New Democrats support young Canadians who want a say in their own futures

OTTAWA – Today, Members of Parliament will debate MP Taylor Bachrach's bill to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in federal elections. Parliament will vote on the bill next week.

Bachrach says young Canadians have more at stake than ever before. Earlier this week, Statistics Canada released new findings showing homeownership among young adults is at a 20-year low. With the cost of housing skyrocketing, fewer young Canadians are able to own a home and many face rapidly rising rental costs.

“Young Canadians are worried that they’ll never be able to afford a home or even rent in their own communities. The political decisions being made now affect them directly and will for years to come,” said Bachrach. “Many young Canadians are frustrated that the government is not doing enough on issues like housing and the climate crisis. They want a say on these issues and my bill would give them a real voice."

Letting young people have a say in political conversations is not a new idea. The Conservative Party allowed 14 year olds to vote in their party’s recent leadership race. And earlier this year, the federal government's own Youth Advisory Council called for the voting age to be lowered.

"Across the political spectrum, there are young people who are engaged in politics and care about what’s going on," said Bachrach. "They deserve to have their voices heard."

A total of 13 countries have already changed the voting age to below 18 for national or local elections. Research in countries that have lowered the voting age has found lowering the voting age increases voter turnout among young people.

“My bill presents a chance to bring young people into the conversation about Canada's future and give them agency on the issues that affect them. Our country and our democracy is stronger when we include more, diverse voices and perspectives,” said Bachrach. “I urge all my colleagues to support this bill in next week's vote."