Minister talks to teens about voting and getting involved

Karina Gould meets Harbord Collegiate students to mark 35th anniversary of Charter of Rights

Monument in front of Harbord Collegiate Institute Nicole Reis

Monument in front of Harbord Collegiate Institute where MP Karina Gould spoke to students about her proposed bill to register teenagers to vote when they turn 18. (Nicole Reis / Toronto observer)

An Ontario government minister spoke to students on April 11 about a proposed law before Parliament that would allow Canadians age 14–17 to be registered in a National Register of Future Electors.

If the bill passes, individuals will be automatically registered to vote upon their 18th birthday.

Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions, met with grade 10 and 11 students at Harbord Collegiate Institute to mark the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on April 17.

The Minister encouraged young Canadians to become active in Canada’s democracy by having important discussions about passionate topics, signing petitions, and becoming a mindful consumer or volunteer for charitable organizations.

“There are any number of ways for young people to contribute, but the important thing is for young people to get involved,” said Gould’s press secretary Byrne Furlong the next day. “Our government believes young people have an important role to play in our country and our democracy, and we will continue to support ways for young people to get involved.”

At the school, Gould was accompanied by Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

Gould talked about the important role the Charter plays in protecting rights that enable Canadians to participate in the democratic process and have their voice heard in Parliament.

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Posted: Apr 15 2017 10:20 pm
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