AFN Federal Election Priorities

As in previous federal elections, the AFN has prepared Prosperity for All: First Nations Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election, to inform federal policies and invite political parties to communicate their approach to addressing issues important to First Nations, if elected. Guided by resolutions from Chiefs, these priorities also reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.

Learn more by visiting: https://afn.ca/prosperity-for-all/.

About the Candidates

Leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre

Pierre Poilievre is fighting to put Canada First – For a Change. Born in Calgary to a teenage mother and adopted by two schoolteachers, Pierre’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and the promise of Canada. He earned a degree from the University of Calgary and entered public service to fight for the same opportunity he was given. As Leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre is ready to deliver the strong leadership this moment demands. He has a plan to restore Canada’s promise, where hard work gets you a good life on a safe street under a proud flag. Pierre has served seven terms as a Member of Parliament and held senior cabinet positions in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, including as the Minister responsible for jobs and housing. He has built a reputation as a sharp, effective voice in Ottawa—someone who cuts through the red tape to deliver results and stand up for taxpayers. Long before inflation hit record highs and interest rates surged, Pierre warned about the dangers of too much wasteful Liberal spending. He was right. Now, as Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living, housing shortages, stagnant wages and crime, Pierre is leading the charge for change—calling out broken Liberal promises and offering bold solutions that will make life better and cheaper for all Canadians. Pierre lives in Ottawa with his wife Anaida and their children, Valentina and Cruz.

Leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh

Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh is a lawyer, a human rights activist, former MPP in Ontario and currently serves as the MP for Burnaby South. Jagmeet understands the struggles Canadians are faced with because as a young man, he had to step up and take care of his family. Recently, Jagmeet and the NDP Caucus delivered the greatest expansion of universal healthcare in generations, with the creation of a new dental care program and concrete steps towards national pharmacare. Jagmeet is driven to make sure government delivers for people with stronger services that help create a better future for everyone.

Leader of the Liberal Party, Mark Carney

Mark Carney was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Both of his parents were teachers. Growing up, he played hockey as a goalie for Laurier Heights, went to St. Francis Xavier high school, and won a scholarship to study in the United States. He started his career in finance before joining Canada’s public service, to help ensure our economy supports the things that Canadians value – like healthcare, security, and a life you can afford. As Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis, Mark guided Canada through one of the most turbulent economic periods in modern history, protecting jobs and helping ensure that Canada came out stronger. In 2013, he was recruited to lead the Bank of England, stewarding the United Kingdom’s economy through Brexit and the economic and political crises that followed. And in 2020, he began serving as the UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance — helping rally the world to build stronger economies as we fight climate change. Mark offers the proven leadership and real plan we need to deliver change for our party and our country, and to build the strongest economy in the G7. We are a proud nation of builders — and now, it’s time to build. Let’s build together.

Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Elizabeth May

From her early years as an environmental activist, struggling financially while waiting tables at the family restaurant in Cape Breton, to her work as a single mom amplifying the voices of underprivileged communities to the halls of power, she has been a trailblazer for generations of Canadian women and activists. She has always stood on principle—resigning in 1988 when her Environment Minister boss broke the law, and stepping down as Senior Policy Advisor despite numerous successes, including the 1987 Montreal Protocol that saved the ozone layer. She was the only MP to intervene at the NEB against the pipeline, facing arrest in March 2018 protesting TMX. Elizabeth May continues her work today as the Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. Her focus remains on environmental racism and justice, animal rights, pesticides, and fossil fuel divestment.

Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Jonathan Pedneault

At 15, Jonathan (who also goes by JP) watched Hotel Rwanda. Determined to take action against genocide, he began advocating in Quebec schools and beyond, urging Canada to do more to prevent human rights abuses and crimes against humanity. When ethnic cleansing escalated in Sudan’s Darfur region, he knew that was where he needed to go. He was 17.

Crossing into Darfur at night from Chad alongside Sudanese rebels, JP co-produced a CBC documentary that marked the beginning of his career in conflict reporting. He went on to cover maritime geopolitics and the shifting global order in the Middle East. Between 2010 and 2012, he reported from Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Israel.

Following a research trip to Ukraine to investigate Russian war crimes during the first 10 days of the war, JP entered politics in 2022, running alongside Elizabeth May to become co-leader of the Green Party. Since then, he has traveled across the country, listening to Canadians and understanding their priorities. From coast to coast to coast, he has engaged with communities, frontline workers, and activists to shape a political movement that puts people and the planet first.

More ready than ever, JP is determined to lead with courage and ensure we do politics differently. He believes in a politics rooted in integrity, bold action, and genuine connection with people. From the frontlines of global conflicts to the frontlines of Canada’s most pressing challenges, he has never shied away from standing up for what’s right. Now, he’s bringing that same fearless commitment to the fight for climate action, social justice, and a future where everyone can thrive.

Federal Election Resources

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is working with Elections Canada to support First Nations electors by providing information on the federal election process and addressing barriers to participation. For information on the 45^th Federal Election, including voter registration, voting options (election day, advance polls, mail-in ballots), polling station locations, voter ID requirements, vouching, candidate details, and job opportunities with Elections Canada, visit https://afn.ca/federal-election-25/. For questions about the 45^th Federal Election, please contact [email protected].

The AFN is non-partisan and does not support or endorse any political party or candidate. We respect First Nations’ right to self-determination, including the choice of whether or not to take part in the federal election.

Contact

For information about the Virtual Forums, or to submit questions to ask the federal party leaders, please contact [email protected].