I am a student who is going to be a first-time voter in the upcoming provincial election.
While many students and young people don't necessarily consider themselves to be overly political, there is a lot at stake in this election that we are willing to fight for. Many of these issues go beyond those typically branded as "student" or "youth" issues.
Of course I am concerned about the ever-increasing cost of post-secondary education, but it's not just the cost of tuition fees that make education unaffordable (though they are a huge barrier).
Housing prices continue to rise at an alarming rate while availability is decreasing.
Childcare costs are so prohibitive that many parents who wish to work or go back to school are forced to stay at home.
Transit options in B.C. are sorely lacking, and the government recently announced massive increases to ICBC rates. More and more British Columbians are living in poverty because they simply cannot afford increasing financial burdens while opportunities weaken.
All these issues paint a grim picture for the youth of British Columbia. We are eager to participate in our society and economy, and the government should be working to ensure that we have the ability to do so.
The youth of British Columbia know how much we have to lose in this election. I'll be showing up to the polling booth to make my voice heard!
Sierra Woolsey
Prince George
