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Home , Alliance of the North, Elections Canada, House leader, Marijuana Party (Canada), Mary Simon, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq

KING, W E AS E’R N E V DO O E T ’R IN E G W . 2021

WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO VOTE 2021 VOTING GUIDE FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND 2SLGBTQQIA+ VOTERS

CREATED BY NWAC Native Women’s Association of | nwac.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 INTRODUCTION

4 WHY VOTE? 2021

5 A HISTORY OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND VOTING

6 INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADIAN POLITICS

10 CANADA’S SYSTEM OF

12 HOW IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURED?

13 HOW TO VOTE

14 LIST OF ACCEPTED IDS TO PROVE YOUR IDENTITY AND ADDRESS

15 HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

16 HOW TO VOTE BY MAIL

17 CAN I VOTE IF I LIVE ON A RESERVE

18 PROOF OF IDENTITY & ADDRESS AT THE POLLS

19 MORE VOTING OPTIONS

20 HOW DO I DECIDE WHO TO VOTE FOR

21 WHAT ELSE CAN I DO

22 INDIGENOUS 2SLGBTQQIA +: Q&A

23 USEFUL RESOURCES & WEBSITES

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters INTRODUCTION

THIS UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. WE NEED A GOVERNMENT THAT WILL DELIVER MEANINGFUL AND CONCRETE CHANGE TO SUPPORT THE SUCCESS, HEALTH, AND SAFETY OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS, AND 2SLGBTQQIA+ PEOPLE. TO ACHIEVE THIS, INDIGENOUS WOMEN NEED TO USE THEIR VOICE AND VOTE FOR CHANGE.

Every vote counts and every vote is represented NWAC is striving to change that, which is why we are equally. Voting is a chance for Indigenous women and releasing this Voter’s Guide on when, where, and how to vote. 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to be heard and to make a difference. Use your voice this election to fight for the This guide offers step-by-step voting instructions, along change that Indigenous communities have been asking with actionable solutions to some common barriers. It for far too long. provides information on the benefits and challenges of voting. And, for those who wish to understand their Indigenous women are among the fastest-growing own community’s historical relationships to elections population segment in Canada. They are also greatly and government, it introduces that history alongside an under-represented in voter turnout in Canadian elections. outline of Canada’s governmental structure.

WE ARE DONE ASKING; WE ARE VOTING. It’s time that our voices are heard.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 3 WHY VOTE?

VOTING IS ABOUT ASSERTING THE DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO POWER: POWER TO DECIDE ONE’S OWN FUTURE, TO CLAIM AND EXTEND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONE’S CHILDREN, TO ASSERT THE RIGHTS OF A COMMUNITY, AND TO SHAPE THE BROADER SOCIETY.

At first glance, “Why should I vote?” is a difficult question to answer; elections are rarely decided by one vote. IN THE END, BEING AN So, consider instead the question, “Why ACTIVE PART OF A COMMUNITY should we vote?” OF VOTERS IS ANOTHER WAY OF A recent vote count in the electoral STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY district of Labrador West measured the ITSELF. margin of victory at just 5 votes.1 A single family voting could have changed the outcome. Similarly, in 2017, the governing political party in B.C. lost its majority NOW, CONSIDER AGAIN THE government by losing one riding. The QUESTION, “WHY SHOULD I difference in one riding was 9 votes.2 VOTE?” PERHAPS THE ANSWER Now imagine that “we” represents an IS SIMPLY, “I VOTE SO THAT WE entire community, or even a network of VOTE, SO THAT WE ARE communities across Canada. In that case, STRONGER TOGETHER.” if “we” vote, it can clearly make a political difference, locally, provincially, even nationally.

But beyond the specific victories and defeats, there’s a larger reason why Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons should vote. When know that an entire community can be for or against them in the next election, they are compelled to listen, to respond, to represent the priorities of that community in some way. And that is the basic power at the core of any .

1 Find CBC coverage at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ judicial-recount-for-labrador-west-district-1.5142220 .

