OTTAWA - On December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating August 12 as International Youth Day. This was a timely call to action aimed at inspiring the world’s adult population to develop positive relationships with young people and work with and for them to build a better future.
Almost thirteen years later, youth in Canada face increasing problems – high levels of unemployment, diminished social programmes, weakened environmental protection, and the threat of climate change. It’s time for young people to speak out more than ever! Canada needs your energy, your fresh vision, your courage in order to regain the kind of fair and just country established after WWII – and presently being dismantled.
During the federal election in May, 2011, we saw young voters across the country – including Greens – turn out to vote with an increased sense of purpose and urgency. Unfortunately, with our first-past-the-post electoral system, the Harper Conservatives won a majority – although some riding results are being contested in the courts.
This year, International Youth Day comes almost one month before the next session of Parliament, which promises to be a great challenge to those who care about Canada. We call on our Young Greens, whose hard work and dedication we appreciate very much, and all youth to help stop the Harper Conservatives. In fact, with the support of aware, open-minded young people, we can make this country even better than before!
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Contact Information:
Kathleen O’Hara
kathleenohara@yahoo.com
613-562-4916