���Ҵ�ý

Students across the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows ���Ҵ�ý District learned about government, the electoral process, and what it means firsthand to cast a vote in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election.

“I believe that student involvement in politics and candidate debates at school is more than just important – it’s essential,” said Parker McCambley, Grade 12 student and vice president of Thomas Haney Secondary’s student council. “These opportunities help students develop their voices, understand the power of democracy, and become active, informed citizens both inside and outside of school.”

Seven schools participated in , an educational program and mock election coordinated by national charity CIVIX and Elections Canada to enhance civic education and engagement for school-aged youth.

After learning about the different parties and platforms, students at Davie Jones Elementary, Harry Hooge Elementary, c̓əsqənelə Elementary, Pitt Meadows Secondary, Westview Secondary, Garibaldi Secondary, and Thomas Haney Secondary cast their ballots in a mock vote that mirrors the real election in the riding.

Meanwhile, Muriel Warne’s Grade 1/2/3 class at Hammond Elementary created a portrait timeline of the country’s prime ministers from Sir John A. Macdonald to Justin Trudeau.

Students at Thomas Haney Secondary organized and held an all-candidates debate on April 23 to encourage civic engagement.

“It was spectacular! We had over 150 students in attendance – a packed room!” said Grade 12 student Reece Reichelt, president of the Thomas Haney student council. “Tons of students went away having learned more about our political climate as well as the various parties and their stance on issues that are important to students and young voters.

“The candidates even mentioned we had one of the best organized debates which, as co-organizer, was amazing to hear! Events like these are truly a stepping stone for getting students involved in the world around them.”

The questions Reichelt and co-organizer Parker McCambley asked the candidates during the panel were based on input from the students at Thomas Haney. McCambley says they came up with the questions by having students fill out a Google form.

“We then took the questions and sorted them by category,” she said. “These are the issues that students and young voters care about most.”

Candidates were asked to speak about their policies on economy, international relations, health care, equality, immigration, and crime.