Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach has introduced a bill to parliament to lower the voting age.
The bill called “The Right to Vote at 16 Act” is a Private Member’s Bill which would lower the voting age to 16 for federal elections.
According to a news release, the bill is based on past NDP initiatives which enfranchise young people and improve voter turnout.
“The decisions our country faces today have tremendous bearing on our young people. 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,” said Bachrach.
The news release added lowering the voting age will have positive democratic outcomes like increased voter turnout among the younger population by creating voting habits while still in school.
“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 the bill,” Bachrach added.
He also said he will reach out across party lines to seek support for the initiative as the bill moves forward for debate.