Amalia Jimenez of the University of Manitoba Delegation represented Rights & Democracy at a Canadian forum on youth and democracy, just weeks before the federal election.
On September 19, 2008, various youth organizations from all over the country gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia to participate in a national youth symposium hosted by “Apathy is Boring” and “Democracy 250” to discuss the challenges facing Canadian youth and their involvement in the democratic process. What most young Canadians might not realize is that the first exercise of democracy in what is now Canada took place in Halifax in 1758 with the establishment of the first parliamentary assembly. 250 years later, the Canadian experience proves that allowing individuals the full right to choose their government leads to the flourishing of a free and diverse society. However, part of the challenge to continue in this path is engaging youth to inform themselves and vote, which is what “Apathy is Boring” and “Democracy 250” aim to promote.
Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, also joined the dialogue conveying a powerful message to the youth present by sharing her personal experience in the country she grew up in, Haiti, where the realization of democracy has been a painful process. Canadian youth must realize that living in a democratic society is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Her Excellency encouraged youth to make their voices heard, especially through the cultivation of the arts, in promoting social transformation. A special panel of Canadian musicians including members of Ill Scarlet, the Jimmy Swift Band, and Alert the Medic demonstrated that the arts may be an effective medium to engage youth in democratic development.
Representing the Rights and Democracy Network at this event was an excellent experience as I was able to exchange ideas with other youth organizations on the challenges of piquing the interest of youth in topics related to human rights and democracy. Despite the daunting challenges facing young Canadians it is essential to continue to create spaces for dialogue on democracy because truly only these initiatives will lead to new insights and change. As her Excellency Michaëlle Jean reminded us, the energy of youth empowerment is essential not only for the future, but especially the present.
