Young Quebecers Leading the Way Youth Discussion Paper. 2016: Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today

Transcription

1 Young Quebecers Leading the Way Youth Discussion Paper 2016: Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today

2 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 1 Table of Contents A Summary of What s Inside... 3 The Six Themes... 3 About this Project... 4 Project Overview... 4 Project Objective... 4 Project Rationale... 4 Defining Youth... 5 Recap Of 2015: Canada's Past Viewed by its Future... 5 Context: Quebec Youth Today... 7 Youth in Numbers... 7 Youth and Engagement... 8 Theme 1: Canadian Identity... 9 Sense of Attachment Canadian Values The Value of Multiculturalism Theme 1 Wrap-Up Theme 2: Economy Personal Economic Situtation Perceptions of the Canadian and Quebec Economy Immigration and the Economy Theme 2 Wrap-Up Theme 3: Indigenous Peoples Perceptions of Indigenous Peoples Discrimination against Indigenous Peoples The Economic and Social Situation of Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples Sense of Attachment Theme 3 Wrap-Up Theme 4: Social Issues and the Environment... 28

3 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 2 Religious Minorities Access to University Education Climate Change Theme 4 Wrap-Up Theme 5: Canada in the World Canada s International Standing Canada s Role on the International Stage Theme 5 Wrap-Up Theme 6: Politics and Democracy Citizen Engagement Democratic Principles Theme 6 Wrap-Up Let s Get Critical: Guide For Coordinators Quebec Youth Today Theme 1: Canadian Identity Theme 2: Economy Theme 3: Social Issues and the Environment Theme 4: Indigenous Peoples Theme 5: Canada in the World Theme 6: Politics and Democracy Additional Resources Quebec Youth Today Canadian Identity Economy Indigenous Peoples Social Issues and the Enivornment Canada in the World Politics and Democracy References... 49

4 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 3 A Summary of What s Inside This resource aims to prepare youth participants for the upcoming regional workshops and youth forum to be held in March 2016 by elaborating upon key themes and specific areas for discussion. This document serves as an entry point for the conversations that will take place and the additional resources provided will further enrich such interaction. THE SIX THEMES

5 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 4 About this Project PROJECT OVERVIEW Young Quebecers Leading the Way directly engages hundreds of young Quebecers to celebrate Canada s 150 year of Confederation. Over the three year th period from , regional workshops and annual youth forums are held for participants aged 15 to 25. The youth engage in a national dialogue surrounding the sesquicentennial, providing them with a chance to offer their views on the significance of youth engagement in shaping the future of their country. In 2015, Quebec youth were invited to reflect on Canada's Past as Viewed by its Future. This 2016 year is focused on Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today and 2017 will culminate in A Plan for the Future: Quebec Youth and Canada in Each year, six youth-led regional workshops discuss the given topic in order to prepare regional delegates to participate in the two-day provincial forums held in March. The 2015 provincial forum took place in Quebec City, with this year s occurring in Montreal and the 2017 one being hosted in Outaouais. PROJECT OBJECTIVE The key objective of the project is to instill a sense of pride and belonging among Quebec youth while reflecting on Canada s past (2015), present (2016) and future (2017). PROJECT RATIONALE With relevant research conducted by the Association for Canadian Studies (ACS), Young Quebecers Leading the Way encourages participants to reflect on Canada s past, present and future through the lens of history, heritage and civic engagement as a means to strengthen their attachment to their country.

6 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 5 DEFINING YOUTH There are many definitions for the term youth. For example, surveys commissioned by ACS usually feature the age group as the youngest group of the panel, while Statistics Canada uses the age group as its youth group and the Institut de la statistique du Québec separates youth into two groups, yearolds and year-olds. This project defines youth between the ages of 15 and 25. This provides great opportunity to take the pulse of very different age groups and makes for a diversified perspective. Challenges may arise during the regional workshops in terms of fostering a level of discussion satisfactory to all age groups, but it is an unparalleled educational opportunity for the youth participants involved. It is important to note that the statistical data provided in this paper refers to different age groups for youth. Sometimes the extraction of data specific to Quebec or youth was not possible given the small sample it represented in the overall Canadian results. Time constraints did not permit the production of new research with a specific Quebec youth oversample. RECAP OF 2015: CANADA'S PAST VIEWED BY ITS FUTURE In the spirit of celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the project s first year was centered on Canada s history and the celebration of its founding moments and historically significant figures. From January to March 2015, youth between the ages of 15 and 25 participated in three regional workshops across the province in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Eastern Townships, the Gaspésie, the Outaouais, the Greater Montreal area and the provincial capital region. At the workshops, youth discussed Canada s past based on the discussion paper provided by ACS, entitled Young Quebecers Leading the Way Youth Discussion Paper: Canada s Past Viewed by its Future. This paper outlined six themes including Canadian identity, Indigenous peoples, the economy, politics and democracy, Canada in the world, and social issues and the environment. These workshops encouraged Quebec youth, by reflecting on Canada s past, to

7 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 6 consider the significance of youth engagement in shaping the future of their country. Along with the regional youth coordinators, six dozen youth participants represented their region at the provincial youth forum in Quebec City from March 6 to 8, The all-included weekend encompassed a walking tour of Old Quebec, a welcome dinner, lively discussions and inspiring presentations based on the six identified themes, a film screening, and the creation of the Youth Declaration on Canada s past, which was presented during the closing ceremony of the forum. Please click here to see the full program and list of speakers from last year s youth forum.

8 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 7 Context: Quebec Youth Today YOUTH IN NUMBERS The youth population in Canada has increased over the past few decades. In 1971, there were 4.1 million Canadians aged 15 to 24, compared with 4.5 million in Conversely in Quebec, there were 1,743,489 young Quebecers aged in 1972, compared with 1,523,816 in Over the years, the proportion of Quebec youth 2 compared to the general Quebecois population has decreased considerably: from 28.2% of the Quebec population in 1972, young Quebecers aged now represent 18.9%. Due to immigration trends, the diversity of Quebec s youth group is undeniable, especially in Montreal where the largest immigrant population resides (also the third largest immigrant population in Canada). The Quebec immigrant youth population comes from all over the world, with countries such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, South Korea and Pakistan at the top of the list. However, immigrant youth have less 3 representative weight within the immigrant population than young Quebecers in in the general population do, given that immigrants aged only account for 8.7% (73,820) of the total immigration population in Quebec. It is important to note though that, the immigrant population has an age structure which is different from the entire population of Quebec, since its children, born in Quebec, are recorded among the native population and not in the immigrant population. 4 Linguistically, more than 80% of Quebec youths speak French, but more than half are also bilingual. Over 60% of them graduate high school and about 1 Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). The Chief Public Health Officer s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada. Chapter 3: The Health and Well-being of Canadian Youth and Young Adults. 2 Institut de la statistique du Québec (2014). Regard statistique sur la jeunesse. État et évolution de la situation des Québécois âgés de 15 à 29 ans, , p Immigration et communauté culturelles (2009). Population immigrée recensée au Québec et dans les régions en 2006 : caractéristiques générales, p. 32 (translated). 4 Ibid, p. 16.

9 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 8 10% achieve completion of a bachelor s degree. Close to three-quarters of Quebec youth are considered active in the labour market, though they possess a relatively high unemployment rate. They are also the group earning the least revenue on an annual basis. YOUTH AND ENGAGEMENT Given the aims and objectives of this project, it is important to consider that Quebec youth are more engaged socially than politically. They are the group with the highest numbers of volunteers, but the one with the fewest voters. And in instances when they are politically involved, it is more likely to be at the provincial level than at the federal level.

10 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 9 THEME 1: CANADIAN IDENTITY Canadian culture is like a giant quilt: with the addition of new people, we add a new patch to the quilt that grows and will cover us from sea to shining sea. Being Canadian is valuing and respecting human rights and freedoms, appreciating universal health care, and accepting multiculturalism while being proud of our roots. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

11 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 10 This theme examines how some aspects of Canadian identity resonate with Canadian youth. This theme will explore young Canadians : sense of attachment to Canada and their province sentiments towards shared Canadian values views around multiculturalism SENSE OF ATTACHMENT It is important to understand how attached Canadian youth are to their country and home province in order to establish the state of Canadian identity and consider the possible impact for the solidarity amongst Canadians. Accordingly, over the years, ACS surveys have revealed that although roughly three-fourths of Canadian youth have a strong sense of attachment to Canada, the age demographic tends to have a somewhat weaker sense of attachment to the country relative to all other age groups. Attachment Survey Average Age to Canada Year Response Total strong % 79% 80% 82% 88% 87% 89% % 84% 89% 87% 95% 89% 93% % 81% 84% 91% 89% 91% 90% % 74% 82% 87% 87% 87% 90% Total weak % 21% 20% 18% 12% 13% 11% % 16% 10% 13% 5% 10% 7% % 18% 13% 8% 10% 9% 9% % 24% 16% 12% 13% 12% 9% Source: Association for Canadian Studies In terms of attachment to province, the age group is also the least likely to have a strong sense of attachment relative to all other age groups. When a comparison is made, there is no clear indication that young people are more attached to Canada than their province, or vice-versa.