2 Find MACLEAN’S coverage at https://www.macleans.ca/politics/nine-voters-who-could- have-swung-the-b-c-election/ .

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 4 A HISTORY OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND VOTING

Traditionally, Indigenous women played a central role in the health and well-being of their communities. They were decision-makers in the use of resources, economics, and politics; they determined leadership; and IN 2012, OUT OF 633 CHIEFS, they were leaders themselves. 111 WERE WOMEN. Prior to colonization, Indigenous women enjoyed political and economic power comparable to that held by the men in their communities. Although the percentage Colonization changed those relationships: Indigenous women no longer of female Indigenous could expect any sort of gendered power-sharing and would be denied chiefs in 2012 was any role in the politics and economics of colonial society, as part of a only 17.5%, this was broader subjugation of all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. slightly higher than the percentage of female Indigenous Peoples would not initially be granted full citizenship in mayors of Canadian cities. Canada. While had the right to vote, people could only vote if they chose to give up their treaty rights and Indian status. This was called “voluntary enfranchisement.” More women serve in First Nations governments, While non-Indigenous women were granted the right to vote in federal and a growing number elections in 1921, it was not until 1960 that all First Nations people, men of Indigenous women and women, were granted that same right without giving up their treaty hold leadership roles in rights and status. regional and national political organizations. Unlike First Nations, women and men had the right to vote www.thecanadianencyclopedia. in federal elections held after 1950. Métis men never had specific ca/en/article/native-womens- restrictions put on their right to vote, and Métis women obtained the issues/ right in 1921 alongside non-Indigenous women.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 5 INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADIAN POLITICS

THE INCLUSION OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADA’S POLITICAL ARENA IS A RECENT PHENOMENON, AND THEY HAVE SINCE SHOWN THEIR VALUE WITHIN THE POLITICAL PROCESS. INDIGENOUS WOMEN ARE RESILIENT; THEY ARE CARETAKERS AND LEADERS AND THEY ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE THAT WILL BENEFIT THEIR COMMUNITIES AND ALL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES.

INDIGENOUSLorum iunt pre ommodig WOMEN enducient ARE MAKING omnihit qui acerum voluptiunt et eos et verupta dolo blautA DIFFERENCE apid quo consed WORKING ut alit prempor WITHIN sunt, PARTIES,ipidelene volorro AS WELL berum AS volute RUNNING prate cusam, AS comnit faccum lante labo. Et est fuga. Nam nobitCANDIDATES, latur AND IN LEADERSHIP AND DECISION-MAKING ROLES. HERE’S A LIST OF NOTABLE INDIGENOUS WOMEN WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN COMMUNITY, FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, AND TERRITORIAL POLITICS AND IN ACADEMIA AND RESEARCH.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 6 INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADIAN POLITICS

ETHEL BLONDIN-ANDREWS MARY SIMON O.C., O.Q. Ethel Blondin-Andrews is the first Indigenous From , Simon is the 30th Governor General of woman to be elected to the of Canada—making history as the first Indigenous person to Canada. She is a Dene who was first elected hold this role. Simon has been an advocate for Indigenous in 1988 as a (MP) for people throughout the course of her career, including the riding of Western Arctic in the Northwest during her time as President of the , . She was re-elected in 1993 and was President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, and appointed Secretary of State for Training and President of the . Simon has also held Youth, making her the first Indigenous woman roles in the government, serving as Canada’s first Arctic to become a member of the Privy Council and Ambassador and Canada’s first Ambassador to . .

NAHANNI FONTAINE

An Ojibway from Sagkeeng Anishinaabe First Leah Gazan is the MP for Centre, the NDP Critic Nation, Fontaine is the MLA for St. Johns. She is a for Families, Children, and Social Development, and the nationally recognized expert on Indigenous women Deputy Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. in Canada, and has helped to bring international Her recent successes include travelling across the attention to the crisis of missing and murdered to push Bill C-262, the Indigenous Human Rights Act, and Indigenous women and girls, Indigenous/police introducing Bill C-323, the Climate Emergency Action relations, and women’s representation in politics. Act. Before she was an MP, Gazan participated in Idle No She has been a vocal opponent to the Pallister More, co-founded the #WeCare campaign advocating to government’s reckless cuts to women’s health end violence against Indigenous women and girls, and care and restorative justice programs. She is the represented for the Permanent NDP Official Opposition’s House Leader, Critic for Forum on Indigenous Issues advocating for the injustices Justice, and spokesperson for Veterans Affairs. against Indigenous children in the child welfare system.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 7 INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADIAN POLITICS

MUMILAAQ QAQQAQ JODY WILSON-RAYBOULD Mumilaaq Qaqqaq is an Inuk activist and politician, A member of the We Wai Kai Nation, she is a Canadian currently serving as the MP for and the politician and the Independent MP for the B.C. riding of NDP Critic for Northern Affairs and CanNor. During Granville. She served as Minister of Justice and her time as MP, Qaqqaq has strongly advocated Attorney General of Canada in the cabinet of for equal rights for Nunavummiut and specifically from 2015-2019, and then as Minister of Veterans Affairs of emphasized ongoing crises of suicide, climate Canada in early 2019. Before entering Canadian federal politics, change, and housing. Most recently, Qaqqaq, she was a Crown Prosecutor for B.C., a Treaty alongside NDP MP , has called for and Regional Chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. In the investigation of the abuse that occurred at 2017, Wilson-Raybould was named Policy-Maker of the Year by residential schools as ‘crimes against humanity’. the MacDonald-Laurier Institute.

ROSEANNE ARCHIBALD LORNA STANDINGREADY

Roseanne Archibald is a First Nations advocate Born and raised on the Peepeekisis Reserve, Lorna and politician, currently is the elected National Standingready excelled at the Indian Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). She Federated College, University of Regina, and holds is the first woman to hold this position. This is a Bachelor of Administration (2000). Lorna was not the only time Archibald was the first woman the recipient of the Saskatchewan Indian Women’s to hold a position of leadership. She was the first Association Appreciation Award, and in 2005 she woman to be elected as chief of Taykwa Tagamou received the Saskatchewan Jubilee Award. She has also Nation, to act as Deputy Grand Chief of the been involved in the women’s movement, health and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, to serve as Grand Chief of child welfare programs and, as of 2008, with the John the Mushkegowuk Council, and to be elected as Howard Society. Regional Chief.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 8 INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADIAN POLITICS

BETTY NIPPI-ALBRIGHT

Betty Nippi-Albright is a Eva Aariak was elected in the 2008 Canadian politician, who territorial election to represent was elected to the Legislative the electoral district of Assembly of Saskatchewan in East in the Legislative Assembly of the 2020 Saskatchewan general Nunavut. She subsequently served election. She represents the as of Nunavut until 2013. electoral district of Saskatoon Centre as a member of Aariak was the fifth woman to serve as a premier in Canada. the Saskatchewan .

NELLIE COURNOYEA THELMA J. CHALIFOUX

A former Canadian politician Thelma Chalifoux is a former of Inupiaq heritage, Nellie Canadian politician and teacher. She Cournoyea served as was the first female Métis to receive the sixth premier of the the National Indigenous Achievement from Award. Chalifoux was appointed to 1991 to 1995. She was the first the Canadian Senate on November 26, female premier of a Canadian and the second 1997. She served in the Senate until February 8, 2004, when she female premier in Canadian history. retired and returned to her roots. She now operates the Michif Cultural Institute in St. Albert, .

TINA KEEPER CINDY BLACKSTOCK

Tina Keeper is a Cree activist, A Gitxsan activist for child welfare, politician and former actress Cindy Blackstock is the co-creator from Winnipeg, Manitoba. and Director of the First She has been very active Nations Child and Family Caring on suicide prevention as Society of Canada and a professor for a member of a visioning committee for a Manitoba the School of Social Work at McGill suicide prevention program. From 2006 to 2008, University. Blackstock, working with First Nations colleagues, Keeper was the MP for the riding of Churchill in was successful in a human rights challenge against Canada’s Manitoba. inequitable provision of child and family services.

CAITLIN TOLLEY REBEKAH ELKERTON

Caitlin Tolley is an Algonquin An Anishinaabe from Chippewas of the leader from Kitigan-Zibi. She Thames, Rebekah Elkerton was the Vice- has been a member of the President of the First Peoples’ Council at Assembly of First Nations and has worked to National Youth Council and advocate for First Nations women while at has worked to advocate for the Native Women’s Association of Canada and throughout her personal life. She was First Nations youth. also on the Indigenous Education Council In 2012, at the age of 21, she was the youngest band and was the recipient of the prestigious Rose Nolan Memorial councillor elected to her community. Scholarship. After receiving her Master of Arts from Carleton University in 2017, Rebekah now works as a Program Coordinator and Indigenous Studies Student Affairs at McGill University.

