Whitby-Oshawa election candidates talk nuclear energy

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Question of the Day Answers: What kind of example are politicians setting for young people when it comes to bullying?

Across North America, we've seen politicians speak out alongside celebrities and parents against bullying. Yet, you look at the attack ads on TV and the decorum in Parliament, and the insults being hurled seem a lot worse than the schoolyard. What kind of example are politicians setting for young people when it comes to bullying?

Read Rebecca's Answer

Question of the Day Answers: What would you do to relieve student debt?

Question: This past year, student debt owed to the national government reached $15 billion, the legislated maximum that Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is allowed to lend out. At $37,000 on average per student, student debt is affecting recent graduates' and young peoples' purchasing power. How would you advocate for this debt-ridden generation and what would you propose to help relieve students from this economic burden?

Read Rebecca's Answer

Youth candidate: The Green Party's Rebecca Harrison on the power of young people.

The 2011 federal election comes at a time of rapid change around the world — rapid change fuelled by youth.

Hosni Mubarak’s reign over Egypt came to an end at the hands of Egyptian youth, many of whom were not even alive when it started. It came to an end through tweets, texts and Facebook groups, a revolution where social media proved mightier than the sword.

In Canada, however, the youth voter turnout is abysmal. Do we blame this on the so called “apathetic youth culture” or do we force ourselves to look at the political system itself?

After much deliberation, I would have to say the biggest issue facing young people in this election is the fact that youth themselves are not being engaged. This has created a vicious cycle; youth don’t feel like they are part of the process, so they don’t vote. Since the data shows that they don’t vote, the politicians don’t attempt to engage them.

It’s not as though issues important to youth effect only youth.

People in their 30s are still wrestling with vicious student debt. Canadian families, new Canadians and retirees are all affected by the incredible lack of affordable housing. Unemployment and underemployment continue to be serious issues from coast to coast. And of course climate change — not only today’s young voters, but also their children, will pay the price of continued inaction on climate change.

So why don’t the major parties target youth with these messages? More importantly, why are they not engaging youth in the political process to develop solutions to these problems?

As a young candidate, finding my way to where I am today has been a long, hard fight. Proving myself often meant twice the work with half the reward. But now that I have found a party that respects my voice, I am making a difference. So to the other parties and their leaders, I’ll give you a bit of advice: Young Canadians are more than voters, they are policy-makers, strategists and candidates. They have the insight, the intelligence and the drive to address the issues. All you have to do is reach out and invite them to join the conversation.

 

Meet your Whitby-Oshawa candidates

Three of the four candidates in the Whitby-Oshawa riding are ready to hit the hustings. Whitby This Week is launching election coverage with a brief introduction to each of the candidates. Watch the paper and our website, durhamregion.com, for the latest news on the local campaigns in the weeks leading up to the May 2 federal election. The Liberal Party has yet to declare a candidate.
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Beyond The Mic Podcast -Listen!

Afrocentric school -Guests – Newstalk 1010's Amber Gero & Justine Lewkowicz;The Crossover w/ Jim Richards; Hot female candidates- GUEST: Rebecca Harrison Green Party Candidate for Whitby – Oshawa;Things we wish women knew about us; This Day In History.

 

 

When you go to the polls on May 2nd remember those in our community that can't vote. The decisions we make today will affect Canadians for generations to come. It's time for a political party that plans generations ahead. It's time. Vote Green. Thank you to the children of Whitby for participating in this video, and to the Irish Greens for your inspiration.