About the Event Virtual Forum Series with Federal Party Leaders
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting a series of virtual forums with federal party leaders ahead of the 45th General Election on April 28, 2025. These sessions will provide Chiefs and First Nations leaders with the opportunity to share their priorities, hear directly from federal party leaders, and engage on issues of importance to First Nations across Turtle Island.
The Green Party session with Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault was held on April 14. The session with Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre will take place on April 22, followed by the New Democratic Party session with Leader Jagmeet Singh on April 23. A session with Liberal Party of Canada Leader Mark Carney is still to be confirmed. Separately, the AFN Quebec-Labrador is liaising directly with the Bloc Québécois.
Register NowEach session will feature one federal party leader who will speak to their party’s platform, respond to questions from Chiefs, and outline how they intend to advance First Nations priorities, if elected. These discussions will also reflect the priorities set out in the AFN’s 2025 Election Priorities document, Prosperity for All.
There will be limited time for live questions during each session. Chiefs are encouraged to submit questions in advance to [email protected].
Sessions will be moderated and will include live translation and closed captioning. Registration is free and open to First Nations Chiefs, Tribal Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, Councillors, First Nations observers, and media. Recordings will be made available for those unable to attend live.
How to Attend Find out how to register.
Registration
Registration is free and open to First Nations Chiefs, Tribal Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, Councillors, First Nations observers, and media. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. A separate email with the Zoom link and event details will be sent closer to the session date. For assistance with registration or technical support, please email [email protected],
Registration is open for the sessions below:
Candidate: Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)
Date: April 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 pm ET
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Candidate: Jagmeet Singh, New Democratic Party (NDP)
Date: April 23, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 pm ET
Format: Virtual via Zoom
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.
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 45th 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 45th 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].