12 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 11 Attachment Survey Average Age to my Year Response Province Total strong % 83% 85% 85% 87% 90% 94% % 84% 89% 93% 95% 97% 83% % 76% 79% 84% 88% 90% 88% % 66% 73% 78% 82% 85% 91% Total weak % 17% 15% 15% 13% 10% 6% % 15% 11% 7% 5% 3% 17% % 22% 18% 15% 12% 9% 11% % 31% 26% 21% 18% 14% 9% Source: Association for Canadian Studies When broken down by province, it can be seen that although over four-fifths of Quebec respondents reported a strong sense of attachment to their province, their overall sense of attachment was not very different in comparison with that of other provinces. Attachment Survey Average Province to my Year Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC Province Total strong % 90% 88% 86% 89% 89% 88% % 89% 89% 90% 89% 91% 97% % 86% 82% 83% 84%/89% 86% 92% % 83% 82% 76% 82% 84% 84% Total weak % 10% 12% 14% 11% 11% 12% % 9% 11% 10% 11% 9% 3% % 14% 17% 15% 14%/9% 13% 8% % 17% 18% 23% 18% 13% 15% Source: Association for Canadian Studies However, even though most youth in the age range disagree with the notion that their attachment to their province is in conflict with their attachment to

13 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 12 Canada, they are most likely to agree with this statement relative to all other age groups. My attachment to Canada is in conflict *Average Response Age with my attachment to my home province Total agree 20% 27% 20% 20% 21% 17% 17% Total disagree 72% 60% 69% 70% 74% 77% 79% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, February 2015 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table Quebec respondents are most likely to feel that their attachment to their province is in conflict with their attachment to Canada, with just over one-third of respondents agreeing with this statement. My attachment to *Average Province Canada is in conflict Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC with my attachment to my home province Total agree 20% 17% 36% 15% 10% 16% 17% Total disagree 72% 75% 58% 75% 83% 80% 76% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, February 2015 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table CANADIAN VALUES It is often assumed that shared Canadian values contribute to enhanced levels of attachment to Canada. Do Canadian youth support this assumption? Based on ACS surveys, it is evident that Canadians aged are more inclined than average to believe that there are shared Canadian values. Conversely they are less likely than other age groups to oppose the notion that the values driving Canadian

14 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 13 society are similar their own. However, year olds are equally divided over whether Quebecers and other Canadians share the same values; but this age group is less likely to disagree with this statement relative to all other groups. *Response Average Response Age There are shared Total agree 80% 83% 76% 76% 81% 87% 80% Canadian values Total disagree 12% 12% 15% 14% 11% 9% 11% The values Total agree 62% 63% 59% 59% 62% 61% 70% driving Canadian society are Total disagree 28% 20% 28% 31% 32% 28% 26% similar to my own Quebecers and Total agree 38% 43% 40% 35% 31% 45% 37% other Canadians share the same values Total disagree 53% 43% 46% 48% 62% 48% 56% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, November 2012 & March 2013 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table When considering selected Canadian values and symbols, there is a similarity for youth aged with others in the degree to which such values are regarded as important sources of personal and collective pride in Canada. The monarchy is amongst the least likely of symbols to be viewed as a source of pride. Yet, year olds are somewhat more likely to feel pride in the monarchy compared with other age groups. These youth also exhibit somewhat more pride in the War of 1812 and the lowest sense of pride in Canadian history and the Armed forces compared to all other age groups. Canadian youth aged notably are less likely than average to contend that the Canadian flag and the national anthem are important sources of personal and collective pride in Canada.

15 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 14 Agree that the following are important sources of Average Response Age personal and collective pride in Canada Canadian Charter of Rights 90% 89% 86% 93% 93% 93% 88% and Freedoms Policy of Official Languages 61% 64% 58% 57% 66% 62% 71% and Bilingualism Multiculturalism 68% 77% 77% 69% 79% 78% 66% Universal healthcare 94% 91% 88% 93% 97% 95% 92% The monarchy 38% 43% 36% 38% 32% 36% 33% Canadian history 92% 84% 85% 93% 94% 91% 90% War of % 70% 60% 64% 60% 70% 60% Canadian flag 84% 78% 77% 84% 86% 86% 84% The national anthem 78% 73% 69% 75% 75% 82% 80% Armed Forces 76% 65% 67% 72% 80% 82% 76% Canadian passport 84 % 75% 74% 77% 83% 88% 84% Hockey 48% 55% 57% 54% 62% 56% 41% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, November 2012 THE VALUE OF MULTICULTURALISM Multiculturalism as a value is often perceived to be a key component of what it means to be Canadian and as the table below indicates, Canadian youth aged have the most positive opinion of Canadian Multicultural Policy compared to all other age groups. They are also the most likely to agree that the many cultures of Canada contribute to the well-being of all Canadians and that Canada's model of multiculturalism should be exported to other countries to help address their ethnic, religious or linguistic conflicts.

16 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 15 Agreement Average Age Response Positive opinion of Canadian 58% 74% 61% 61% 56% 54% 47% Multicultural Policy The many cultures of Canada 72% 80% 68% 75% 69% 77% 63% contribute to the well-being of all Canadians Canada's model of multiculturalism should be exported to other countries to help address their ethnic, religious or linguistic conflicts 64% 82% 68% 60% 60% 64% 57% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March & November 2012 Theme 1 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: are the least attached to Canada or their home province relative to all other age groups; are the most likely to agree that their attachment to Canada is in conflict with their attachment to their home province; believe in a set of shared Canadian values; feel that various Canadian values are important sources of personal and collective pride in Canada; do not believe that the monarchy is a source of pride; and embrace multiculturalism more than any other age cohort.

17 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 16 THEME 2: ECONOMY We hope to see diversification in the economy based on services and tertiary industries as well as investment in local markets. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

18 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 17 This theme examines how youth perceive the economy s impact on them. This theme will explore young Canadians : personal economic situation perceptions of the Canadian and Quebec economy views regarding immigrants and economy PERSONAL ECONOMIC SITUTATION Youth voices are often not accounted for when it comes to discussions surrounding the economy given the common misperception that they do not contribute as much to the economy relative to older age cohorts an opinion often grounded in enrollment numbers at educational institutions or part-time employment. This is not to say that Canadian youth do not have their own economic concerns. ACS data reveals that youth aged are far more worried about their economic situation compared to the average Canadian. They are also one of the age groups that are most worried about losing their job and being unable to pay their monthly bills. Worried Response Average Age about Response My economic Total worried 57% 62% 67% 60% 68% 43% 42% situation Total not worried 43% 38% 33% 40% 32% 57% 58% Losing my job Total worried 37% 49% 49% 48% 49% 19% 9% Total not worried 63% 51% 51% 52% 51% 81% 91% Not being able Total worried 51% 63% 60% 53% 59% 40% 33% to pay my monthly bills Total not worried 49% 37% 40% 47% 41% 60% 67% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2013

19 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 18 PERCEPTIONS OF THE CANADIAN AND QUEBEC ECONOMY Given young people s financial concerns, what are their views surrounding employment and income? When Canadian youth in an ACS survey were presented with the notion that Canada was wealthy enough for everyone to find a good job, most respondents aged agreed with this statement to a lesser extent than the average Canadian. However, they agreed with this statement more so than respondents aged Youth aged though were less likely relative to any other age group to agree that Quebec was wealthy enough for everyone to find a good job. *Response Average Response Age Canada is Total agree 60% 57% 52% 54% 64% 65% 68% prosperous and wealthy enough Total 38% 38% 46% 46% 35% 34% 29% for everyone to disagree find a good job Quebec is rich Total agree 58% 34% 48% 67% 60% 52% 76% enough to allow all its citizens to thrive economically Total disagree 39% 59% 52% 27% 38% 48% 24% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table In terms of provincial breakdown, a strong majority of Quebecers agree that Canada is prosperous and wealthy enough for everyone to find a good job. However, no other province besides Quebec, the majority of Quebec for that matter, believes that Quebec is rich enough to allow all its citizens to thrive economically.

20 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 19 *Response Average Province Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC Canada is Total agree 60% 46% 70% 54% 79% 60% 58% prosperous and wealthy enough Total 38% 51% 28% 44% 19% 40% 40% for everyone to disagree find a good job Quebec is rich Total agree 58% 0% 58% 0% 0% 0% 0% enough to allow all its citizens to thrive economically Total disagree 39% 0% 39% 0% 0% 0% 0% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table IMMIGRATION AND THE ECONOMY How do immigrants fit into the economic picture in light of young people s more negative perceptions surrounding their employment opportunities? ACS survey data reveals that the age group is more likely than any other group to agree that Canadians already living here lose out when immigrants make economic gains, although more youth disagree with this notion than agree. However, fourthfifths of the respondents from this age group disagree with the idea that when immigrants make economic gains, Quebecers lose out on employment and promotions, more so than any other age group. The age group are also the most sympathetic around the challenges immigrants face in the Canadian economy given that an overwhelming majority believe that immigrants have more difficulty than Canadians finding employment in their field of expertise. They agree with this statement more so than any other age group.

21 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 20 *Response Average Age Response Canadians Total agree 34% 40% 38% 33% 31% 34% 30% already living here lose out when immigrants make Total 59% 54% 52% 62% 58% 61% 63% economic gains disagree When immigrants Total agree 31% 20% 34% 40% 24% 20% 43% make economic gains, Quebecers lose out on Total 65% 80% 62% 52% 69% 77% 53% employment and disagree promotions Immigrants have Total agree 60% 70% 58% 56% 56% 62% 64% more difficulty than Canadians finding employment in their field of expertise Total disagree 29% 18% 25% 32% 35% 28% 30% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & March 2015 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table

22 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 21 Theme 2 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: are the most concerned about their economic situation relative to all other age groups; are the least confident in the Quebec economy, with the majority disagreeing with the idea that Quebec is rich enough to allow all its citizens to thrive economically; and for the most part do not feel threatened by immigrant economic contributions and understand the challenges faced by immigrants when entering the job market.

