Petition to the Government of Canada
  Whereas:
  
    Sixteen and seventeen-year-olds across Canada are already taking on real responsibilities, from working part-time jobs and paying taxes, to driving, volunteering, and taking on family responsibilities;
    Young Canadians are informed, thoughtful, and actively involved in their schools, communities, and movements that shape our country’s future;
    Whereas large numbers of youth feel disenfranchised from civic life despite being disproportionately impacted in areas of public health, climate change, and affordability – contributing to polarization and thereby, the destabilizing of our democracy
    It is widely reported that youth being significantly underrepresented in civic engagement. A generational decline of civic engagement is detrimental to fighting misinformation and indeed, protecting national security;
    Extending the voting age to 16 would empower a new generation to participate in democracy while still in school, where habits of civic engagement are more easily built and supported;
    Austria, Scotland, and Brazil are examples of have shown that 16 and 17-year-olds being are ready to vote and this process strengthens overall democracy; and
    Civic engagement needs to be developed from a young age in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
  
  
    We, the undersigned, Citizens Of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Introduce legislation to extend the federal voting age from 18 to: 16;
    
    
    2. Collaborate with the provinces to develop civic education so that all students are equipped to participate meaningfully in elections;
    
    
    3. Continue Canada’s commitment to advancing opportunities for youth to shape policies affecting their future; and
    
    
    4. Encourage provinces, territories, and municipalities to consider similar reforms, so youth voices are heard at every level of government.