To the editor:
By voting or not, young Canadians will decide on May 2, whether our country will move towards an economy based on wealth sharing and Canadians well-being or towards greater assistance to banks and large corporations.
An analysis of EKOS polling conducted between July 7 and Sept. 28 last year suggested Canadians between the ages of 18 and 24 would elect a Liberal minority government, with a substantial increase in representation for the New Democrats, Bloc Quebecois, and Greens. The Conservative Party would be severely reduced, virtually wiped out in most provinces.
Unfortunately, only 37 per cent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 24 exercised their democratic duty during the 2008 federal election, compared to 59 per cent among all age groups.
This lack of political engagement of Canada’s youth makes it far more difficult for a party like the Greens to make any headway, and contrasts sharply with the 68 per cent of Canadians over the age of 65 who voted in the last election.
Let’s hope these facts will catch young voters’ attention and bring them to the ballots May 2. More then ever, the future of a Canada and for all Canadians is in young Canadian voters’ hands.
Bruno Marquis
Gatineau, Que.
