Meet three young voters and top issues on their mind before election day
Affordability, human rights and immigration are three biggest concerns for these young voters
With just one day left before the federal election, you might be wondering what issues are top of mind for young voters as they head to the polls.
Here's the perspective of three younger New Brunswicker voters.
Mathieu Perron: Affordability, supporting the most vulnerable
Mathieu Perron, a master's student in Health Management at l'Université de Moncton, says the cost of living is top of mind for him.
This includes rising housing and energy costs, and wages that aren't keeping up with inflation. He said there's also the issue of post-secondary students deciding to move out of province once they graduate.
"I think working out something regarding the economic development of rural areas is a big concern for many who want to stay in New Brunswick but maybe don't have the job opportunities to do so," said Perron.
Perron said he is also concerned when he heard Conservative Leader Pierre Pollievre discuss making cuts to post secondary education.
"It poses a risk to the accessibility of those institutions and the capacity of those institutions to keep offering programs," he said.
Perron said tuition at l'Université de Moncton has needed to increase annually to keep up with costs. So, cutting funding on the federal level will burden students even more.
He said he was pleased to see both major parties propose tax cuts for the middle class. Liberal Leader Mark Carney proposed a tax cut reducing the lowest federal income tax bracket from 15 per cent to 14 per cent. Pollievre says he would lower that same tax bracket to 12.75 per cent over a two-year period.
"It's great, but for students who work and don't really make that much money, it's the wages that have to go up more than taxes need to be cut," said Perron.
He would also like to see the student housing issue addressed, with a focus on building apartments designed specifically for students and their needs.
"I know many people living four or five in the same apartment, which is something we have to do to pay the rent," said Perron.
Perron voted in advance polling and said he decided to vote for a candidate who has shown strength in leadership. He said the candidate who got his vote was less divisive during the campaign and didn't try to bash their opponents.
He said the candidate he voted for was also keen on maintaining social programs already in place to help the most vulnerable in the country.
Daniel Mordi: Cost of living, immigration and financial aid
Daniel Mordi, executive director of the New Brunswick Student Alliance, said housing, food insecurity, mental health services, access to healthcare, immigration and student financial aid are his greatest concerns for the federal election.
He says these topics represent "major" challenges that students are facing all across the province.
Elections Canada recorded that only 46.7 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 voted in the 2021 federal election. And, that's not lost on Mordi.
He says that's likely because students don't feel the government cares about the issues impacting them.
"There is no confidence in the governments from young people," said Mordi, "Students are looking for someone who does not just speak in numbers, but we need to see someone who's passionate about making a difference."
Mordi said he hasn't seen any candidates talking about incentives to support students after graduation, in order to keep them in the province. He said New Brunswick needs to catch up to other provinces on that front.
Mordi is waiting to vote on election day and says the candidate he votes for will be the one who understands that immigrants and international students contribute greatly to our country's economy. He also wants to see candidates who care about the issues impacting students.
Allison Grace Lambert: Human rights, student support
Allison Grace Lambert, a member of Wabanaki Two Spirit Youth Council, parent and mental health advocate, says Indigenous rights, mental health and women's health are the issues she's passionate about during this election.
"If we have the resources to be healthy, we can raise our children to be happy and healthy and then they can serve their future generation," she told CBC radio's Information Morning Moncton.
She said the affordability crisis is playing a role in deteriorating the mental health of many New Brunswickers. Lambert says the cost of living is difficult to manage with a two-person income, which doesn't leave many options for new mothers who are also students or recent graduates.
Lambert said managing finances in this economy, from loan payments to trying to cover the cost of food and rent, can be very stressful.
"At the end of the day, it's like you want to give up on it because it's like what's the point?" she said.
Lambert would like to see more financial support for students so they are better set up to enter the workforce.
Lambert will be voting on election day. She says the candidate she will vote for will be one with a focus on maintaining human rights and, in particular, women's rights.
"If we can work to serve for the greater good, we will create a community that will then provide safe spaces and diversity," she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Information Morning Moncton