The power of one vote

Every election, Canadians have the power to shape the future for animals. While it might feel like one vote can’t make a difference, history shows that when people unite for a cause, real change can happen.

How public pressure has led to animal protection wins

Animal protection laws don’t appear overnight – they are the result of persistent advocacy, public demand and political will.

Here are some key moments where public action has led to policy change in Canada:

• Banning the ivory and rhino horn trade: In 2023, after hundreds of thousands of people took action, Canada banned the domestic trade of elephant ivory and rhino horn, showing the power of collective voices in driving change.
• Ending animal testing for cosmetics: Canada banned cosmetic animal testing in 2023, a win driven by growing public demand for cruelty-free products.
• Ending the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment: Thanks to overwhelming public support and advocacy efforts, Canada passed Bill S-203 in 2019, making it illegal to breed or keep whales and dolphins in captivity for entertainment. This landmark legislation showed that when Canadians speak up, politicians listen.
• Stronger animal welfare laws in Ontario: Public pressure led to the 2019 PAWS Act (Bill 136) in Ontario, strengthening animal protections by making enforcement a government responsibility, increasing penalties, and allowing bans on keeping certain wild animals.
• Banning imports of shark fins: Thanks to widespread public outcry, changes to Canada’s fisheries legislation eliminated the import of shark fins into Canada. These fins are often cut off while the sharks are alive, and the suffering sharks are discarded back to the sea.
• Canada supports a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare: After Canadians spoke out, Canada unanimously passed a motion supporting a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the UN, reinforcing its commitment to recognizing animals as sentient beings deserving of protection.
• Stronger penalties for inhumane farm animal transport: After thousands of letters were sent to MPs demanding better protections for farm animals in transport, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency responded by more than doubling the penalties for violations, helping to deter cruelty and improve conditions for millions of animals.

Each of these milestones happened because voters made animal protection a priority.

Your vote can shape the future

The 2025 federal election is another chance to push for progress.

The 2021 federal election was the first time in election history that parties started committing to animal welfare in their election platforms. The platforms then determine the next government’s mandate and parliament’s priorities for the next few years which is why election time is a critical time to speak out. Election candidates take notice of what their voters care about. When candidates hear repeatedly that animal welfare matters, they are more likely to prioritize it, when elected.

By casting your vote for candidates who prioritize animal protection, you can help create a future where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.

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Banner photo: Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock