What Happened to Young Canadians' Hopes?

It was meant to be a revival of hope for young Canadians. Just a year ago, the federal Liberal government tried to regain the trust of this crucial demographic, which had been shifting towards the Conservatives. The then-finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, delivered a budget aptly named "Fairness for Every Generation," proposing a capital-gains tax hike aimed at fostering potential homeownership among younger Canadians.

A Rallying Cry for Change?

Freeland's passionate speech urged Canadians to imagine a nation where the only youth able to buy homes are those with parental financial support—a stark reality for many. She emphasized the need to invest in vital sectors like healthcare and housing, cautioning against passing crippling debt to future generations. This call was a direct counter to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s criticisms regarding the cost of living.

The Shift from Youth Priorities to Trade Wars

Fast forward one year, and the conversation surrounding youth concerns has largely dissipated, overshadowed by a looming trade war with the U.S. Political discourse now prioritizes protecting seniors over investing in young people's futures, raising concerns that the voices of the youth are being neglected in this critical election.

Young Voices Feel Ignored

Joshua Winters, a 33-year-old renter from Surrey, B.C., shared his frustration, noting the lack of proposals addressing young Canadians' challenges, particularly the leap from renting to homeownership. 'It feels like we’re being overlooked in this campaign,' he remarked.

A Disconnect with Young Voters

Recent polling data reveals a significant rift between the issues affecting younger Canadians and those prioritized by older demographics. While older Canadians cite the trade war as their primary concern, young voters remain focused on the rising cost of living. Interestingly, a substantial portion of those under 35 expressed greater trust in Poilievre (38%) over Liberal leader Mark Carney (26%) when it comes to addressing their needs.

A Critical Gap in Policy