It's election time! Wasn't there one just a couple of months ago, you ask? You're right! That was a provincial election in Ontario. This time we're electing a federal government, which is responsible for the whole country. So remind all the grown-ups in your life to vote!
Election day is Monday, April 28. In Toronto, polls are open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. Got a family member who is confused about where to vote? They can call 1-800-463-6868 or visit the Elections Canada website. Friendly staff at your local library can also help find answers.
You might not be old enough to cast a ballot, but anybody and everybody can get involved in improving their community. It all starts with learning! Go with a parent or caregiver when they vote. Join local clubs and events. Ask questions and read widely, starting with our Celebrate Democracy booklist. Get inspired to take action and build a better world!
Did you know these democracy and election facts?
You may have learned in school about Canada's three levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial and municipal. Each level has its own jobs, but sometimes they share responsibilities. They work together to help make sure our communities run smoothly. Every level of government is represented in things we do or use everyday. Our lives are affected by the decisions of lawmakers. So it's important to choose our government carefully because voting shapes our society. In a Canadian federal election, 343 elections are actually happening at the same time! The Prime Minister is not elected directly. When people vote, they vote for their local representative in Parliament. There are currently 343 seats in the House of Commons. Each Member of Parliament (MP) represents one electoral district, also known as a riding. An election is held in each riding. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. Every 10 years, electoral districts get reviewed and updated to match changes in the population. New districts can be added and names and boundaries might change. Do you know which riding you live in? Fun fact: Canada's smallest riding, Toronto Centre, is only six square kilometres! But it has nearly three times the population of Canada's largest riding, Nunavut... which is more than two million square kilometres! Even more fun fact: The election materials shipped to just one electoral district weigh about the same as an elephant!
Image source: Student Vote Canada