We need to engage youth in the political process

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

March 28, 2011

Green Party candidate Jim Johnston calls for common ground on employment and education for youth

Ilderton – Green Party candidate Jim Johnston is challenging his candidates in the other parties to create a better atmosphere for the 2011 election by letting Canadians know that their candidates are capable of being positive, as well as negative. For the rest of this first week, each day the Green Party will propose an issue or idea where we think all parties can find common ground.

“For the fourth time in seven years, Canada finds itself in a federal election. I know that Canadians feel this is an unnecessary use of taxpayers’ money and they are sick of the mud-slinging and the personal attacks. We are saying: let’s try to engage the voters. Let’s try to show them that, once in a while, we can agree on important policy issues,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

The first big proposal from the Greens is that Canada needs a nation-wide employment and education initiative for youth.

“Surely all the parties can agree that providing employment and education for youth need to be a priority. Recessions hit youth the hardest. They are continually caught in a cycle of not yet having the skills or experience to be competitive but not being able to gain these skills and experience without a job,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “It is a critical phase of their lives and it is a worthwhile investment to create a generation that is fully participating and contributing both economically and socially.”

The budgets that we create now create debt that will take generations to repay. The youth of this country should have a more important role in deciding how their future unfolds.

“I am asking the other candidates in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex to join in and find common ground. Show voters they are able to cooperate and work together with other parties, and agree Canada needs an investment in a nation-wide employment and education initiative for youth,” said Jim Johnston.

-30-

Contact Information:

Jim Johnston, 519 666 1203, jjohnston@greenparty.ca , twitter LucanJim