The first-past-the-post electoral system is fixed in our Constitution, and as a result, it cannot be changed. While this system has its challenges, most Canadians share progressive values. They believe the government has a critical role in protecting the vulnerable, serving the public good, and working in the best interests of all Canadians. Canadians also recognize that a well-regulated market economy has historically been the most effective way to ensure prosperity and meet the needs of our citizens.
For most Canadians, the freedoms guaranteed by our Charter of Rights and Freedoms lie at the heart of what it means to be Canadian. We believe these rights should extend to everyone who resides in Canada. True equality means more than equal rights—it includes fairness in opportunity, access to education, and universal healthcare.
These principles are not just ideals—they are the foundation of Canadian values. They guide us as we work to keep Canada on track. Unfortunately, these values are not always upheld in government policies. When the Conservatives have held power, the focus has often shifted to serving the interests of their insiders and connected elites.
The worst example of this was under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose government sold off Canadian assets, raised the pension eligibility age, ran up the national debt, and undermined essential social programs, infrastructure, and institutions. Under Conservative rule, freedoms come under threat: women’s reproductive rights are challenged, freedom of speech is restricted, and the institutions that make Canada a level playing field are eroded or outright destroyed.
Canadians are smart voters. Yet, too often, votes are split in ridings, inadvertently allowing Conservatives to win despite representing only a small portion of the population. Vote-splitting undermines the progressive majority in Canada. While many justify their choices based on personal grievances or “voting their conscience,” the reality is that such decisions risk enabling Conservative governments that don’t represent the broader interests of Canadians.
The threat posed by a Conservative government is nothing short of existential. The justifications people use to split their vote are ultimately shortsighted and selfish. As Canadians, we need to think beyond individual preferences and focus on the bigger picture—putting country over party.
Looking to the United States shows us the dangers of prioritizing party over the collective good. Divisive politics weaken democracies. We cannot afford to make the same mistakes.
The upcoming federal election requires strategic voting to prevent a Conservative majority. CanadaOnTrack.ca uses data from past election results to recommend the most strategic vote in each riding to block Conservative candidates. This ensures progressive votes are not wasted. In English-speaking Canada, this means voting strategically for the Liberal Party or the NDP, while in Quebec, it may also include the Bloc Québécois. In a few ridings, even Green Party votes might be critical.
By providing clear, riding-specific recommendations, we aim to empower voters to make informed decisions that maximize the progressive vote. With a united effort, we can ensure the Conservatives do not gain unchecked power.
For the past nine years, Canada has been on track. We’ve seen remarkable progress: reducing child poverty, providing affordable daycare, improving living standards, and maintaining a government that operates in the interest of all Canadians. This progress has come despite global challenges, including rising authoritarianism and foreign interference from actors like Russia, China, and India, who see a weakened Canada as advantageous to their own agendas. Even figures like Elon Musk have supported narratives that destabilize progressive governments.
The Conservatives have run a campaign of hate for years, offering no substantive policies—only divisive slogans. They have courted bigots, homophobes, racists, and misogynists, further polarizing Canadian society. The danger is clear: a Conservative majority government would undo a decade of progress, selling out Canada’s future and eroding the freedoms and equality we hold dear.
A minority Conservative government, while still concerning, could be held in check and brought down when the opportunity arises. But a Conservative majority would leave Canadians vulnerable to four years of regressive policies, environmental neglect, and economic mismanagement.
In this election, every vote counts. Work with your fellow Canadians to keep Canada on track. Don’t split the vote. Use your ballot wisely to ensure the Conservatives do not form a majority government.
CanadaOnTrack.ca is your resource for riding-specific recommendations to maximize the progressive vote. Together, we can ensure Canada remains on track, safeguarding nearly a decade of progress and protecting the principles that make us proud to be Canadian.