Dear Premier-To-Be: An Open Letter from the Youth of Ontario
June 5, 2018
Dear Provincial Leaders,
It is often thought that young people lack work ethic and responsibility. Some would say we do not possess the motivation or determination to accomplish our goals, and that our opinions don't matter. This notion paints youth with a single brush that is not reflective of our innovative ideas and unique perspectives. It fails to recognize the admirable activism of today. Being young is not a setback, but rather a valuable asset. As youth, we are not afraid to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe in; we are courageous and fearless.
The Canadian government and our elected officials must recognize the importance of listening to youth. We have fresh ideas to be considered and the potential to make a positive impact. Although many of us cannot vote in this election, we are the future. The policies of today will shape the social and political landscape of Canada for generations to come, making them imperative to our futures.
Today’s youth are hopeful, passionate and fearless — sparking important conversations and disrupting the comfort of complacency. These qualities were exemplified in March of 2018, when high school students exhibited true activism in Washington DC during “The March for Our Lives.” They rallied for tighter gun control laws after the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida and were able to utilize social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to spread their message for change. I hope that as the leaders of our province, you will mirror their brazen efforts by continuing to enforce gun laws and strengthening existing regulations to prevent gun violence in our country.
The provincial election is mere weeks away. On June 7th in Ontario, citizens across the province will decide who they would like to represent their voices. Here is my opinion on what you can do for us, the next generation.
Build upon the work that young activists have achieved and use your influence to push for real change. Some of us don't have a platform to speak on the issues that affect us. Acknowledge our presence, hear our opinions, listen to youth, and engage them in a meaningful way. If elected to office, you will have a tremendously important role for four years. You will have a platform from which you can advocate for Canadian youth and voice their concerns to the rest of the government. I speak for today’s youth when I ask you to take action before it’s too late.
Invest in the well-being of your youth by enforcing policies to improve mental health resources and reduce wait times for the effective services we so desperately need. Invest greater resources into the education system — modernize our courses and modify the sex-ed curriculum.
Talk is not enough; those in the field of education must enforce these new changes. The end goal should be inclusive and equitable education of the finest quality. Invest in renewable and environmentally friendly alternatives in our cities to protect the suffering environment and promote sustainable production and consumption. These are issues I believe the majority of Ontario’s youth care about deeply and ones I hope you will focus on. Although I think our province has made great strides towards progress, I know that more attention could be payed to the concerns of youth.
You were given this role because people believe in you. We urge you to rise to the occasion. We are counting on you to create the changes we hope to see in our province. The time to take action is now. The next generation of voters is depending on you.
Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, young people have the right to give their opinion, to be taken seriously by adults and to express themselves in different ways, unless it harms themselves or others. UNICEF Canada respects the views of young people to express their views as they see or experience the world around them, and provides regular and diverse opportunities through our youth guest blogs, Kids of Canada and other platforms.