Statement -- Youth Engagement in the Democratic Process
Channel: Linda Duncan
Date: 2015-01-27

Popular opinion has it that Canadian youth are disengaged from the democratic process. Yet from my experience our youth are playing an active role.
Take for example Nessa Deans, an 11 year old constituent, who is enthusiastically participating in the political process at all levels. For her efforts Nessa was named the youth winner of the 2014 Samara Everyday Political Citizen Award.   
Claire Edwards, while in high school, successfully advocated for a student trustee position on the Edmonton Public School Board and now chairs the City of Edmonton Youth Council. She has been recognized with a top Thirty under Thirty award. 
In the last federal election, University of Alberta students organized a vote mobile service to help students access advance polls.  
Finally, at the service for Constable David Matthew Wynn, Keenooshayo Grade Six students sang this verse lauding his support for the value of youth engagement:
We can make a difference in our world today. 
Together we can make our world a better place. 
When we share together so much can be done. 
If all the children in the world would care in unison.