Despite being the largest voting block in Canada, young Canadians are known to have low voter turnout. This election, however, we saw youth political engagement present itself in untraditional ways. Young people are increasingly abandoning formal modes of political participation, and are instead adopting grassroots-level engagement.

Young voters make up 40% of the Canadian population. Despite this, they have little influence when it comes to political decision-making. We need to change this. Today’s youth are the country’s future, so it is in everyone’s interest that their voices be heard and fully incorporated into Canada’s highest decision-making levels. When young people don’t vote, they are repeatedly not represented in politics, and this sets the precedent for their concerns not being addressed.

We can learn a lot from youth-led organizations. With so many youth taking on leadership roles within pressing social movements, it is clear just how determined young people are to build a world that is equitable and fair. The future is bright for Canadian youth.