For a complete list of Indigenous women in federal and provincial politics visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_indigenous_Canadian_politicians#House_of_Commons

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 9 CANADA’S SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

The Canadian government is a representative democracy. This means it is a government in which all citizens have the right to participate in decisions that affect them, either directly or through an elected representative. Prior to European contact, democratic forms of government were already well-known to Indigenous Peoples in Canada and were included in the range of systems by which they governed themselves. In addition to being an independent sovereign democracy, Canada is also a federal state made up of 10 provinces and three territories. In such as Canada, political parties are elected to run a government. A political party is a group of people who share common ideas, goals, and principles as to how the country should be governed.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE WORDS, PARLIAMENT, AND, GOVERNMENT, DO NOT MEAN THE SAME THING.

GOVERNMENT: PARLIAMENT: the running or governing is made up of , Senate, and of a country House of Commons and it has legislative (law-making) responsibilities

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 10 FEDERAL LEVEL PROVINCIAL / MUNICIPAL LEVEL TERRITORIAL LEVEL

(THE GOVERNMENT OF (FOR EXAMPLE, THE (FOR EXAMPLE, THE CITY CANADA) PROVINCE OF MANITOBA) OF )

Responsible for things Is responsible for Is usually linked to a that affect the whole things within that city, town, or district. country: citizenship and region, such as social It is responsible for immigration, foreign services (education areas such as water affairs, national defence, and health care), and sewer services, and trade. It is also property, civil rights, roadways, public transit, responsible for water management, and local police, firefighting, Crown-Indigenous highways. animal control, and relations and waste management. Indigenous services.

LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WHAT ARE THE THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND WHAT DO THEY DO? Canada has three main levels of government: Federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal.

Sometimes these three levels of government share responsibilities in terms of the environment, parks, economic development, and laws. Also, across the country, there are band councils that govern First Nations communities, as well as Inuit and Métis governance structures that make decisions, and policies in their communities. These elected councils are similar to municipal councils. They make decisions on issues such as membership, education, health, cultural programs, planning and land use, hunting, fishing, trapping and plant harvesting.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 11 HOW IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURED?

EXECUTIVE BRANCH The executive branch is the decision-making branch of the government and is made of the Crown, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet.

CROWN: The Governor General (GG) is the Queen’s representative in Canada. The GG does not support any political party, and today has mostly ceremonial duties. However, the GG is responsible for signing bills into law to make them official (also known as giving “royal assent”) and is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces.

PRIME MINISTER: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and is in charge of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party that has the most seats in the House of Commons.

CABINET: Cabinet ministers are usually selected from the members of the House of Commons but can also come from the Senate or outside of Parliament. The Prime Minister selects Cabinet ministers, and the ministers are responsible for different federal departments, such as .

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The legislative branch of the federal government is responsible for approving or rejecting proposed federal laws. It is made up of two chambers, the House of Commons and Senate. Because there are two chambers, the system is referred to as “bicameral.”

House of Commons: With 338 elected Member of Parliament (MPs), the House of Commons votes on bills and passes laws. MPs represent the people in their riding and are usually associated with a political party. Each MP represents approximately 100,000 Canadians. There are 338 seats in the House of Commons, representing 338 ridings (electoral districts) and 16 registered political parties, as well as independent MPs.

Senate: Senators are appointed by the GG on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Senate reviews and debates bills as part of the process of voting bills into law. Senators can also present petitions, discuss committee reports, and make statements on key issues.

JUDICIAL BRANCH The judicial branch of government is responsible, through a series of independent courts, for applying laws to citizens, governments, and corporations.

Federal judges are appointed by the federal government.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 12 NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 13 HOW DO I CONTACT ?