23 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 22 THEME 3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Listening to the stories of Indigenous peoples creates opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding in order to work together to build a better future for everyone. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

24 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 23 The focus of this theme is on Canadian youth opinion around Indigenous peoples. The following will be examined: perceptions of Indigenous peoples sentiments on the discrimination of Indigenous peoples views regarding the economic and social problems faced by Indigenous peoples Indigenous peoples sense of attachment PERCEPTIONS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES How do Canadian youth perceive Indigenous peoples? In order to understand this, we must first consider how often they come into contact with Indigenous peoples. ACS data indicates that young people aged have the least amount of contact with Aboriginal peoples when compared to all other age groups and notably less contact than the average respondent. *Response Average Age Response In the past Total agree 40% 33% 40% 34% 49% 42% 39% year, I have had contact with Aboriginal peoples Total disagree 57% 59% 57% 61% 49% 55% 59% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2013 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table From a provincial perspective, Quebecers have the least amount of contact with Indigenous peoples relative to all other provinces.

25 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 24 *Response Average Province Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC In the past Total agree 40% 58% 23% 35% 62% 61% 49% year, I have had contact with Aboriginal peoples Total disagree 57% 38% 75% 59% 37% 38% 51% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2013 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table Although youth contact is relatively low, in 2012, over three-fourths of young people aged had a positive opinion of Aboriginals, 11 percent higher than the average. However, this positive opinion decreased to arrive on par with the average in 2013 and below the average in 2014, dropping a staggering 20 percent over the course of two years. Survey Average Age Year Response Positive % 76% 58% 65% 69% 60% 65% opinion of % 58% 52% 57% 62% 61% 58% Aboriginals % 56% 60% 59% 58% 67% 72% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012, March 2013 & February 2014 Despite their lower level of contact with Aboriginals, Quebecers tend to have a higher positive opinion of Aboriginals relative to the other provinces. Survey Average Province Year Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC Positive % 80% 63% 72% 47% 57% 56% opinion of % 59% 63% 60% 44% 49% 56% Aboriginals % 71% 62% 65% 54% 62% 50% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012, March 2013 & February 2014

26 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 25 DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Regardless of these decreasing numbers, not only are younger Canadians less likely to be worried about the rise of anti-aboriginal sentiment relative to older age cohorts, but the age group reports having heard negative comments about Aboriginals in the past year to a higher extent than the average respondent. Agreement Average Age Response I am worried about the rise of 49% 44% 40% 41% 49% 54% 61% anti-aboriginal sentiment I have heard negative comments about Aboriginals in the past year 69% 70% 67% 61% 65% 71% 81% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & February 2014 THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SITUATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Though, year olds are the least likely relative to all other age cohorts to believe that Aboriginals are at fault if they have economic problems. Relative to historic and societal prejudice, the Canadian legislative and constitutional framework or the role of Aboriginal leaders, youth are most likely to contend that it is the actions of the Federal Government that have had the most impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada. When compared to all other age groups, they are the least likely to feel that the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada is due to historic and societal prejudice or the role of Aboriginal leaders.

27 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 26 Agreement Average Age Response If Aboriginals have economic 36% 28% 39% 35% 31% 36% 45% problems it is mainly their fault Historic and societal prejudice 26% 20% 27% 21% 29% 30% 27% has much impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada The role of the Federal 26% 35% 30% 27% 20% 23% 24% Government has much impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada Our legislative and 12% 15% 12% 12% 17% 8% 6% constitutional framework has much impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada The role of Aboriginal leaders has much impact on the social and economic problems currently by Aboriginals in Canada 26% 15% 20% 24% 27% 31% 35% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & 2013 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES SENSE OF ATTACHMENT It is interesting to note that regardless of the attitudes of the average Canadian, based on an ACS survey that oversampled Aboriginal peoples, the majority of Aboriginals still have a strong sense of attachment towards Canada.

28 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 27 Attachment Response Total strong Total Weak Canada 90% 10% Province 90% 10% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & 2013 Theme 3 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: have the least amount of contact with Indigenous peoples compared to all other age groups; trust and positive opinion of Indigenous peoples are on the decline; continue not to be worried about anti-aboriginal sentiment despite hearing negative comments about Indigenous peoples to a higher extent; and believe that the role of the Federal Government has had the most impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by aboriginals in Canada.

