In this episode of Establish, we speak with community organizer and environmentalist Aliya Hirji about Canada’s 2025 snap federal election, voter turnout, and the challenges of engaging young people in a fast-paced, often overwhelming political landscape. Together, they unpack the structural issues behind voter frustration, accessibility barriers, and what it takes to organize effectively in turbulent political times.

NOTE: This episode of Establish was initially recorded on the morning of April 29, 2025. Though a winner had been declared at this time, Elections Canada was still in the process of finalizing the last ballots. During the initial conversation between host Asha Swann (she/her) and guest Aliya Hirji (they/she), the Liberal Party had won with 168 seats. However, in the days passing, this number increased to 169, then ...