Welcome to #AltElxn 2025 — a special series showcasing independent, regional election reporting from across Canada.
This project, produced by campus, community, and Indigenous radio stations, highlights local voices, diverse perspectives, and critical election issues in the lead-up to the 2025 Canadian federal election.
Funded by the Covering Canada Election 2025 Fund through the Public Policy Forum, Rideau Hall Foundation, and Michener Awards Foundation.
Explore all four national episodes below:
🎙️ Episode 1:
Vancouver Island Focus — Green Battlegrounds and Indigenous Leadership
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Produced by: Bill Collins and Peter Wainwright (Radio Sidney)
Theme: Regional perspectives from British Columbia’s Saanich-Gulf Islands riding
Summary:
The first episode examines Canada’s “greenest” federal riding and its evolving political dynamics.
Bill and Peter break down the political history of Vancouver Island, analyze voter trends, and provide local insights with on-the-street interviews.
The episode also features exclusive candidate interviews and an in-depth discussion with Adam Olsen about Indigenous-led economic development.
Key segments:
- British Columbia’s unique federal/provincial electoral history
- Voter street interviews on key election issues: economy, climate, foreign policy
- Candidate highlights: Elizabeth May (Green Party), Kathy Onsted (Conservative), Colin Plant (NDP)
- Indigenous economic development leadership with Adam Olsen (Tsartlip First Nation)
Total Duration: 28 minutes
🎙️ Episode 2:
Who Do You Trust? Bias, Perception & the Media
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Produced and Hosted by: Barry Rooke (NCRA/ANREC)
Theme: Media bias, trust, regulation, and election reporting integrity
Summary:
This thought-provoking episode dives into how bias — both explicit and implicit — influences election coverage and public trust.
Barry explores the regulatory landscape (C-11, CRTC role), reflects on personal biases, and features a wide range of voices from media professionals to Indigenous advocates.
Key segments:
- Personal reflection on bias and community media values
- Interviews with:
- Bram Abramson (CRTC) on regulation principles
- Andrew Mrozowski (CUP) on journalism ethics
- Connie Thiessen (Broadcast Dialogue) on ownership and editorial pressures
- Aya Alshahwany (PIAC) on perception of bias and media ownership
- Kristin Kozar & Harry Lock (Public Media Alliance) on public trust challenges
- Eden FineDay (IndigiNews) sharing an Indigenous perspective on mistrust of colonial systems
- Final commentary encouraging critical media consumption
Total Duration: 28 minutes
🎙️ Episode 3:
Toronto Centre: Voter Voices, Fringe Candidates, and Federal Fallout
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Produced by: Mia Johnson, Gabriela Ponte, Kinza Zafar, Amber Ranson (MetRadio CJTM 1280 AM)
Theme: Local voter issues, underrepresented candidates, Indigenous rights, and Palestine
Summary:
Centered on Toronto Centre — one of the most diverse and densely populated ridings in Canada — this episode gives voice to voters and marginalized candidates.
It also analyzes the fallout from the controversial debate cancellations and explores key issues like housing, Indigenous sovereignty, and Palestine.
Key segments:
- Overview of Toronto Centre’s political history and current dynamics
- Coverage of the Debates Commission controversy and media scrum access
- Interviews with fringe candidates:
- Simon Luisi (Animal Protection Party of Canada)
- Nathan Mosery (People’s Party of Canada)
- Philip Fernandez (Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada)
- Analysis of federal party platforms on Indigenous sovereignty
- Voter commentary and candidate stances on Gaza and Palestine
- Reflections on youth engagement, housing, and cost of living
Total Duration: 28 minutes
🎙️ Episode 4:
Election Day: Voices Across Canada
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Produced by: Kinza Zafar, Mia Johnson (East Coast); Bill Collins, Peter Wainwright (West Coast)
Contributors: Claire Thompson (CFUZ), Bob Jonkman (CKMS), Aidan Keenan (CHSR), Arby (CHLY)
Theme: Election day reflections from voters, candidates, and community broadcasters
Summary:
A special coast-to-coast broadcast capturing the spirit of Election Day 2025 across Canada.
The episode collects interviews with first-time voters, Indigenous voices, homeless shelter organizers, and community broadcasters to highlight how democracy looks on the ground — outside of mainstream narratives.
Key segments:
- East Coast updates from Toronto Metropolitan University
- West Coast insights from Vancouver Island and Nanaimo
- Interviews:
- First-time Canadian voter (CFUZ)
- Arlene Dodge (Native Canadian Centre of Toronto) on Indigenous issues
- Homeless shelter workers encouraging voter turnout (Fredericton)
- Commentary on voter suppression concerns, Indigenous sovereignty, and regional divides
- Final reflections on youth engagement and community media’s role in democracy
Total Duration: 28 minutes