The Canadian Federal Elections

Amidst all the stress and apprehension that comes with being a grade 12 student and facing your transition into the “real world,” a very important event for our country has been almost entirely overlooked by grads.  Yes, the 42^nd Canadian Federal Election is coming up, and few students seem to have thought about it.  After briefly interviewing three grade 12 students (real names not included), the only answer shared by all three was “No, I have not thought about the upcoming federal elections.”  From that point on, their opinions differed.

Jane, age 16, (not their real name,) thinks they comprehend how voting and the electoral system works, and how their vote will carry weight in deciding upon the country’s next governing body.  John, age 17, understands as well, but not due to the school’s Planning 10 course.  Fortunately, John found the Social Studies courses, especially Socials 11, very helpful in explaining the electoral system.  Jill, age 17, mentioned that since they turn 18 after the elections, they would not have to think about them for another four years.  Jane likes the idea of a candidate who would make post-secondary less expensive, making it easier for more people to get higher education, while John simply hopes for a candidate who does not compromise their morals.

Despite the fact that few grade 12 students will be old enough to participate in the upcoming election, being someone on the brink of entering adulthood means that we should at least be thinking about it..  One of the most prevalent trends noticeable in analysis of elections over the years is the consistently low number of people aged 18-24.  In 2011, only 38.8% of people in that age group participated in the vote, though this was an improvement of 4.9% over the previous election in 2008.  Young adults often feel that their voices are not being heard; that what they think does not matter.  As soon as one is old enough to vote, they should begin carefully considering the candidates and what they stand for.

I highly recommend that all grade 12 students begin to examine the various parties vying for the place to form Canada's next government.  Even if you're not yet old enough to vote, the decisions made by whoever is in power still affect you.  The current political parties with seats in the House of Commons are the Conservative Party (currently in power,) the New Democratic Party, the Liberal Party, the Bloc Québécois, the Green Party, and the Strength in Democracy Party.  Eight independents also sit in the House of Commons.

Sources: http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=rec/part/estim/41ge&document=report41&lang=e