1 week Ago By Devon Dekuyper
The approaching April 28 federal vote has young adults thinking about their futures — and for many, like 19-year-old Colten Young, the cost of living and future affordability is a serious concern. “We’re at that age now where we’re going to start having to buy houses and all that stuff,” said Young, who’s studying broadcast journalism at SAIT. “Being a part-time student and a part-time worker — it doesn’t really give you the ability to buy a house young.
” Young says he’s looking for a candidate who will invest in affordable housing and job growth for young people, but feels it’s time for someone new. “Just a change, I think, most Canadians want,” Young said. “Whether it’s Carney, whether it’s Poilievre, or any of the other parties — but I definitely think there needs to be a change.
” Yahel Torres, 20, is also apprehensive about the current housing market, and fears it could get worse. “Everyone in this age range, I think we’re all kind of feeling that it might get to be a little bit impossible,” said Torres, who works with her father installing exterior siding. “That’s a big concern for me.
” She’s also concerned with the rights of women and minorities, and said she’ll be paying close attention not just to policies, but to how candidates speak about minority groups. “If there are any interviews where it strikes me in the wrong way — I look out for that as well,” she said. Torres will be voting for the first time, along with the rest of her family.
Though they have lived in Canada for some time, she and her family only became citizens two years ago. “It’s important for me to get in there and use that right, now that I’m a citizen and not just a resident,” she said. Young and Torres are just two of many young adults who cited affordability when speaking to Postmedia.
Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, expects housing and jobs to be top of mind for most young voters. “They want to have a sense of hope that in their future it might be possible for them to own a home, or at least to find affordable rental housing in the short term,” Williams said. “Many of them are in a situation where those options just aren’t open to them.
” Students who are about to enter the workforce are also concerned about the job market, and what the outlook might be for them in the coming months..
