A renewed push to allow 16-year-olds to vote has returned to Parliament, with Sen. Marilou McPhedran reintroducing legislation to expand the federal electorate — despite strong resistance from most adult voters.McPhedran, who has sponsored similar measures each session since her Senate appointment nine years ago, tabled Bill S-222 An Act To Amend The Canada Elections Act on Thursday. The bill would lower the minimum voting age from 18 to 16 in federal elections.“The evidence is strong,” said McPhedran. “Democracy is better for including 16 and 17-year olds in the voting process.” She said youth participation is essential to revitalizing the country’s democratic system. “Many young people across this country joined by people who are not 16 and 17 believe this is a key element to revitalizing our democracy.”McPhedran also announced plans for youth to appear before the Senate to speak directly to legislators about the issue.Previous efforts have failed. A similar Senate bill died after Second Reading in 2021, and a nearly identical New Democrat proposal, Bill C-210, was overwhelmingly voted down in the House of Commons in 2022 by a margin of 245 to 77.Opponents argue that extending voting rights to 16-year-olds raises broader legal questions. “If we reduce the voting age from 18 to 16, how can we prohibit 16-year-olds from also purchasing alcohol, tobacco and cannabis?” asked former Conservative Senate leader Donald Plett. “What about firearms? What about gambling?”He also questioned whether 16-year-olds should then be eligible to run for office. “Do we believe that all 16-year-olds are ready to shoulder the weight and responsibilities that come with public office?” he said.Canada last lowered its federal voting age in 1970, when it dropped from 21 to 18. According to a 2021 National Electors Study by Elections Canada, most Canadians oppose lowering it further.“Seven in ten respondents, 72%, disagreed the voting age in federal elections should be lowered from 18 to 16,” researchers wrote. The study, conducted by Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc., surveyed 49,993 people nationwide at a cost of $804,354.Only 10% of respondents said they strongly supported the idea. Most also said they preferred schools and parents — not federal agencies — take the lead on civic education for youth.
