THUNDER BAY – Local leaders from all three levels of government will attend a virtual town hall focused on the concerns of Thunder Bay youth this week. MP Patty Hajdu, MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell, and Mayor Bill Mauro are all slated to join the Future Majority’s “Canada 2.0” digital town hall Thursday.
The event aims to set a course for a “more just, healthy, and equitable country” as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riley Fredrickson, a Lakehead University student and Future Majority volunteer who helped coordinate the event, said the three high-profile guests shows politicians are beginning to take youth more seriously.
For the first time, she said, young people make up the largest potential voting block in Canada. Future Majority urges them to use that power by getting involved, including through voting.
“I think many politicians are starting to realize the importance of young people’s voices and making sure young people feel heard, because they have such a strong voice and they’re so strong in numbers,” she said.
Leaders will be asked questions on the night’s themes of racial justice, climate change, and mental health – priorities identified through recent surveys by Future Majority.
“They’re all obviously huge issues, and many of the youth that were surveyed found these three issues have always been there in Canada, but this global pandemic has really brought them to life more,” explained Fredrickson.
Future Majority is a non-partisan, non-profit entity supported with funding from the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defence Canada. Around 15 youth are involved with the local chapter.
The event is also supported by community partners including Roots to Harvest, the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU), and Regional Multicultural Youth Centre.
Fredrickson said it’s simply about amplifying the voices of youth, so they see themselves reflected in their community. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of their own towards the end of the event.
The town hall will be livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook Live beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday. Those interested can sign up for the Zoom session online, or tune in through the event Facebook page.
