Why This Election Matters for Animals

You Can Help Be A Voice for Animals

On April 28, Canadians will head to the polls at a pivotal moment for our country’s future. From affordability to housing to healthcare, the issues are complex and far-reaching. But one concern is often left out of the conversation: the well-being of the animals who share our homes and communities.

The choices we make will shape how we support families, care for the vulnerable and build the kind of society we want to live in — not just for ourselves, but for our pets too.

At the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), we see every day how powerful the bond is between people and their animals. And that bond is being tested like never before. We hear from people who love their pets deeply and are doing everything they can to care for them, even while facing overwhelming challenges*:

• A woman reaching out about surrendering her cat — not because she wanted to, but because her pet needed urgent treatment she couldn’t afford.
• Another who finally found stable housing, only to learn the building required proof of spay, a surgery she couldn’t pay for.
• A parent entering mental health treatment, looking for someone to temporarily care for their beloved companion.
• A family living out of their car after an unexpected job loss, in tears because they didn’t want to say goodbye to their dog but wanted better for him.

These situations are heartbreaking. And they’re becoming more common. In March alone, requests for help at EHS rose by over 33% compared to recent months. These stories are a powerful reminder that animal welfare is deeply connected to the social issues shaping this election. When policies support people — with housing, healthcare and financial stability — they also help keep pets and families together.

That’s why this federal election matters.

We have an opportunity right now to make sure the needs of animals — and the people who love them — are part of the conversation, both in Edmonton and across our nation.

Use Your Voice to Make Animal Welfare a Priority

We envision a community where pets and people thrive, together, and where policies reflect the compassion Canadians feel toward animals. This isn’t just a dream. It’s a future we can work toward, side by side.

As voters, we can use our voices to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. One simple conversation with your local candidate can drive change. If you’re not sure what to ask, here are a few ideas to get started:

1. If elected, how will your party create a more humane Canada for all animals?
2. What key points in your party platform address animal welfare, and how do you intend to support these issues?

You can find more conversation starters in Humane Canada’s election toolkit.

Each conversation sends a powerful message: animal welfare matters to us.

We’re Raising Our Voices — And We Hope You Will Too

At EHS, we’re proud to be part of a national movement through our membership in Humane Canada. Alongside other organizations across the country, we’re working to ensure animals stay on the radar of federal decision-makers, not only during the election, but long after the votes are counted.

When you join us, we can make an even greater collective impact.

Here’s how you can take action today:

• Explore the issues. Learn more about the key topics that should be on the radar of candidates by reading Humane Canada’s 2025 policy platform.
• Find out who’s running in your area. Use Elections Canada’s Voter Information Service to look up your local candidates.
• Talk to your candidates. Ask them how they’ll prioritize animal welfare if elected. Share your concerns, which issues matter to you and the importance of the animals in your life.

Together, we can raise the profile of animal welfare in this election.

Let’s Keep Building a Kinder Future

For nearly 120 years, EHS has stood alongside our community, speaking up for animals when they’ve needed us most. We were founded because Rosetta Graydon raised her voice for the horses of Edmonton — and we’ve continued that legacy ever since.

One thing we’ve learned over the years: we’re stronger when we act together. Meaningful change happens when people care enough to speak up and raise our collective voice for a more compassionate world.

This election is about many things. But at its heart, it’s about what kind of country we want to be — and who we include in that vision. Let’s make sure animals have a place in it.

Thank you for being a voice for compassion. Together, we can help create a future where all animals — and the people who love them — are supported, protected and valued.

Your voice matters. And the animals are counting on you.

Liza Sunley, Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)
CEO
Edmonton Humane Society

*These are real stories, though some details have been changed to protect privacy.