Make Nature a Priority in the 2025 Federal Election

A federal election is just around the corner and, thankfully, many Ontarians intend to vote with nature in mind.

According to a recent poll, more than 80% of Canadians want the federal government to do more to protect wildlife. This builds on polling which puts Ontarians near the top among all provincial voters when it comes to wanting stronger nature protections. The bottom line is that voters across Canada and Ontario expect our federal representatives to make nature a priority.

At a time of global biodiversity loss and climate crises, this matters more than ever. Not only for the health of the planet, but for the sake of our own communities and future generations.

Ontario Nature Election Priorities

• Uphold Canada’s international commitment, including to protect 30% of its lands and waters by 2030;
• Respect Indigenous rights and knowledge in conservation, including support for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other initiatives;
• End public subsidies that are used to harm nature; and
• Invest in nature-based climate solutions.

While some parties have unfortunately not yet released their platforms for the public to transparently evaluate, we can assess where they stand based on a recent questionnaire from leading environmental groups, as well as media reporting on the issues.

What You Can Do

We all have a stake in the future of the natural world. Together, we can halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The only way this will happen is if candidates and political leaders hear loudly and clearly that biodiversity is important to you. Here are five simple things that we can all do:

1. Register to vote and be informed about your electoral district;
2. Encourage your family, friends, coworkers and neighbours to vote;
3. Send letters to your local candidates or party leaders;
4. Vote to protect and restore nature; and
5. Learn more on our federal election webpage.

We need real leaders who are prepared to chart a course to a better future at a time when we’re witnessing the loss of wildlife, weakening of environmental protections and severe impacts of climate change. This election, please raise your voice for protecting nature and climate action.

Shane Moffatt, Ontario Nature's Conservation Campaigns and Advocacy Manager, is a settler living in Tkaronto (Toronto) on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. He has been advocating for environmental justice for almost twenty years and holds an LLM from the University of Toronto. Shane was previously head of Greenpeace Canada’s nature campaign and has extensive experience advocating for legislative reforms, supporting impacted communities and empowering the public to act. Shane is an avid hiker and is frequently found exploring the forests and wetlands of Southern Ontario with his partner.