When people ask me why I’m a Liberal, my answer is simple: I believe that everyone should have a fair chance in life.
It’s idealistic, sure—but I wholeheartedly believe that no matter who you are and where you come from, you should have every opportunity to put food on your table, provide for your family, attend post-secondary education and live a good life.
In 2015, Canadians sent a clear message to Ottawa. They wanted real change. After almost a decade under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were brought to power, promising to make life more affordable for Canadians, tackle climate change and work towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples.
After four short years in government, I am more than pleased with the progress that has been made. The Liberals’ first order of business was cutting taxes on the middle class, and replacing the Harper-era system with the fairer Canada Child Benefit, which is based on income.
Since the benefit program was introduced, 300,000 Canadian children have been lifted out of poverty and we currently have the lowest poverty rate in Canadian history. That’s huge.
Climate change is undoubtedly on our minds as young people. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that we are the last generation who can prevent climate change from having irreversible effects on our planet.
The Liberals have a real plan to tackle climate change—with over 50 greenhouse-gas-reducing measures—including investments in renewables to get to 90 per cent clean energy, phasing out coal and making zero-emission vehicles more affordable and more accessible.
Lastly, they are putting a price on pollution, which—contrary to what the Conservatives say—will leave most Canadians with more money in their pockets through the Climate Action Incentive. Also huge.
Is it enough? Absolutely not. We need to take stronger action on climate change.
But, we also need to ensure nobody gets left behind in the clean energy transition. We need to work harder to deconstruct the colonial system that has subjugated Indigenous peoples for centuries. We need to continue to break down the barriers to good health that too many people still face every day. There is much more to be done.
The truth is, Canada has never elected a federal government that was not Liberal or Conservative—or a combination of both—and that’s not going to change in the next election. If the Liberals lose in October, Andrew Scheer will be prime minister.
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford’s “Progressive” Conservative government has slashed vital services that people depend on each and every day.
Cuts to autism funding has left families wondering what’s next for their children, and cuts to education mean larger class sizes, no 21st century sex and health education curriculum, and no Indigenous history curriculum—an important call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
And as I’m sure you’re aware, the Ford government made cuts to OSAP. They are making education less accessible and affordable for young people across the province. Ask your fellow students, are you worried about debt from your student loans? I sure am.
The Liberals have invested in our country’s young people by increasing Canada Student Grants by 50 per cent, doubling the number of jobs created through the Canada Summer Jobs program and investing in the Youth Employment Strategy.
Giving young Canadians the skills they need to succeed is vital to ensuring youth enter the job market prepared and equipped, and the Liberals understand that.
In October, I would like to elect a government that continues to make significant progress to make people’s lives better. Governments that gut social programs frankly scare me, and this election, there is so much to lose.
At the end of the day, when young people go out and vote, governments make policy decisions that benefit young people. That’s a fact.
So, I leave you with my final plea: no matter who you vote for this election, go out and cast your ballot. You have a voice and you deserve to be heard.
Feature image by Tim Austen.
