Private members’ bills in the House and Senate seek to lower Canada’s voting age to 16, a move supporters say could lead to higher democratic participation over a lifetime, but critics say would have a marginal impact at best in elections and question whether they have enough skin in the game at that age. Bill S-201, introduced by non-affiliated Sen. Marilou McPhedran of Manitoba, and Bill C-210, introduced by NDP MP Taylor Bachrach of Skeena-Bulkley Valley, B.C., would lower Canada’s voting age for the first time since 1970, when it dropped from 21 to 18. McPhedran, a former lawyer and professor, told The Epoch Times she came to the Senate in 2016 focused on “youth engagement” and “a high level of concern about the state of democracy.” She said early consultation following her appointment, especially with Francophone youth, convinced her that lowering the voting age was part of the solution. …
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