Priorities of young voters not being addressed, these New Brunswickers say
More provincial funding needed for universities to relieve tuition costs, fix up cramped, run-down campuses
Some young New Brunswick voters say they hope whoever forms the next provincial government engages with them and puts their issues on the political agenda.
"A lot of measures are for the aging population of the province," said Mathieu Perron, a bachelor of social sciences graduate working on a master's of health management degree at the Université de Moncton. "I haven't seen much for either young families or for young people coming out of high school or coming out of university."
Young people today are struggling financially, he said, noting that high rent and food prices are a constant topic of conversation among his friends.
When a temporary rent cap was in place it "certainly helped," he said.
Loss of N.B.-E.I. Connect program
The 2022 cancellation of a program that paid employment insurance benefits during the academic year hit many students hard, said Perron.
"I know people who dropped out of university because they couldn't pay for their tuition because they they lost N.B.-E.I. Connect. It's sad to see those people going," he said.
That policy change doesn't make sense to him given the shortages of university-trained professionals, such as teachers and nurses.
"I know many people who would like to go in nursing. They don't have the money for it," he said.
Perron would like to see more provincial funding of universities to relieve tuition costs and to fix up cramped and run-down campuses.
Long waits for medical and psychological care are also problems for students, he said.
Listen to our stories, says youth activist
Mental health and wellness are priorities shared by Allison Grace Lambert, 29, of Elsipogtog First Nation.
When people are taken care of they can be their best selves and that's good for everyone around them, said Lambert, who is a member of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Youth Council.
"Sometimes it's a little bit scary when you go out into the world because there are some places that are not as accepting," she said.
Awareness campaigns about safe spaces and more gatherings where young people can learn to be comfortable being themselves would help, she said.
Lambert said she hopes politicians pay attention to members of her generation as they find their voices.
"Even just taking the opportunity to take a look at what we're all about and to hear us and hear our stories and where we come from."
Young voters need to get involved
Perron said he's happy polling stations will be set up on campuses in this election.
He thinks more should be done to encourage young people to vote, including outreach by politicians in schools or to involve young people in consultations and public town halls.
Part of the responsibility to get issues of importance to young people on the political agenda rests with individual young voters, says Alan Sears, an expert in civics education.
That could be by talking to candidates or representatives in their riding, or through some kind of lobby group, said the retired University of New Brunswick professor.
"It's appropriate in a democracy to let the government know what you want," he said.
Sears's advice for first-time voters is: read the platforms and ask questions of candidates.
Voter turnout among young people has been low in recent elections.
Research commissioned by Elections Canada found youth were less motivated to vote in part because they believed the government didn't care what they thought or they thought their vote wouldn't make much difference.
Sears argues that if you focus on what's important to you, it is possible to have a say and make a difference.
He suggested a good way to start is by joining some kind of civil society group — such as a service club, a union or a professional organization.
"They're all important to the civic process," he said.
It's a way to gain understanding of how things work and what may need to change or to be improved, said Sears.
"What are the issues your group is trying to address? Can you learn about the gatekeepers and people with power in those areas and become more effective?"
"You have to roll up your sleeves and get into it," he said.
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