As Canadians prepare to vote, the major political parties are (finally!) sharing their platforms to earn our trust. These documents show how the parties plans to govern and solve today’s challenges while preparing for the future. It’s also a chance to ask: who will act—not just talk—on the big issues?
After all: Actions Speak Louder!
We looked at the platforms of the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party, and Bloc Québécois through the ONE lens: how do they engage with Africa, will they diversify Canada’s trade, and how will they shape our foreign partnerships, including foreign aid?
What We Found
All four major party platforms talk about Canada on the world stage. But none of them mention Africa in a meaningful way—not even once. That matters. In the next decade, Africa will play a significant role in the world. Africa is home to fast-growing economies, youthful innovation, and untapped trade potential. Overlooking it will be a missed opportunity.
On Trade:
- The Liberals propose new trade deals and support for exporters. Their focus is on Europe and Asia.
- The Conservatives prioritize energy exports and deeper ties with CANZUK countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand).
- The NDP promotes “build and buy Canadian” policies and reducing dependence on single markets.
- The Bloc Québécois sees trade as a tool for regional industry and proposes investments like a shipbuilding hub.
On Foreign Affairs:
- The Liberals promise global leadership, expanded diplomacy, and set a bare minimum for humanitarian assistance.
- The Conservatives focus on defending Canada’s interests, ensuring foreign aid is effective (cutting ineffective aid), and strengthening alliances with shared values.
- The NDP aims to align foreign policy with worker rights and shared prosperity.
- The Bloc champions Quebec’s voice abroad and advocates for increased international aid.
What It Means
Canada’s economy can’t ignore the future of global trade involves Africa in a big way. Neither can our diplomacy. If we want influence, access to markets, and real results, we need real partnerships rooted in mutual benefit. That means showing up, not just speaking up.
Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder.
Whatever your political view, this election is a chance to remind all candidates: Africa is Opportunity. We should be trading more, partnering more, and acting more boldly.
Use your voice. Ask your candidates: where does Africa fit in your plan?
Want to dig deeper? Keep reading below!
As mentioned above, political parties have released platforms outlining their priorities. While their domestic agendas vary widely, a closer look at their international focus—particularly regarding Africa, trade diversification, and foreign aid—reveals some notable patterns. And important omissions.
Africa’s Absence
Despite Africa’s growing economic and demographic influence, none of the major federal party platforms (Liberal, Conservative, New Democratic Party, or Green) include substantial references to the continent or its 54 countries. The Liberal platform focuses on unity and economic resilience. Yet Africa is not mentioned once. This is especially notable in sections about attracting global talent and world-class researchers—areas where African countries and diaspora communities already play an important role.
On a more positive note, the Liberals do commit to expanding Canada’s trade footprint. While Africa is not listed explicitly, the emphasis on diversifying partners creates space to include African entrepreneurs and businesses in the future.
The Conservative platform is built on the theme of change—“For a Change”—and largely focuses on domestic affordability and infrastructure. It also omits Africa. Foreign affairs and trade proposals are framed around protecting Canadian interests and values. However, there is no direct indication that Africa is part of those considerations.
The NDP platform, centered on protecting Canadian workers and promoting international solidarity, also does not mention Africa. The platform does reference working with allies to achieve shared goals. With the right focus, that could include African countries.
Only the Bloc Québécois includes a specific reference to Africa. The party notes that Francophone ties between Quebec and African nations could serve as a foundation for deeper international engagement. While brief, this mention is a reminder of the existing linguistic and cultural links that could support mutual economic opportunity.
Trade: Priorities and Possibilities
Trade diversification is a common goal across all platforms. The Liberals emphasize building new markets and infrastructure, with concrete proposals such as a $25 billion export credit facility and a commitment to pursue new trade agreements with MERCOSUR and ASEAN. The platform frames trade as essential to strengthening the economy. While Africa is not identified as a target, the emphasis on diversification leaves room for future engagement.
The Conservatives prioritize trade that builds on Canada’s natural resource strengths, especially energy. Their platform proposes a CANZUK agreement with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These are traditional allies; emerging markets like those in Africa are not included.
The NDP highlights job protection through “buy Canadian” measures, while supporting efforts to ensure Canada is never again reliant on a single trade partner. The platform does not identify specific countries or regions. This creates an opening for partnerships with African markets that align with Canadian values and workforce priorities.
The Bloc positions trade through a Quebec lens but also supports modernizing trade policy. The party advocates for public review of new trade agreements and promotes sustainable international business models. A proposed shipbuilding hub in the St. Lawrence Valley could open new trade routes—including with Africa. The Bloc also highlights the need for government support to help firms succeed in Europe and the Pacific; similar logic could be applied to Africa with the right investment.
Foreign Aid and Global Engagement
The platforms offer different visions of Canada’s role on the global stage. The Liberal Party commits to maintaining humanitarian assistance at no less than $800 million per year. It also plans to expand Canada’s diplomatic presence and increase FinDev’s lending capacity. These are signs of a government interested in shaping global outcomes. However, the humanitarian aid commitment is lower than recent levels. This may suggest a narrowing of development priorities, though it is too early to tell where those adjustments would land.
The Conservative platform focuses on defending Canadian sovereignty. It proposes cuts to foreign aid and seeks to reduce what it calls “wasteful and ineffective” spending. The platform promotes alliances with like-minded countries but offers few specifics. There is no mention of how this would affect partnerships with developing countries or the African continent. Concretely speaking, the platform says that Canada, under Conservative leadership would re-evaluate foreign affairs and international aid expenses, ensuring they are effective. The Conservatives believe they already found $1.3 billion of wasteful and ineffective spending. They claim some of those cuts are programs that are expiring and they would not renew. They also single out “global bureaucracy” as being another target for their cuts. In all, the Conservatives detail a plan to cut about a third of the annual aid budget – a $1.3 billion reduction in the first two years and adding another $100 million in cuts the following years. While it is important to make sure Canadian investments in global development are effective, we also know that reforms must be done with a surgical scalpel, not a chainsaw.
Both the Bloc and the NDP support raising international assistance to 0.7 percent of Canada’s gross national income. The Bloc emphasizes multilateralism and stronger contributions to global institutions like UNESCO and the World Health Organization. The NDP adds a strong emphasis on environmental protection and universal human rights. While these positions are more expansive, neither platform clearly outlines how this aid would be delivered—or where.
What Does It All Mean?
The platforms differ in tone and approach. The Liberal Party is outward-looking, proposing global partnerships to strengthen Canada at home. The Conservative Party takes a more inward-focused stance, prioritizing Canadian interests above all. The NDP builds its vision around protecting workers and upholding international solidarity. The Bloc frames its proposals around Quebec’s distinct identity and seeks to shape federal action through that lens.
Across all of them, one thing is clear: Africa remains an afterthought, if mentioned at all. This matters. Canada has deep ties to African nations and diaspora communities. It also has much to gain from closer trade, research, and diplomatic partnerships across the continent.
If Canada wants to lead in the world—and benefit from it—Africa cannot be left out of the conversation.
Let’s Flip the Script
We invite you to participate in our “reverse” political literature activity. Instead of just reading what parties are offering, let’s tell them what we want to see.
Pick a platform. Read it closely. Then write your own one-page response. What should Canada’s global engagement look like? Where do you see room for leadership? How can Africa be part of Canada’s economic and diplomatic future?
We’ll collect and share highlights to help shape a stronger narrative—one that reflects the Canada we believe in.
