Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Taylor Bachrach introduced on Monday a private member’s bill to lower the voting age to 16 for federal elections.
“The decisions our country faces today have tremendous bearing on young people,” Bachrach said in a statement. “With the ongoing global pandemic, worsening climate change and growing economic inequality, young people’s future is at stake. They deserve to be at the table and this bill will put them there.”
Bachrach said that recent years, a number of countries including Wales and Scotland have lowered their voting age to 16 and that as part of a coalition agreement reached last month, the new government of Germany has committed to doing the same.
Outcomes from taking the step will include increased voter turnout among young people, achieved by creating voting habits while still in school, Bachrach maintained.
“This bill is not just about empowering the voices of young people but also strengthening our democracy,” Bachrach said. “As we can see around the world, democracy is fragile. Turnout in Canadian elections continues to be the lowest among young people. If more people get involved in politics and feel their voices are reflected in parliament, our country will be stronger. Lowering the voting age contributes to that goal.”
As the bill moves forward for debate in the coming months, Bachrach said he will seek support from other parties for the bill. MPs from at least three parties have tabled versions of the bill in past sittings, he said.
“This isn’t about one party or another; it’s about an idea whose time has arrived. I’m hopeful we can come together as parliamentarians, strengthen Canadian democracy and give young people a say by passing this bill,” said Bachrach.
