Longer recess and cafeteria microwaves top issues in northern Ontario elementary school election

At Levack Public School in Greater Sudbury, the Liberal campaign includes a promise to bring back microwaves to the cafeteria.

"The Conservatives want to make an intermediate playground. That'll be $20,000," said Liberal leader Lucas Dane.

"We'd have to give up our Toronto trip next year."

Dane is a student in the school's Grade 5 and 6 class, which is in the midst of a mock election, to coincide with Canada's federal election.

His teacher, Rachel Russell, said the election presented a great opportunity to connect current events to the curriculum, where students are learning about the different levels of government in Canada.

Her students are running for parties that align with their values, but campaigning on promises that would affect daily life at the school. 

Conservative candidates Hunter Park and Sebastian Nelson promised they would improve the school's playground.

New Democrat candidate Zander Rouleau said recess and lunch should be longer, and promised he would bring more extracurricular activities to the school as well.

Green Party candidate Noah Carrier said it was time to end racism at the school.

Russell said her classroom's candidates will give their speeches to the entire school ahead of a mock election on Monday.

Discussions in class haven't just been about ways to improve the school, she said. Her students have also been discussing many of the issues that are top-of-mind for adult voters in the federal election.

"The conversations in class right now are actually revolving around tariffs, Donald Trump, some of the limitations that are gonna be set on Canada," Russell said.

She said those conversations will prepare the students for when they turn 18 and can exercise their vote in a federal, provincial or municipal election.