NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody–Coquitlam) and NDP MP Taylor Bachrach (Skeena–Bulkley Valley) on Tuesday met with students at Douglas College and Charles Best High School to discuss their proposal to change the voting age to 16. If passed, 16- and 17-year-old Canadians would be allowed to vote in federal elections.  

“Whether it’s the housing crisis, health care, or the climate emergency, young Canadians are rightfully concerned about their future and deserve to have a voice,” said Zarrillo. “The decisions governments make today will significantly impact the lives of young people tomorrow. New Democrats believe that youth deserve to have a say in their future by voting in federal elections.”   

She pointed out that evidence demonstrates that a lower voting age also increases participation in elections and improves trust in civic institutions. Several countries have already lowered their voting age to 16 including Austria, Scotland and Wales, while Germany and New Zealand are planning to do so.  

Bachrach  noted: “Many young people 16 and 17 years of age are informed, passionate and engaged in their communities. The challenges we face today have a big impact on younger people; they deserve a seat at the table. Supporting this bill will help us build a stronger democracy for generations to come.”  

The MPs visited with college and high school students about the proposal just a week before the Bill will be debated in the House of Commons with the vote happening at the end of September.