WHEN’S VOTING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SERIES

Climate change is here. In Canada, weather-related disasters, such as floods, storms and wildfires, are happening more often and becoming more intense. These effects are unequally and differentially experienced by equity-denied communities across the country.  


2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Municipal elections are a crucial opportunity to shape the decisions that directly affect our communities, our health, and our environment. From urban planning, housing, and transportation to green spaces, waste management, and climate resilience, municipalities have a significant role to play in creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities.

Grafitti on the side of a building with the words VOTE!

Photo by Yucel M, retrieved from and licensed by Unsplash

Municipal government is the most accessible level of government. Local representatives live and work in our communities, and residents have more opportunities to engage with them, raise concerns, and hold them accountable for the decisions they make. By bringing our priorities to the municipal level, we can help build momentum for action at higher levels of government and ensure that local experiences and community needs inform broader environmental policy.

Climate change and environmental health are among the most pressing issues of our time, and they cannot be treated as an afterthought. This municipal election, use your voice to ask candidates where they stand on the environmental issues that matter to your community.

WHEN has put together must-know information to guide you during the 2026 Municipal Election.

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2024 Federal election

Photo by Alex Ohan, retrieved from and licensed by Pexels

Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, heading into election year it’s received little political attention leading up to the federal election. Instead, tariffs, inflation, healthcare, rising food costs and a lack of affordable housing are dominating polls.

If federal parties fail to recognize the connections between climate change and these issues, and do not take a stronger stance on climate issues, youth and future generations will be in an even more vulnerable position than they already are. 

We need bold climate action now. Our campaign encourages all federal political parties to adopt the strongest possible climate action plans going forward, demanding firm commitments that prioritize people, the planet and liveable futures.

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WHEN advocates for all women, including cis and trans women, as well as intersex and non-binary individuals. Environmental health harms affect the body differently depending on sex, gender, race, ability, migrant rights, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors. We all deserve healthy environments.

The Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) is a non-partisan, charitable organization. We are committed to prioritizing human and planetary health through an intersectional lens, advocating for those who are disproportionately impacted by environmental harm. In doing so, WHEN may take positions on or advocate with regard to public policy issues pertinent to its mission. However, WHEN conducts all of its activities in an entirely nonpartisan manner, remaining independent of any political influence. WHEN does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties, nor do we intervene in any election on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate or political party. All our efforts are solely focused on advancing our mission and promoting positive change without political bias.