29 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 28 THEME 4: SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT For us, Canada s past regarding social and environmental issues is a fight for equality that never ends. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

30 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 29 This theme examines Canadian youth perspectives on certain social and environmental issues. This theme will explore: attitudes towards religious minorities access to university education concerns regarding climate change RELIGIOUS MINORITIES The treatment and perception of minorities in Canada is an important social issue. For the purposes of this paper, among the various groups of minorities, we will focus on religious and ethnic minorities. So what are young Canadians views of religious minorities? According ACS survey data, year olds are the most likely to believe that minority religions are misrepresented in Canada and the least likely to feel that religious/cultural groups should abandon their customs and traditions and become more like the majority. However despite these sentiments, almost half of the year old respondents feel that religion poses a threat to women's rights and even more disagree that freedom of religion includes the wearing of visible religious symbols in public institutions. Agreement Minority religions are misrepresented in Canada Religion inevitably poses a threat to women's rights Religious/cultural groups such as Jews, Muslims and Sikhs should abandon their customs and traditions and become more like the majority Freedom of religion should include the wearing of visible religious symbols in public institutions Average Response Age % 39% 32% 23% 27% 22% 25% 45% 49% 44% 40% 42% 49% 45% 31% 24% 29% 29% 29% 30% 41% 55% 36% 60% 53% 64% 60% 65%

31 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 30 Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012, March 2013, February 2014 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table In terms of provincial breakdown, Quebecers are consistently the least likely in the country to agree that minority religions are misrepresented in Canada and that freedom of religion should include the wearing of visible religious symbols in public institutions. They are the most likely to agree that religion poses a threat to women's rights and that religious/cultural groups should abandon their customs and traditions and become more like the majority. Agreement Average Province Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC Minority religions are 27% 25% 23% 29% 42% 23% 28% misrepresented in Canada Religion inevitably poses a 45% 37% 55% 46% 28% 41% 36% threat to women's rights Religious/cultural groups such 31% 22% 49% 28% 13% 29% 28% as Jews, Muslims and Sikhs should abandon their customs and traditions and become more like the majority Freedom of religion should include the wearing of visible religious symbols in public institutions 55% 15% 20% 24% 27% 31% 35% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012, March 2013, February 2014 ACCESS TO UNIVERSITY EDUCATION Access to post-secondary education is a very important social issue across the country and for obvious reasons has substantial implications for the lives of Canadian youth. Over the years, the cost of university education in Canada has

32 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 31 increased exponentially and based on ACS data, youth aged are consistently the most concerned relative to all other age groups. Over two-thirds of year old respondents agree that: universities can continue to offer the same quality education without raising tuition fees; higher university tuition fees will mean that less students will be able to go to university; and that the cost of tuition is the principal obstacle for persons with lower income that wish to attend university. It is important to note that youth are more or less divided over whether it is difficult for students who have borrowed a lot to get their university degree, implying that university education could still be affordable for those students in debt. *Response Age Universities can continue Total agree 68% 54% 45% 54% 58% 38% to offer the same quality education without raising Total 28% 41% 54% 39% 37% 58% tuition fees disagree Higher university tuition Total agree 68% 50% 35% 39% 37% 28% fees will mean that less Total 30% 49% 65% 58% 60% 70% students will be able to go to university disagree It is difficult for students Total agree 46% 36% 34% 35% 41% 33% who have borrowed a lot to Total 42% 57% 65% 59% 54% 65% get their university degree disagree The cost of tuition is the Total agree 68% 57% 43% 51% 50% 43% principal obstacle for persons with lower income that wish to attend university Total disagree 28% 40% 57% 47% 48% 55% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, April 2012 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table

33 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 32 CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change is also a significant social as well as an environmental concern for younger generations. A poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute in September 2014 reveals that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 are the most likely to assert that global warming is a fact that is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities and that climate change is a serious threat to the planet. Over a quarter of respondents aged approve of the Canadian governments performance on the issue of climate change over the past few years. Agreement Age Global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by 67% 61% 60% emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities Climate change is a serious threat to the planet 78% 74% 74% I generally approve of the Canadian governments 26% 33% 34% performance on the issue of climate change over the past few years Source: Angus Reid, 2014 Theme 4 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: for the most part agree that minority religions are misrepresented in Canada but disagree that freedom of religion includes the wearing of visible religious symbols in public institutions are against the raising of tuition fees and believe that it could be a detriment to accessing university education; are more concerned about climate change relative to any other age group belong to the group that disapproves the most of the Canadian governments performance on the issue of climate change

34 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 33 THEME 5: CANADA IN THE WORLD Canada must maintain an active presence in the world, through military means if necessary, to ensure the safeguarding of its interests such as national security. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

