In the 2025 Canadian federal election, one of the most remarkable shifts in voter behavior was the increased influence of immigrants and first-generation Canadians. Traditionally thought to lean toward left-leaning parties like the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP), these communities demonstrated a more diverse range of political preferences and concerns, shaping the overall electoral results in ways that were not widely anticipated.

Historically, the immigrant vote in Canada has been seen as somewhat predictable, with voters leaning heavily toward the Liberal Party, largely due to the party’s more inclusive social policies. However, the 2025 election revealed that these voters are no longer monolithic in their political views. A number of factors contributed to the shifting preferences of these communities, and their collective influence became an undeniable force in the final results.

Understanding the Immigrant Experience in Canada

For many first-generation Canadians, the decision to vote in the 2025 election was not just about choosing a political party—it was about choosing a future. Most immigrants come to Canada seeking better opportunities, stability, and security for themselves and their families. Their votes in the 2025 election were driven by concerns about the country’s trajectory on issues like housing, economic opportunity, and the role of Canada in global geopolitics.

These voters, especially those from South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds, made up a significant portion of the electorate in key urban ridings. The immigrant population in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal has grown substantially over the past decade, and their political engagement has risen alongside this demographic shift.

The 2025 election revealed a nuanced shift in their political alignment. No longer strictly loyal to the Liberal Party, many first-generation Canadians also expressed a willingness to support Conservative candidates who addressed their growing concerns about economic opportunity, job security, and the protection of Canadian values in the face of rising global tensions.

Shifting Political Preferences: A Response to Economic Anxiety

The election results demonstrated that economic issues were at the forefront of first-generation Canadian voters’ minds. As the cost of living skyrocketed in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, many immigrants began to prioritize housing affordability and economic stability over traditional social policies. Housing, in particular, became a crucial issue for new Canadians who were often struggling to purchase homes or even rent in the cities they had hoped would offer them a better life.

The Liberal Party, traditionally seen as the champion of immigrant communities, found itself facing an unexpected challenge from the Conservative Party. The Conservatives, who had historically struggled with immigrant voters, made significant gains in immigrant-heavy ridings by focusing on issues like housing affordability and tax cuts for middle-class families.

While many first-generation Canadians still supported the Liberal Party’s pro-immigration policies, they were increasingly drawn to the Conservative Party’s economic message, particularly its focus on lowering the cost of living. For these voters, it was no longer enough to support a party because it championed inclusivity; they wanted concrete solutions to their immediate financial struggles.

The Growing Influence of the Digital Vote

Another factor contributing to the rise of the immigrant vote was the increasing use of digital media by younger, first-generation Canadians. Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter became crucial sources of political information and discourse. Young immigrant voters—many of whom have grown up in Canada—were especially adept at using these platforms to engage in political discussions, debate policies, and mobilize others.

In particular, political influencers from immigrant communities, such as YouTubers, Instagram personalities, and podcasters, played a key role in shaping the political discourse. These digital influencers bridged the gap between the political establishment and young voters who were increasingly disillusioned with traditional media sources. They offered alternative perspectives on the political process and served as a voice for communities that felt marginalized by mainstream political parties.

The power of digital media was especially evident in immigrant-heavy ridings, where traditional political campaigns struggled to engage voters. The success of digital influencers in motivating young, first-generation voters marked a departure from the previous reliance on in-person rallies and door-to-door canvassing, signaling the growing importance of digital engagement in future elections.

New Challenges for Traditional Parties

As immigrant communities flex their political muscles, traditional parties in Canada will need to rethink their approaches. While the Liberal Party has long been seen as the “party of immigrants,” the 2025 election made it clear that the immigrant vote is no longer a one-size-fits-all bloc. If political parties want to maintain their support among these communities, they will need to craft policies that address the diverse concerns of immigrant voters, from economic opportunities to issues of cultural integration and national security.

For the Conservative Party, the 2025 election represented a breakthrough moment in attracting immigrant voters. In the past, the party had struggled with perceptions of exclusionary policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric, but the 2025 campaign saw them reach out to these communities with a message of fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity. By addressing concerns about rising living costs and emphasizing policies to make Canada more competitive on the global stage, the Conservatives managed to chip away at the traditional support base of the Liberals.

On the other hand, the New Democratic Party (NDP) faced its own challenges in winning over immigrant voters. While the NDP’s progressive social policies still resonated with many immigrants, their traditional focus on labor rights and environmental issues struggled to capture the attention of newer Canadians who were more focused on immediate economic needs like housing affordability and job security. The NDP’s message of broad social justice, while appealing to many, did not sufficiently address the unique issues faced by first-generation Canadians in an increasingly expensive and competitive economic environment.

Looking to the Future

The 2025 Canadian election has shown that immigrants and first-generation Canadians are no longer passive participants in the political process. They are an active, influential force, whose concerns span a broad spectrum of issues. Their votes helped shape the outcome of the election, and their influence will only continue to grow in the years to come.

As Canadian society continues to diversify, the political landscape must adapt to reflect the evolving needs and concerns of immigrant communities. In future elections, parties will need to engage with these communities on a deeper level, offering policies that address not only their immediate needs but also their long-term aspirations for economic security and social inclusion.

The rise of immigrant and first-generation Canadian voters marks a shift in the political landscape—one that is more dynamic, diverse, and complex than ever before. For political parties in Canada, the challenge will be clear: to truly represent the diverse fabric of the nation, they must listen, engage, and respond to the unique concerns of every voter, no matter their background.