CALL 1 800 463 6868 VISIT www.elections.ca

AM I ELIGIBLE TO VOTE? LIST OF ACCEPTED IDs You are eligible to vote if: TO PROVE YOUR IDENTITY AND ADDRESS

FROM A GOVERNMENT OR FROM A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION GOVERNMENT AGENCY Employee card Band membership card Residential lease or sub-lease Birth certificate Utility bill (e.g., electricity, water, Canadian citizenship card or telecommunications services certificate including telephone, cable, or 01 Canadian Forces identity card ) FROM AN EDUCATIONAL YOU ARE A CANADIAN Card issued by an Inuit local authority INSTITUTION Firearms licence Correspondence issued by a school, Government cheque or cheque stub CITIZEN college, or university Government statement of benefits Student identity card Health card

Income tax assessment LETTERS OF CONFIRMATION Indian status card or temporary Letter from a public curator, public confirmation of registration guardian, or public trustee Library card Letter of confirmation of residence Licence or card issued for fishing, trapping, or hunting from a First Nations band or reserve or an Inuit local authority Liquor identity card Métis card Letter of confirmation of resident, letter of stay, admission form, or 02 Old age security card statement of benefits fro one of the Parolee card following designated establishments: YOU ARE AT LEAST 18 YRS Property tax assessment or evaluation Student residence Public transportation card (not OLD ON ELECTION DAY Seniors’ residence or long-term accepted for online registration) care facility or shelter Social insurance number card (not accepted for online registration) Soup kitchen Vehicle ownership A community-based Veterans Affairs health care residential facility identification card

FROM HEALTH CARE FACILITY OR FROM A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ORGANIZATION (not accepted for online registration) Bank statement Credit card (not accepted for online Blood or donor card 03 registration) CNIB card Credit card statement YOU CAN PROVE YOUR Hospital card Credit union statement Label on a prescription container Debit card (not accepted for online Identity bracelet issues by a hospital IDENTITY AND ADDRESS registration) or long-term care facility Insurance certification, policy,m or Medical clinic card statement or have someone eligible vouch for you. FROM ELECTIONS CANADA Mortgage contract or statement Pension plan statement For all I.D. questions, see Proof of Identity Targeted revision form to residents of long-term care facilities Personal cheque (not accepted for online registration) and Address list (right). Voter information card

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 14 HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

1. USING THE ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION SERVICE (E-REGISTRATION) AT elections.ca/register. THIS SERVICE PLATFORM WILL GUIDE YOU IN COMPLETING YOUR REGISTRATION OR UPDATING YOUR ADDRESS ONLINE.

2. BY MAIL (OUTSIDE OF AN ELECTION). CONTACT ELECTIONS CANADA AT 1-800-463-6868. THEY WILL E-MAIL, MAIL, OR FAX YOU A REGISTRATION FORM.

3. AT ANY ELECTIONS CANADA OFFICE ONCE THE ELECTION IS CALLED.

4. AT THE POLLS. IF YOU COULDN’T REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE.

HOW DO I VOTE IN A FEDERAL ELECTION?

ON ELECTION DAY AT THE ADVANCE POLLS

On Election Day, go to your polling station to vote. Take your You can vote earlier at the advance polls. These are voter information card, accepted identification, and proof of polling stations made available before Election Day address with you when you go to vote. The date, times, and for those who are unable to vote on that day, or for address will be on the card. Elections are normally held on a convenience. They are held on the tenth, ninth, eighth, Monday, and polls are open for 12 hours. and seventh day before the election.

ELECTIONS CANADA OFFICES BY MAIL

From the day after the election is called until 6 p.m. six Once the election is called, eligible voters can choose to days before the election, electors can vote at any of the vote by mail (special ballot). over 500 Elections Canada offices that will be open across Don’t wait to request your voting kit. There are deadlines the country. Hours will vary, but each office will be open to vote by mail. between 7.5 and 12 hours each day during the election. For in-depth instructions on voting by mail, see next page.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 15 MORE VOTER INFORMATION

HOW TO VOTE BY MAIL

ELECTRONIC E-STATEMENT AND 1. Complete and print the Application E-INVOICES ARE ACCEPTABLE ID. for Registration and Special Ballot form available on Elections Canada’s PRINT THEM OR SHOW THEM website, at any Elections Canada ON A MOBILE DEVICE. office, or by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868. If you are outside of the country, you can also request the form at a Canadian embassy, INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES: consulate, or high commission. LIST OF ACCEPTED IDS (see page 14) IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL 2. Send Elections Canada your filled form with a copy of your proof of INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES identity and address and they’ll mail ONLINE AT: you a voting kit.

