Engaging in Canadian politics starts with knowing your options. This guide helps you explore political parties through their platforms, events, and newsletters. Whether you’re considering volunteering or just curious, you’ll find the tools to begin participating with confidence and build connections that shape your experience in Canada.
Compare Platforms
If you’re unsure which party to support, a good starting point is reviewing each party’s platform from the 2025 campaign. You can find this information on CBC/Radio-Canada’s website1 2 or directly on each party’s official site.
Research party’s history
Understanding a party’s history can help you better grasp its values and evolution. The Canadian Encyclopedia offers helpful summaries for each party:
- Liberal Party of Canada
- Conservative Party
- Bloc Québécois
- New Democratic Party (NDP)
- Green Party of Canada
Look for EDA
Each party has an Electoral District Association (EDA) that coordinates local activities such as events, and volunteer outreach. Most of the represented parties (except Bloc Québécois, which has EDAs only in Quebec) have EDAs in nearly every riding across Canada. Typically, you’ll start by connecting with the EDA in your home riding, since they are most familiar with your area.
However, you are not limited to your local EDA. If the EDA in your area is not very active or if you’re particularly interested in a candidate or campaign elsewhere, you’re welcome to connect with any EDA in Canada.
Action
Look for EDA
Here are the event and EDA pages for each major party. Not all events are listed online, so subscribing to newsletters and staying in touch with local campaigns is a good idea. If you’re looking for an EDA in a riding where the NDP or Bloc Québécois doesn’t currently hold a seat, you may need to contact the party directly for more information.
Meet Supporters
Many ridings organise social gatherings, each with its own style. Sometimes, supporters meet casually at a bar. Other times, there are volunteer appreciation events at restaurants or community halls, with snacks, conversations, and speeches from local MPs or special guests like ministers.
Every event has its own rules about who can attend. If an event is listed on a party’s website without specific restrictions, it usually means everyone is welcome. Even if you haven’t volunteered yet, you may still be invited to appreciation events if you’re planning to get involved. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask the contact person listed with the event details.
See also the article:
Action
Find an Event
Here are the event pages for each party. Unfortunately, not all events are listed online. To avoid missing interesting opportunities, it’s a good idea to subscribe to newsletters from the party or local riding association and stay in touch with campaigns. See Get to Know the Parties for more about subscribing to newsletters.
- Liberal
- Conservative
- Bloc Québécois: Studying. Tell us if you know.
- New Democratic
- Green
Subscribe to Newsletters
To stay informed about upcoming campaigns and events, the easiest step is subscribing to a party’s newsletter. If you already know which riding you’d like to volunteer in, signing up as a volunteer ensures you’ll receive updates about upcoming opportunities in that riding.
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Sign Up for a Newsletter
Most parties have a newsletter sign-up form on the front page of their website. Some riding associations also send newsletters. If you’re interested in a particular riding, ask the local association if they have one.
- Liberal
- Conservative
- Bloc Québécois: Studying. Tell us if you know.
- New Democratic
- Green
Take Trainings
If you’d like to learn more about the party, many offer online training courses. These are usually offered on the party’s website and often cover topics like:
- An introduction to the party’s values and policies
- How to participate in volunteer activities
- How to become part of the riding team or campaign staff
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Take a Training
Some parties have dedicated training pages, while others include training sessions in their regular event listings. In some cases, training opportunities are shared only through newsletters.
- Liberal
- Conservative
- Bloc Québécois: Studying. Tell us if you know.
- New Democratic
- Green
You can choose whichever courses interest you most.
Key Takeaways from This Topic
How can I compare the different political parties?
Start by reviewing each party’s 2025 platform. These are available on CBC/Radio-Canada’s website and on the parties’ official sites.
What is a good way to learn about a party's values and evolution?
You can explore a party’s history through summaries available on The Canadian Encyclopedia. Understanding a party’s past helps explain its current values and priorities.
What is an Electoral District Association (EDA)?
An EDA manages local political activity for a party in each riding. They organize events, recruit volunteers, and keep supporters informed about local initiatives.
Am I limited to my local Electoral District Association?
No. You can connect with any EDA in Canada, especially if you're interested in a different campaign or your local EDA isn’t very active.
How do I connect with my local riding?
Reach out to the riding’s Electoral District Association or sign up as a volunteer. This helps you receive updates about events and get involved in your area.
Can I attend social or appreciation events even if I haven’t volunteered yet?
Yes, often you can. If an event is publicly listed without restrictions, it's usually open to all. If you’re unsure, contact the event organizer.
Where can I find upcoming political events?
Visit the party’s official website for event listings, but not all events are posted online. Subscribing to newsletters is the best way to stay updated.
How do I sign up for a party newsletter?
Most parties have a newsletter sign-up form on their homepage. You can also ask your local riding association if they offer their own newsletter.
Do political parties offer training for new volunteers?
Yes. Many parties offer online courses on their websites that cover topics like party values, volunteering, and campaign roles. Some trainings are only promoted through newsletters.
How can I stay connected with a specific riding?
Sign up as a volunteer in that riding or contact the local association. This ensures you receive updates about events and opportunities in that area.