Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bachrach made the case for the proposed change in electoral voting age, one that would see Canadians from 16 years up allowed the right to vote in Federal elections.
“Young Canadians are concerned about the federal government’s decisions on the climate crisis, and they’re worried they’ll never be able to afford a home in the communities where they live. The Liberals say the right things, but whether it’s allowing housing prices to soar out of reach or continuing to support fossil fuel projects that are driving up emissions, they keep selling out young Canadians’ futures. New Democrats want 16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote so that they can have some input into the decisions that are impacting their lives now and for years to come.”
For the Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP, the bill is one that he believes will strengthen Canada's democracy by allowing 16 and 17 year olds to participate in the process.
"New Democrats believe that when we bring more voices into politics, better decisions get made," said Bachrach. "I've been inspired and impressed by the young people I've had a chance to interact with during my time in politics. This bill presents a chance to strengthen Canada's democracy and bring young people into the conversation in a meaningful way."
The full statement from the NDP can be reviewed here.
The Bill known as C-210 received its first reading on December 13th, the session of the House set for tomorrow will provide for the first opportunity for debate of the proposed legislation.
We explored some of Mr. Bachrach's themes at the time in this blog item from mid December.
The timeline for the Wednesday session has yet to be outlined, you can follow the debate once the agenda for the day has been provided from this link to the Our Commons online portal.
While Mr. Singh and Mr. Bachrach are seemingly enthused at the proposed bill, it should be noted that private members bills generally do not gain much traction towards acceptance in the House of Commons.
As part of his push for the approval of the bill, Mr Bachrach is part of an all Party Zoom event scheduled for tomorrow evening at 5 PM British Columbia time, which will feature the Skeena-Bulkly Valley MP and three other representatives from the Liberal, Conservative and Green Parties.
Learn more about that engagement opportunity here
The initiative has also been gathering support from across Canada through an online petition of sorts to push for approval of the NDP MP's initiative, you can review thae background to the petition and sign on if you wish here.
For more items of note from the House of Commons see our archive page here.
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