D250 Youth Site Launched

A dynamic, youth-focused website aimed at getting more young people thinking about the importance of voting is up and running.

An initiative of Democracy 250, the bilingual website, www.D250.ca, identifies issues of concern to youth, contains edgy video performances and allows for voting on topics such as the war in Afghanistan, gay marriage and whether marijuana should be legalized.

Democracy 250 co-chair Russell MacLellan said the primary objective of Democracy 250's celebrations is encouraging greater citizen engagement and voting among youth.

"Seventy five per cent of Canadians under 25 didn't vote in the last federal election," said Mr. MacLellan. "If young people want to help shape the future direction of our province and country, they need to make their mark on election day."

Fellow co-chair John Hamm said Democracy 250 created the second website after discussions with young people at high school and university town hall sessions throughout the province.

"Young people want fast, easy and relevant information," said Dr. Hamm. "D250.ca speaks more directly to their concerns and is presented in a more youth-friendly format than the original Democracy 250.ca site, which is more historic and educational in nature."

Democracy 250 is a year-long celebration making the 250th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada.