policies impact their lives.

Second, people may not realize that they have the power to influence politics through individual participation. In some countries, democratic systems are limited or weak. Even in functioning democracies, the influence of individuals can vary. In some places, governments rarely change, or political outcomes are dominated by wealthy elites or specific religious or ethnic groups. In contrast, Canada offers individuals more direct influence over politics. Understanding this difference is key to helping newcomers see their own power to shape society here.

Finally, there is often a gap in knowledge about how to participate. Campaign styles and practices vary significantly around the world. Ideas around political donations or volunteering may feel unfamiliar or even suspicious depending on someone’s background. Naturally, people are hesitant to take part in things they don’t understand. This is why unfamiliarity can become a major barrier to political participation.

What “newcomer guide” means

This guide is focused on providing practical information about how to participate in Canadian federal politics so that readers can take the next step: finding trustworthy information and connecting with the right people. That next step is where meaningful action begins.

Additionally, by explaining what a typical Canadian campaign looks like, this guide helps prevent newcomers from being drawn into inappropriate or misleading political activities.

To serve that purpose, this guide keeps things simple. In the sections explaining Canadian politics and the election system, I’ve provided only the essential information needed to get involved. This guide also does not cover behind-the-scenes campaign management.

This guide may also be helpful for Canadian citizens who want to learn more about elections and campaigns. However, the main goal is to provide newcomers with clear, focused guidance so they can confidently begin participating in Canadian political life.

References