35 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 34 This theme examines Canadian youths take on Canada s place in the world. This theme will explore: Canada s international standing Canada s role on the international stage CANADA S INTERNATIONAL STANDING In this increasingly globalized world, it is important to understand how they perceive their own country. According to ACS data, although the majority of year olds agree that Canada plays a positive role in world affairs and view Canada to be the best country in the world, they are least likely to feel this way relative to all other age groups. However, over nine out of ten youth respondents are of the opinion that Canada s reputation in the world is an important source of personal and collective pride. *Response Average Age Response Canada plays a Total agree 70% 60% 67% 72% 74% 68% 76% positive role in Total 22% 22% 23% 18% 20% 26% 22% world affairs disagree Canada is the Total agree 78% 64% 68% 78% 81% 83% 87% best country in Total 17% 25% 26% 16% 14% 13% 10% the world disagree Our country's Total agree 93% 91% 87% 90% 98% 92% 95% reputation in the world is an important source of personal and collective pride in Canada Total disagree 5% 6% 11% 6% 1% 6% 5% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, November 2012, May 2013 & February 2015 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table

36 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 35 CANADA S ROLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE Three-quarters of youth aged agree that Canadians have an important impact in advancing peace and security around the world, but this is the lowest agreement relative to all other age groups. Over four-fifths of year olds believe that Canada has an obligation to take a more active role in advancing the cause of peace through diplomacy. *Response Average Age Response Canadians have Total agree 79% 75% 76% 77% 77% 78% 87% an important impact in advancing peace Total 21% 25% 24% 23% 23% 22% 13% and security around the world disagree Canada should Total agree 84% 82% 78% 83% 85% 86% 89% take a more active role in advancing the cause of peace through diplomacy Total disagree 16% 18% 22% 17% 15% 14% 11% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table In terms of international co-operation, ACS data also reveals that youth aged are the least likely to agree that Canada should follow the decisions of the international organizations to which it belongs, even if the government does not agree with them. The majority of youth believe that Canada should follow its own interests, even if this leads to conflicts with other nations, but they are least likely to agree with this notion relative to all other age groups.

37 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 36 *Response Age Canada should follow Total agree 35% 43% 44% 41% 38% 47% the decisions of the international organizations to which Total 43% 41% 44% 49% 52% 45% it belongs, even if the government does not agree with them disagree Canada should follow Total agree 51% 58% 56% 61% 59% 58% its own interests, even if this leads to conflicts with other nations Total disagree 38% 30% 35% 34% 32% 36% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, June 2015 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table Theme 5 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: agree to a lesser extent than other age groups that Canada plays a positive role in world affairs or is the best country in the world are proud of Canada s reputation in the world are of the opinion that Canada should pursue its own interests regardless of decisions made by international organizations or potential conflicts with other nations

38 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 37 THEME 6: POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY To strengthen our political system, we must ensure that we re inclusive and ensure equal rights for all particularly Indigenous people. Equal rights for men and women are crucial in professional and social environments. It is this foundation that will reinforce our democratic rights. (Young Quebecers Leading the Way, Youth Declaration: Canada s Past as Viewed by its Future)

39 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 38 This theme examines Canadian youth attitudes towards politics and democracy. This theme will explore: citizen engagement democratic principles CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT Given that young people are the future of Canada, it is crucial to get a better understanding of their feelings towards Canadian politics and democracy. Looking at results from Statistics Canada s 2013 General Social Survey, the majority of year olds are interested in politics, but only one in ten are very interested. Interest in Politics Very interested Somewhat interested Not very interested Not at all interested year olds 11% 42% 29% 18% Source: Statistics Canada, 2013 ACS survey data reveals that the majority of year olds are not disillusioned and believe that the average citizen can influence the political system. But to the contrary, these respondents feel to a higher extent than average that people like them have no real say in what the government does. This powerlessness comes with the feeling that they are personally affected by what politicians do however less so relative to all other age groups and well below the average.

40 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 39 *Response Average Age Response Average citizens Total agree 55% 55% 51% 48% 60% 58% 57% can influence the Total 41% 37% 41% 47% 35% 41% 42% political system disagree People like me Total agree 62% 63% 53% 65% 59% 66% 66% have no real say Total 34% 32% 40% 32% 36% 33% 33% about what government does disagree I don't feel Total agree 28% 41% 40% 32% 29% 24% 23% personally affected by what politicians do Total disagree 67% 48% 54% 60% 64% 74% 73% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, November 2012 & March 2013 *Respondents who replied I don t know or I prefer not to answer have not been included in this table In terms of voting, keeping in mind that voting age in Canada is only 18, the Statistics Canada survey reveals that a significant majority of young people do not vote in elections held at any governmental level, least so at the municipal level. We must note though that those who fall within the year old range would not have been eligible to vote at the time, which could slightly influence the lower percentage of non-voters. Voting year olds Yes No Last federal election 36% 64% Last provincial election 34% 66% Last municipal election 24% 76% Source: Statistics Canada, 2013

