The 45th Federal Election, held on April 28, 2025, marked a significant turning point in Canadian politics. Not only did we break a 30-year record for voter turnout, but we also saw an unprecedented shift in messaging and priorities regarding the future of Canadian science and research. With nearly 7 in 10 eligible voters casting ballots, this election resulted in a strong Liberal minority government and a formidable Conservative opposition, as well as significant changes for smaller political parties.
In terms of the outcome, the Liberal Party secured 169 seats (44% of the popular vote), achieving a rare fourth term in power and their highest seat count since 2015. The Conservatives gained 144 seats (41% of the popular vote) in their best turnout since the 2011 election, despite their leader, Pierre Poilievre, losing his seat in Carleton. By contrast, all three other major parties lost a significant slice of their seats, including the New Democratic Party (-71%), Bloc Québécois (-29%), and Green Party (-50%).
Throughout the 37-day election period, Evidence for Democracy hosted our Vote Science campaign, which centred around promoting the value of science and research for federal candidates and the public. Vote Science provided stakeholders and the Canadian public with a wide range of resources, including a letter-writing campaign, a science pledge, a STEMM Candidates Tracker, an advocacy toolkit, a party platform analysis, op-eds, and blog posts. Our campaign was the only one of its kind in Canada, highlighting the importance of science and research in government.
While being significantly overshadowed by other campaign topics, science and research were featured in all major party platforms, revealing both ideological differences and political priorities regarding the role and future of science and research in Canada.
Canada’s 45th Federal Election has set the tone for how Canadian politicians and policymakers will shape Canadian science and research for decades to come. While these issues were not at the forefront of the election campaign, the tone and priorities set by political leaders will have long-lasting implications for research funding, scientific integrity, and the advancement of EDI in the research sector. To best protect and promote these values, Canada’s science and research community must remain engaged, active, and united in advocating for evidence-informed policy and the crucial role of research in shaping Canada’s future.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Takeaway Report!
Evidence for Democracy will continue to track election commitments, so stay tuned for updates as the Parliament is set to resume its activities very soon in September!
