OTTAWA — Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Independent Senator Marilou McPhedran held a joint press conference today, emphasizing a new way to do politics forged in common values and highlighting their shared legislative priorities for the fall parliamentary session with a particular focus on youth rights, democratic participation, and gender equity.

At the centre of their collaboration is Bill S-222, introduced by Senator McPhedran, which would expand the federal voting age from 18 to 16. The bill would also allow 14- and 15-year-olds to pre-register with Elections Canada to ensure they are ready to cast their first ballot at 16.

“My priority from the very beginning has been to introduce a bill to expand voting rights in Canada to include 16- and 17-year-olds, and to allow 14- and 15-year-olds to register their intention to vote at 16,” said Senator McPhedran. “A national campaign has been building, and young leaders across the country have made this a top priority. There are no guarantees in Parliament, but my most immediate goal is to get this bill to committee hearings so that young Canadians themselves can show why expanding voting rights makes sense.”

Elizabeth May, who in previous parliaments has introduced similar legislation in the House of Commons, will sponsor the bill when it comes to the House. May emphasized the democratic benefits of voting earlier. “Research shows that if you don’t vote at your first opportunity, you’re unlikely to vote at your second or third,” she said. “Voting at 16 increases the likelihood that young people will start their voting life while they are rooted in their home community. At 16 you can drive a car, you can work and pay taxes. It makes sense that you should also be able to vote.”

Both parliamentarians also raised alarms about gender equity under the Carney government.

“We’re seeing a real pattern here with Prime Minister Carney, with the troika of white corporate men who are now at the peak of government,” said Senator McPhedran. “It is not a good look for this new government, especially when we already barely have 30% women in the House of Commons, and when funding for Women and Gender Equality is projected to be cut by 80%.”

Elizabeth May tied this warning to a broader concern about democratic backsliding. “We are at a dangerous crossroads for liberal democracies around the world,” she said. “Events in the U.S. show how quickly rights can be eroded. Canada must not follow that path. If women are not at the table, if youth are not factored into key decision-making, there is a squandering of our future.”

The bill will be debated in the Senate this fall. If adopted, May has committed to taking sponsorship in the House of Commons.

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