Significance of Rural Voters 

Rural voters in Canada can have a tremendous impact on federal elections as they make up a significant portion of Canadian voters. While less than one in five Canadians live in a rural area, rural communities drive nearly one-third of Canada’s economy, and are essential to the country’s prosperity (3,4). Rural communities provide energy and fresh food to the rest of the country. Federal elections have significant impacts on rural communities and Canadian policy makers cannot afford to disregard place-based differences any longer (5).

Key Issues 

In Canada, programming disparities create tensions between urban and rural voters (5). 

• The crisis in rural health services is growing, with physician shortages significantly impacting rural, remote, and Indigenous communities (6). In Atlantic Canada, which is mostly made up of rural communities, 30.9% of people do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, while 700, 0000 residents in rural communities in British Columbia lack a family doctor (7,8). 
• Rural communities drive key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources and contribute 30% of Canada’s GDP (9) The federal government must appreciate the economic and social benefits of the rural way of life by supporting policies that encourage these communities to grow their jobs and overall populations (7).
• Affordability also remains a pressing issue due to general lower incomes in rural areas. Average earnings in rural areas are sometimes 18% below the Canadian average and 27% below average earnings in urban areas (10).

Barriers and Challenges

“I can’t get to the polls on election day using public transportation.” 

• More and more Canadians are choosing alternatives to voting in-person on election day.
• For example, you can opt to vote by mail if you have difficulty physically getting to the polls. You have to register by 6pm ET on Tuesday April 22, and your ballot must be returned to Elections Canada by 6pm ET Monday April 28. 
• You can also vote early at any Elections Canada office across the country until 6pm on Tuesday, April 22 if you can get to an office on another day before election day. 
• You can opt to visit the advance polls on Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21. 

 “I don’t have access to the internet to get election information like party platforms.” 

• According to Elections Canada data, 54% of respondents living in a rural or small town agreed that sometimes politics and the government seem so complicated that a person with a similar background to them can’t really understand what’s going on (11).
• Your community might have a local radio station or newspaper that shares news, including election updates. Physical bulletin boards in community centres, libraries, and post offices may also display election-related information such as voter registration details and polling locations.
• Elections Canada also operates a toll-free hotline during elections to assist voters with inquiries. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-463-6868 anywhere in Canada. By leveraging these alternative methods, rural communities can stay informed and participate fully in federal elections.  

“The federal government leaves me and my community behind. I do not trust that they work in my best interest.” 

• According to Elections Canada data, 36% of rural respondents did not have confidence in the election process and 42% of rural respondents felt that the voting system in Canada is not safe and reliable, so you are not alone in your doubts (11)! 
• Casting your vote matters and even if the candidate you support doesn’t win, seeing what policy and platforms get increased support shows decision-makers what issues voters care about. Voting encourages whoever is elected to work to address the issues that voters like you care about!