WWW.ELECTIONS.CA Ensure your marked ballot is received 3. by Elections Canada before 6 p.m. on Election Day, or it will not be counted. FOR OTHER FORMATS, SUCH AS BRAILLE AND AUDIO, 4. Once your application for a voting kit has been accepted, it is the ONLY way you can vote. CALL 1-800-463-6868

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 16 I AM OUT OF THE COUNTRY DURING THE ELECTION HOW DO I VOTE? You can vote by mail (see previous page).

CAN I VOTE IF I LIVE ON A RESERVE? Yes, polling stations are established on many reserves when the polling division is completely (or mostly) made up of a reserve. In most cases, the polling station is located at the band council office or the community centre. If the band council does not allow a polling station to be set up on the reserve, it will be located in an area outside of the reserve.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO TO VOTE?

1. When you enter a polling place, an election worker greets you and shows you to the right table

2. At your table, show your proof of identity and address

3. The election worker will initial, fold, and hand you a ballot

4. Go behind the voting screen, mark, and refold your ballot to keep it secret

5. Return your ballot to the worker so they can tear off the tab

6. Put your ballot in the box

STUDENTS: WHERE TO REGISTER AND VOTE

WHICH ADDRESS DO I USE TO REGISTER? CAN I VOTE ON CAMPUS?

If you live in two places—one while at school, the other Some campuses have advance and/or Election while away from school—choose which you consider Day polling places. If you consider your campus home and use that address to register. You vote in the residence to be your home, you can vote at a polling riding where that home address is located. Remember place on campus. You will need ID proving your that you will need ID matching the address you use to address on campus, and to be assigned to that register. polling place. Note that home or away, you can vote at any Elections Canada office or by mail. Deadlines apply. NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 17 DON’T FORGET YOUR PROOF OF IDENTITY & ADDRESS!

PROOF OF IDENTITY AND ADDRESS AT THE POLLS

OPTION 1: SHOW ONE OF THESE PIECES OF ID

Your driver’s licence

Any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial ,or local) with your photo, name and current address

Expired ID is acceptable so long as it has your name, and current address

OPTION 2: SHOW TWO PIECES OF ID

Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address. For example:

Voter information card and bank statement

Utility bill and student ID card

Don’t have these? No problem! See the list of acceptable IDs to prove your identity and address on the next page.

OPTION 3: IF YOU DON’T HAVE ID

You can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station to vouch for you.

The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).

SEE PAGE 14 for full List of Accepted IDs to Prove Your Identity and Address

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 18 MORE VOTING OPTIONS

VOTE AT THE ELECTIONS 1. CHECK REGISTRATION: CHECK TO BE SURE YOUR 4. CANADA OFFICE REGISTRATION INFORMATION IS CURRENT AND (RETURNING OFFICE) ACCURATE (FOR NO SURPRISES)

You can vote in a more private CHECK ONLINE: environment, in your riding, by using a “special ballot.” Using the online Voter Registration Service (on the Elections Canada website), check if you are registered under your After an election is called, Elections previous information, and then check again using your current Canada sets up local offices in every information. Call Elections Canada if the information is not riding in Canada, where electors can vote current or if you find you are registered twice. by special ballot. To vote at an Elections Canada office, CONTACT ELECTIONS CANADA BY PHONE: you must complete an Application for Registration and Special Ballot. Staff can Call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868. help you with this form, if you’d like.

You must show proof of your identity and home address, which can include a vouching declaration or Letter of 2. ALTERNATIVES TO PHOTO I.D. Residence. For additional information on the different options to prove your identity, please consult Elections If you do not have or don’t want to use a government-issued Canada’s web page on ID to Vote. photo ID with your name and address, you may combine two pieces of ID, but both must have your name and at least one Once your special ballot application is must have your current address. Also, you can ask someone accepted, staff will give you a special who knows you and is assigned to the same polling station to ballot voting kit. You can vote on the vouch for you. spot. Or, if you prefer, you can come back to the office to submit your vote Another option is to ask your First Nations band or reserve later. or an Inuit local authority to issue a letter of confirmation of The “special ballot” option has a few residence that can be used to register and vote. requirements:

You must register to vote by special ballot no later than 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before polling day.