41 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 40 There are multiple ways in which young people can be engaged politically. But based on the 2013 Statistics Canada survey, young people chose not to be politically engaged. They do however search for information and when participating in a political activity, they are more inclined to use the internet to do so. Political Activity Participate in the last 12 Months Yes No Searched for information 43% 47% Expressed views via newspaper or politicians 5% 95% Expressed views via the internet 18% 82% Signed a paper petition 15% 85% Signed a petition online 22% 78% Participated in a demonstration 8% 92% Source: Statistics Canada, 2013 DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES There are dozens of basic democratic principles that make up Canada. Based on ACS survey results, half of the year old respondents are of the opinion that Canada is a country of equal opportunity for all. These youth are on par with the average in terms of the overwhelming agreement that people can practise their religion freely in Canada. The age cohort though is more likely to agree that there is room for a variety of religions and languages in Canada relative to all other age groups.

42 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 41 *Response Average Age Response Canada is a Total agree 76% 75% 71% 77% 76% 78% 78% country of equal Total 20% 20% 21% 19% 22% 19% 20% opportunity for all disagree People can Total agree 91% 91% 94% 91% 91% 91% 90% practise their Total 9% 9% 6% 9% 9% 9% 10% religion freely in Canada disagree There is room for Total agree 82% 84% 83% 80% 83% 84% 79% a variety of Total 18% 15% 18% 13% 12% 15% 13% religions in Canada disagree There is room for Total agree 69% 84% 69% 72% 67% 69% 56% a variety of languages to be spoken by Canadians across the country Total disagree 30% 15% 26% 25% 32% 31% 43% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & 2015 In terms of the provincial breakdown, although Quebecers are the most likely to feel that Canada is a country of equal opportunity, they are the least likely relative to all other provinces to believe that people can practise their religion freely in Canada or that there is room for a variety of religions and languages in Canada.

43 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 42 Agreement Average Province Response Atlantic QC ON MB/SK AB BC Canada is a country 76% 72% 81% 73% 75% 78% 76% of equal opportunity for all People can practise 91% 93% 85% 94% 91% 89% 94% their religion freely in Canada There is room for a 82% 87% 76% 82% 88% 78% 89% variety of religions in Canada There is room for a variety of languages to be spoken by Canadians across the country 69% 78% 63% 67% 76% 63% 78% Source: Association for Canadian Studies, March 2012 & 2015 Theme 6 Wrap-Up Based on the data presented in this theme, young people aged 18-24: are somewhat interested in politics have low voter turnouts and generally do not participate in political activities embrace some basic democratic principles

44 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 43 Let s Get Critical: Guide for Coordinators QUEBEC YOUTH TODAY A. What do you think are the reasons for the minimal increase in the youth population over the last four decades? B. What is meant by representative weight? C. Why are Quebec youth so engaged socially, but not politically? THEME 1: CANADIAN IDENTITY A. Why might youth not feel as attached to Canada or their province relative to older age cohorts? B. Why would youth feel that their attachment to Canada is in conflict with their attachment to their home province? C. Is it possible to have multiple attachments to various identities (religion, ethnicity, etc.)? D. What are some of your values that you feel do or should drive Canadian society? E. Do you believe that Quebecers and other Canadians share the same values? What are a few examples of common and opposing values? F. Why are youth more likely to feel pride in the monarchy compared to any other age group? G. Why do older Canadians not feel as positively towards multiculturalism as compared to year old youths? THEME 2: ECONOMY A. What are some of the factors that contribute to young people s economic concerns? B. Why would youth feel that there is such a large difference between Canada s and Quebec s economic prosperity? C. What would be some of the positive and negative implications of immigration on the Canadian and Quebec economy?

45 Quebec Youth Speak about Canada Today 44 D. Have you yourself had a challenging time finding a job? THEME 3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES A. What could have happened between 2012 and 2014 to drop youth s positive opinion of aboriginals by 20%? B. Should youth have reason to be more worried about the rise of antiaboriginal sentiment? C. Do you agree, as indicated by the youth respondents, that historic and societal prejudice has had little impact on the social and economic problems currently faced by Aboriginals in Canada? Why? THEME 4: SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT A. What does freedom of religion look like to you? B. Are you personally concerned about the financial strains that come with post-secondary education? C. What would be some ways to make university education more affordable? D. What more should the Canadian government be doing with regards to climate change? THEME 5: CANADA IN THE WORLD A. What are some examples of Canada playing a positive role in world affairs? B. What are some examples of international organizations whose decisions impact Canada? THEME 6: POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY A. Do you believe that youth can have a real say in what the government does? If yes, what are some different methods to do so? B. Did you vote in the 2015 federal election? Why or why not? C. Where do you go to get information on voting (i.e. Elections Canada)? D. What political activities have you engaged in? E. What would be some strategies to get young people more engaged? F. Can you identify any other common Canadian democratic principles that were not mentioned in this paper?