Grits Abroad calls for reform as millions of Canadian voters overseas face barriers
11 April 2026
A by-election overturned by a single vote shows how much every ballot from abroad matters.
Connecting Canadian Liberals worldwide.
A platform for Canadians living abroad who share the values of the Liberal Party of Canada: integrity, dignity, compassion, responsibility and reason.
Membership is free. You don't need to be a Liberal Party member.
57,440 Canadians abroad voted in 2025. Our target for 2029 is 153,000.
About 4 million Canadians live outside Canada. If we were a province, we would be the fifth largest. Yet fewer than 2 in 100 eligible voters abroad cast a ballot in 2025.
You can register with Elections Canada at any time, even between elections. Registered voters receive their ballot as soon as an election is called.
| Election | Votes counted | Turnout |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,332 | 0.9% |
| 2025 | 57,440 | 1.8% |
| 2029 (target) | 153,000 | 3.6% |
Sources: Elections Canada (2021, 2025). 2029: Grits Abroad target.
What we're working on
Canadians abroad face rules that make it harder to vote, pay tax fairly, bring their families home and retire. We push for change inside the Liberal Party and in Parliament.
Read about the problemVoting
Ballots from abroad travel by post and often arrive too late. Taking part should not be this hard.
Taxation
Some Canadians abroad pay tax in Canada and in their country of residence. That needs fixing.
Immigration
Citizenship rules can still disadvantage the children, spouses and partners of Canadians abroad.
Pension
Retiring outside Canada should not come with undue hardship.
Security
Members of vulnerable groups should feel safe and welcome when they return to Canada.
Heard in Parliament and in the press
Information for mediaHouse of Commons
6 November 2025
Dr Tim Veale and Daniel Scuka gave evidence to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on the barriers to voting from abroad.
The Hill Times
28 January 2026
Committee members said they are looking at changes to special ballot voting, including for voters living abroad.
The Globe and Mail
March 2026
Reported on the call by Grits Abroad to raise turnout among Canadians living outside the country.
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Dr Tim Veale on why votes from Canadians abroad really count.
Upcoming events
All eventsYour voice counts, wherever you live.
Together we can use our experience from anywhere on the planet for a better Canada and a better world.
- Strengthen the voice of an important but overlooked group of Canadian voters.
- Bring your views to decision-makers in the Liberal Party and the Government of Canada.
- Meet like-minded Canadians at our regular online meetings.
Membership is free and open to Canadians abroad who share Liberal values.
I have found a supportive community at Grits Abroad that shares my political beliefs and values. It's great to connect with like-minded Canadians living around the world.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Write to us at [email protected].
When should I register to vote from abroad?
As early as possible. Ballots travel by post and can take weeks, so you may need to apply 8 to 10 weeks before election day. You can register with Elections Canada at any time, even between elections.
Do I need to be a Liberal Party member?
No. Membership in Grits Abroad is free and open to Canadians abroad who share Liberal values.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Help us with our online presence, membership, communications or events. Tell us your skills and availability in the membership form.
Can I support Grits Abroad financially?
Yes. Donations help us run our website and cover administrative costs. A link for donations will follow soon.
Why the name “Grits Abroad”?
“Grit” has been a nickname for Liberals since 1849, when reformers in Upper Canada were called Clear Grits. “Abroad” stands for the millions of Canadians who live, work and study around the world.