Empower girls and gender-diverse young people through the Vote16 Act
The Vote16 Act (Bill S-201) would extend voting rights in Canada to those aged 16 and 17 (vote16.ca). The Bill is at second reading in the Senate of Canada and if the Senate votes in favour, it will move to a committee to undergo a detailed study.
Amplify the message: Count girls and gender-diverse young people in so that when they turn 16, they have more of a voice on the pressing issues that impact their lives: climate change, poverty, discrimination, and more.
Through programs funded by the Canadian Women’s Foundation, girls and gender-diverse young people develop foundational skills for civic participation, including:
- healthy, respectful relationships
- critical thinking
- leadership
- cultural and community connection and engagement
When we give girls and gender-diverse young people opportunities to connect, build their skills, and make an impact in their communities, they get equipped to become informed and engaged citizens:
- 93% of girls and nonbinary young people between the ages of 9 and 13 who participate in programs funded by the Canadian Women’s Foundation say they go on to feel empowered in their futures (Canadian Women’s Foundation).
- A 2020 study found that 88% of young people said they thought about who they would vote for in the last election, and 63% felt that politicians would pay more attention to the issues they care about if they had the right to vote (Children First Canada).
Your support can help move the Vote16 Act to the next stage: exploring the research, evidence, and best practices on extending the voting age to 16 in Canada (vote16.ca).
