Canada's Children Vote for a Green Utopia with Their (Playful) Feet...

This project explores the destinies of over 1000 cities & towns across the world as they strive to tackle the severe environmental obstacles of the 21st century. As a component of this, today we focus below on the future of Victoria, British Columbia.

Introducing universal suffrage for children above the age of six could invigorate democracy by broadening the spectrum of voices represented in decision-making processes. In British Columbia, Canada, where environmental concerns are paramount, including young people in the electoral process would ensure that policies are more aligned with long-term interests. Children are often more acutely aware of environmental issues, influenced by education and media focused on sustainability. Their inclusion in the democratic process could lead to a stronger emphasis on policies that address climate change and environmental preservation, helping to secure a sustainable future for all.

This move would also promote social equity by addressing the generational gap in political power. Currently, political decisions often favor the older population, who make up a significant portion of the electorate. By giving children a voice, British Columbia could balance this dynamic, ensuring that policies cater to the needs and rights of younger generations. This would likely lead to more equitable education policies, improved access to resources for families, and greater attention to child welfare, creating a more inclusive society that prioritizes the needs of all its citizens.

In terms of national resilience, empowering children with the vote would encourage the development of a more engaged and informed populace from a young age. In British Columbia, this could lead to a generation that is more politically active and invested in the health and future of their communities. Such early involvement would foster a sense of responsibility and ownership over the direction of the province, contributing to a more cohesive and resilient society. As these children grow into adults, their early exposure to civic duties would likely result in a more robust and participatory democracy, better equipped to face the challenges of the future.