Our Vote, Our Voice: The Rise of the Filipino Voter in Canada

If there’s a place in Toronto that feels like a piece of Manila, it’s right here—Bathurst and Wilson. Little Manila. It’s where the stories of arrival, survival, and new beginnings come together, along with the largest cluster of Filipino-owned businesses in the city.

But this time, the question isn’t just about where we’ve gathered—it’s about whether our voices are finally being heard in politics. And based on the 2025 federal election, the answer is clear: we’re no longer invisible.

Filipinos are stepping up. In fact, nine Filipino-Canadians ran for public office this year. Not all of them won—but the message couldn’t be louder: we’re not just spectators. We’re part of the process.

MP Rechie Valdez won her seat again. But she’s no longer the only story. Young Filipino voters—especially Gen Z—are loud, clear, and unafraid to demand action on climate, housing, and affordability. The elders among us still lean toward traditional values, stability, and the Liberals. And yet, here in York Centre, where Little Manila lives, something shifted. It turned blue. Why?

Maybe because people here are tired. Tired of promises without results. Maybe because more and more Filipinos are starting to realize—we have our own issues, our own struggles, and it’s time they were heard.

Amidst this awakening was tragedy too. The loss of kababayans in Vancouver reminded us that we vote not just with hope—but with healing. And to those who won? Let this be a reminder: the Filipino heart is part of your mandate now. Nurture it.

In the end, this election taught us something deeply Canadian: that even in fierce contests, we can still show respect. Leaders can disagree—and still recognize a shared duty to defend Canada’s future. That’s the spirit we must carry forward. Because our vote isn’t just a choice—it’s a voice.

And to the young Filipinos across Canada: you’re not just here to work. You’re not just here to dream. You’re here to lead.