3. VOTE BY MAIL You must return the completed ballot to the for that riding before the close of the If it is more convenient and comfortable, you may also vote by polls in that district on polling day. mail. You will need to apply so that Elections Canada can send you a special ballot voting kit in the mail. The deadline to apply You must obtain the names of to vote by mail is 6:00 p.m. the Tuesday before election day. candidates in your electoral district Once the federal election is called, we encourage you to apply (riding); they will not already be as soon as possible to allow enough time for your special ballot written on the ballot, because voting kit to reach you and for you to return your marked ballot “special ballots” are used across to Elections Canada by election day. ridings. You will complete the ballot by writing the name of the chosen candidate (not the name of the party).

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 19 HOW DO I DECIDE WHO TO VOTE FOR?

DECIDING WHO TO VOTE FOR CAN BE TRICKY. HERE ARE FOUR STEPS TO GET YOU STARTED.

STEP 1 STEP 2

FIND YOUR RIDING TO DETERMINE WHICH CANDIDATES ARE GATHER INFORMATION ON POLITICAL PARTIES RUNNING THERE. THE LIST OF CANDIDATES IN YOUR RIDING AND COMPARE THEIR VIEWS ON ISSUES YOU CARE FOR THE 2021 ELECTION WILL BE PUBLISHED 17 DAYS AFTER ABOUT. THE CURRENT REGISTERED POLITICAL THE ELECTION IS CALLED. PARTIES IN CANADA ARE:

- STEP 3 - Animal Protection Party of Canada - Bloc Québécois - Christian Heritage Party of Canada ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN A POLITICAL PARTY, LEARN ABOUT - Communist Party of Canada THE CANDIDATE’S LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE, AND - Conservative Party of Canada PAST ACTIONS. HAVE THEY BEEN ACTIVE ON THE ISSUES YOU - WANT ADDRESSED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? TO HELP SHAPE YOUR OPINION, FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE YOU RESPECT - THINK ABOUT THE CANDIDATES. - Libertarian Party of Canada - - Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada - National Citizens Alliance of Canada STEP 4 - New Democratic Party

- People’s Party of Canada MAKE YOUR JUDGEMENT. WHICH POLITICAL PARTY - Progressive Canadian Party AND CANDIDATE WILL BEST REPRESENT YOU AND YOUR - COMMUNITY?

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 20 BEYOND VOTING IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS: WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

IN GENERAL, THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO ENGAGE IN POLITICS AND SHAPE GOVERNMENT: ONE CAN ENGAGE FROM WITHIN THE EXISTING POLITICAL STRUCTURES OR FROM OUTSIDE THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM. SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

PARTICIPATION FROM WITHIN:

Run for office: Become a candidate in a federal, provincial, IDENTITY IS territorial, or municipal election. This is a powerful way to make your voice heard. AN OBSTACLE TO VOTING

Political parties: Assist with an election campaign; A REASON TO VOTE. volunteer for a political party or candidate.

Chief and band council: Run in community band elections or promote a community candidate

Other elections: Vote in a community band election; vote in provincial, territorial, or municipal elections. Communities that live at the margins of society have too often been silenced PARTICIPATION FROM OUTSIDE: when they try to raise their collective voices. Political access has too often been Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Assist in public restricted, limiting the full participation of awareness campaigns; engage in social media activism. those who are marginalized. Protest groups: Advocate for or rally on certain issues; boycott a product for ethical reasons; sign petitions; protest To achieve the full inclusion of all proposed laws. Canadian citizens in the electoral process, we must be certain that social Community groups: Participate on a women’s committee identity (race, gender, age, culture, in the community to talk about issues; organize community accessibility, orientation, etc.) does not meetings to educate members; fundraise to enhance act as a barrier to voting. To that end, awareness; volunteer at events in the community Elections Canada, in collaboration with Individual awareness: Participate on a committee in your key interveners, offers all Canadians who community; follow the news wish to use them voting options that provide additional measures of privacy, discretion, flexibility, comfort, and ease. A NOTE ON INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION IN CANADIAN POLITICS:

Some Indigenous people choose not to vote in federal elections because of their views on Indigenous sovereignty. In some communities, the general view has been that they are a sovereign people, meaning that they are not Canadians. For this reason, many believe they should not interfere in Canada’s elections and governance, and the Canadian government should not interfere in theirs.

