4 ½ Takeaways from the Canadian Election

The results are in! And the dust is still settling, but a few things are already clear: this election was a stress test for our democracy, our organizing power, and our ability to respond to a rising authoritarian tide of disinformation and division. 

Guess what? People showed up.

Across the country, communities mobilized. We saw strategic voting, a groundswell of civic engagement, and a fierce commitment to protecting what matters. And at the same time, we got a wake-up call about what we’re up against.

Here are some of our takeaways from the 2025 Canadian federal election:

1. Voters showed up to defend democracy.

In key ridings across the country, people voted strategically to block candidates threatening democratic norms. That turnout was purposeful. It showed that when we’re informed, organized, and willing to act with urgency, we can protect what matters.

This is a win for everyone who’s been sounding the alarm. And frankly a win for Canada.

2. The Conservative right gained ground.

Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party saw a significant rise in support, winning 144 seats and over 41% of the popular vote—their best result in over a decade. For many Canadians, his message of change struck a chord, especially among those frustrated with the status quo. But this wasn’t just about economic policy or tax reform—it was also about wedge issues and culture war rhetoric that stoked fear and division.

Despite losing his own seat (Canada’s quietest mic drop), Poilievre’s broader strategy worked. The base is energized, the narrative is spreading, and the tone of Canadian politics is shifting.

Let’s be clear: despite the Liberal win, the fight against authoritarianism and disinformation isn’t over. If anything, this election confirmed that far-right talking points are becoming more mainstream—and that makes the work ahead even more urgent.

3. We have 2–3 years to secure our open society.

Minority governments in Canada often face challenges in maintaining stability, and historically, they tend to last around two years before another election is called. This means we have a relatively short amount of time to reinforce the foundations of our democracy.

This is our window. We must use it to:

• Protect the institutions that safeguard democracy like electoral integrity, public education, a free press, and judicial independence.
  
  

• Reach people before they fall further into extremism. Many who vote Conservative are responding to real frustration about housing, affordability, the pace of change, or a feeling of being unheard. Others are pulled in by simple answers to complex problems. We don’t have to agree with them, but we do have to understand the landscape they’re living in. If we ignore them, we leave that space wide open for those who exploit fear and resentment.
  
  

4. And openness depends on a diversity of political thought.

We’re watching a dangerous narrowing of our political spectrum. The NDP’s recent stall and the Greens’ continued marginalization point to a shrinking field of real alternatives. One of Canada’s strengths has always been the ability to choose between multiple parties with distinct visions. When that starts to slip away, we edge closer to a two-party system and we’ve seen where that road leads - just look south. When people feel there’s no meaningful choice, polarization thrives. That’s when we stop listening to each other and start talking past one another.

The truth is, no matter how strongly we believe in progressive values, it’s unrealistic to expect any population to move in ideological unison. Political tribalism is deeply human. What matters isn’t eliminating disagreement but how we engage with it. A healthy democracy needs complexity and challenge. Our ideas should be tested, sharpened, challenged and changed through dialogue and not sealed off in echo chambers.

That means actively inviting people in. Especially the ones we don’t agree with. Rebuilding the political middle doesn’t happen by dragging others to our side. This happens by creating space where real conversation is possible again.

4 ½ We should probably all text our uncle who voted CPC and ask if he’s okay.

Seriously. This isn’t the moment to cut people off—it’s the moment to lean in, listen hard, and get a little uncomfortable. Political de-radicalization doesn’t happen on X or Bluesky—it happens at the dinner table, in the group chat, and on the front porch. So be kind. Be brave. And don’t let Uncle Ron dominate the convo.

What’s Next For VAF

We organize. We educate. We build community. VAF is organizing next steps, stay tuned.