The history of #Vote16 in Ottawa!
For three decades, federal politicians across Canada - from all parties - have been trying to empower our nation’s youth.
MP Taylor Bachrach, NDP
“There are so many intelligent, motivated, caring young people out there. I can't help but feel that their voice deserves to be heard.”
2021: Bill C-210 CBC news
Independent Senator Marilou McPhedran
“It’s been 50 years since the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18. Today, 16-year-olds are earning money, paying taxes, driving, can serve in the army, etc. This is an important step forward in our democracy.”
2021: Bill S-201
2020: Bill S-209
MP Elizabeth May, Green Party
“The future of democracy belongs to the next generation.”
2020: C-279
Details • Full Text
2018: Bill C-401
Press Release: “A Mayday for Democracy” • Full Text
MP Don Davies, NDP
“The future of democracy belongs to the next generation.”
2020: C-240 2015: C-213 2013: C-368 2010: C-634
Huffington Post: “Don Davies, NDP MP, Wants Canada's Voting Age Lowered To 16” (Jan 2016)
MP Mark Holland, Liberal Party
2004: Bill C-261 Press release • Backgrounder
“Interest in this bill cuts across party lines.”
“A group of MPs is joining forces to support a bill to lower the voting age. Belinda Stronach (Conservative), Stéphane Bergeron (Bloc Québécois), and Nathan Cullen (NDP) will be working to support Bill C-261.”
MP Bev Desjarlais, NDP
2001: Bill C-213 Full Text
The Hill Times: ”Bid to drop voting age to 16 among crop of private members’ bills”
MP Nelson Riis, NDP
1990: Bill C-332 2000: C-423
“I think the time has come to acknowledge that young people of 16 and 17 are much more informed these days than their counterparts many years ago. To be part of the modern age, let us acknowledge that the future belongs to our young people.”