However, with he growing recognition of a need for real reconciliation, NWAC encourages Indigenous communities to participate in elections at every level of government. The more that Indigenous women speak with their votes, the more their voices will be heard.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 21 INDIGENOUS 2SLGBTQQIA+: Q&As

GENDER CHANGE OR GENDER NON-CONFORMING IDENTITY

Fortunately, your vote does not depend on your sex, your gender identity, or your gender expression. You can vote whether your I.D. says “F”, “M”, or “X”. And, you can even mix and match those markers on different forms of identification, so long as the name and address remains the same. However, though gender is irrelevant, online or paper forms, as prescribed by law, still require you to choose your gender as “F”, “M”, or “X” when registering and voting in a federal election.

CHANGE OF APPEARANCE: I.D. DOESN’T LOOK LIKE YOU?

You do not need to look like your I.D. to vote. However, a poll worker may ask you to explain why your photo doesn’t match your appearance.

HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME?

Changing your name with other government agencies will not ensure that you have updated your name on the List of Registered Electors. If you haven’t contacted Elections Canada to change the name you are registered under, your registration will not match your I.D. You can update your name by:

Using a registration update form by mail/fax or

You can update your name during registration at the polling station when you go to vote. You will need to fill in a Registration Certificate, and you may wish to go directly to the Registration Desk to complete the name change if you wish to avoid drawing any attention to yourself.

To avoid these steps and any associated anxiety you might experience when dealing with your old name during the voting process, you can use an online document submission to create a new registration. However, this does not guarantee that your old record will be updated or made inactive. To be sure, you can contact Elections Canada directly, in advance, and inform them of any name changes by calling:

ELECTIONS CANADA AT 1-800-463-6868

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS FOR YOUR SAFETY BECAUSE YOUR HOME ADDRESS IS MADE PUBLIC?

If you are concerned for your safety because your name and address is made public on the List of Electors, you may apply to the local Elections Canada office to use another address when you vote by special ballot. For example, an elector, transitioning to another gender identity, fleeing an abusive spouse or a common-law partner, or hiding from a violent partner could request this process.

You must still show acceptable proof of identity and residence to the Returning Officer (RO) or the AARO (Additional Assistant Returning Officer), but this may be done in a private area of the office and the RO/AARO may not show your identification to a candidate or their representative. To protect your current location, the address appearing on the application for voting and mailing purposes must be a different address in the electoral district. Elections Canada will mail out your ballot to the different address, or you can pick it up at the RO office or AARO office.

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 22 USEFUL RESOURCES & WEBSITES

ELECTIONS CANADA HOME PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2021 ELECTION:

https://www.elections.ca/

SPREAD THE WORD ON THE 2019 ELECTION:

https://www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?section=spr&document=index&lang=e

INFORMATION ON: FAQ:

Registration: www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?section= https://ereg.elections.ca/CWelcome.aspx?lang=e faq&document=faqcov&lang=e

Jobs: https://www.elections.ca/content. aspx?section=emp&lang=e&document=index Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) Ways to Vote: https://www.elections.ca/content. www.nwac.ca aspx?section=vot&dir=vote&document=index&lang=e

List of ID: (IN ENGLISH) https://www.elections.ca/content. Apathy is Boring aspx?section=vot&dir=ids&document=index&lang=e www.apathyisboring.com (IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES) https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section= National Association of vot&dir=ids/idLangs&document=index&lang=e Friendship Centres www.nafc.ca About Federal Elections: https://www.elections.ca/content2. Nunavut Council aspx?section=faq&document=fedelect&lang=e https://ilitaqsiniq.ca/

Official Election Information (including shareabletools and information): Student Vote https://studentvote.ca https://www.elections.ca/content2. aspx?section=sec&document=index&Lang=e

The Voter Information Campaign: https://www.elections.ca/content. aspx?section=ele&dir=erp&document=index&lang=e

Find Your Poll Information, Riding and Candidate: https://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/FindED?L=e&PAGEID=20

NWAC | 2021 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voters 23