These high school students aren't eligible to vote. Here are the issues they wish they had a say in
CBC
Despite being ineligible to cast a ballot in the upcoming Ontario provincial election, some high school students in Windsor-Essex are still raising their voices about the issues they care about.
After two years of a global pandemic, youth who spoke with CBC News say that more than ever they are acutely aware of the impact government decisions have on their daily lives. And now, amid a recovering economy, many of them worry about the affordability of higher education and housing, as well as accessible health care.
Even though the 17-year-olds CBC News spoke with are all turning 18 years old in the next few months, they aren't able to cast a ballot in favour of the political party that best aligns with the future they want. They said it's disappointing their voices won't count, even though they'll have to deal with the elected political party for the next four years.
"Government affects us," said 17-year-old Kayla Kwiatkowski.
"No matter what way you look at it, government is going to affect your everyday life."
Kwiatkowski, a grade 12 student at St. Thomas Villanova Catholic High School in LaSalle, said she's particularly interested in a better pharmacare program in Ontario.
Currently, certain residents qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit program, which covers most of the cost of about 5,000 prescription drugs.
People younger than 24 years old, who do not have coverage through a private insurance plan, are covered under this plan, according to the government's website.
According to the latest drug report that the Ministry of Health released for 2015-2016, an estimated 2.2 million people in the province were uninsured.
Additionally, a study that looked at drug prices in 2015 found that Canada had the second highest medication costs for common conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
For Kwiatkowski, the issue is personal. She said a family member has diabetes and without health benefits, the cost of medication would be unbearable.
When 17-year-old Hamza Hamud goes to get groceries or fill up on gas, he said he's noticed just how much the cost of living has gone up.
"I care about the economy," said Hamud, who attends Windsor Islamic High School.
"You see when you start buying stuff yourself, paying bills, I see that inflation ... the price has doubled."
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