With Canada’s 2025 federal election fast approaching, students at Reynolds Secondary are showing growing interest in politics — and a strong desire to be part of the democratic process.
That’s what inspired Reynolds teacher Scott Campbell to host a student-focused all-candidates forum at the school.
On Tuesday morning (April 15), Elizabeth May (Green Party), Colin Plant (NDP), and David Beckham (Liberal Party) answered questions from a packed audience of students in the school’s theatre. Topics ranged from housing and education to electoral reform and environmental issues, but what stood out most was the level of engagement – especially from students not yet eligible to vote.
Though the legal voting age in Canada is 18, lowering it to 16 emerged as a key topic during the forum.
“I definitely would have supported that, and I would also definitely vote at 16,” said Grade 12 student Sadie Luchka. “We’re starting to drive and becoming more mature. We might as well move it to younger.”
Luchka is one of the few in her grade who will be eligible to vote on April 28. While her political views haven’t shifted drastically, she said hearing directly from the candidates gave her more to consider.
“I was really surprised by how passionate the NDP was,” Luchka said. “They really feel like they’re trying to support youth and everyday people. I didn’t fully realize that going in.”
For other students, the experience reinforced what they already knew – but still brought some surprises.
“I wasn’t shocked by the answers, but I was surprised they agreed on so much,” said Ella Sinclair, also in Grade 12. “Especially on the environment and pipelines. I thought maybe the Liberal Party would be more pro-pipeline, but I’m kind of glad they’re not.”
Education, she said, is a personal priority.
“I wouldn’t have been able to go to school without a scholarship,” Sinclair said. “It’s important that others have access too, without worrying about finances.”
That concern was echoed by fellow student Indi Reshetov, who’s preparing for post-secondary studies. She said the candidates’ responses on education and employment were especially meaningful.
“Funding is a big issue,” Reshetov said. “And there’s also anxiety around jobs after graduation. Hearing what they plan to do for our generation – that was really important to me.”
It was Reshetov’s first time attending an all-candidates event. Though she hadn’t been heavily involved in politics before, she found the experience eye-opening.
“I’m nearing the voting age. It was a really impactful time for me to learn about this," Reshetov said.
Ellaine Leedham, another Grade 12 student, said she already had a good understanding of the parties’ platforms but appreciated the tone of the discussion.
“I knew most of what they were talking about,” Leedham said. “But seeing how much they agreed on was refreshing. Maybe that’s a reflection of Victoria – we live in a bit of a political bubble.”
She said issues like housing and addiction are top of mind in her community.
As for voting younger, Leedham sees no downside.
“There’s no real reason to oppose lowering the voting age,” Leedham said. “If you’re involved now, you’ll likely stay involved. And if you’re working and paying taxes, you should have a say.”
For Joe Harris, also in Grade 12, the forum changed how he views politics at the local level.
“I used to think politics was just people yelling in Parliament or on TV,” Harris said. “But seeing them answer our questions made it feel real – maybe my voice matters even if I’m not voting yet.”
The event made him realize that political engagement doesn’t have to wait until he turns 18.
“There’s other ways to get involved,” Harris said. “Go to events, volunteer, have more conversations about the issues. I hadn’t really thought about that until now.”
Whether casting a ballot this year or not, Reynolds students are paying attention – and thinking critically.
For the candidates, these conversations may not translate into immediate votes. But they could help shape the next generation of engaged citizens.
Students at Reynolds will participate in a mock school vote on April 25.
