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News Releases and Media Advisories

Canada's Democracy Week

Apathy is Boring


Young Canadians Invited to Create "The Art of Democracy"

TORONTO, Tuesday, September 13, 2011 — Chief Electoral Officer of Canada Marc Mayrand, and Ilona Dougherty, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring, today launched "The Art of Democracy" National Youth Challenge encouraging young Canadians to celebrate and learn about democracy.

"The Art of Democracy" National Youth Challenge asks youth aged 14–30 to submit an image, video, blog post or tweet in response to the question "What does your democracy mean to you?"

The National Youth Challenge is part of Canada's Democracy Week, a new Elections Canada civic education initiative that runs from September 12–16, 2011. Canada's Democracy Week supports the United Nations' International Day of Democracy on September 15 and extends the celebration with a week of activities to highlight Canada's democratic traditions and achievements.

"Through Canada's Democracy Week, we are reaching out to the next generation of voters, who are critical to strengthening our democracy," said Mr. Mayrand. "Research shows that civic education is linked to increased political knowledge and intention to vote – two important predictors of voter turnout. Canada's Democracy Week invites young people to learn more about democracy in Canada and around the world."

"During the last federal election, social media empowered youth to get engaged in democracy in a way they hadn't before," said Ms. Dougherty. "We have an important opportunity through the National Youth Challenge and Canada's Democracy Week to encourage young people to be active citizens and express creatively what democracy means to them."

The Challenge is being run by Elections Canada in collaboration with Apathy is Boring. Details on the National Youth Challenge and the submission form are available at www.democracy-democratie.ca. The submission deadline is November 30, 2011.

As part of its voter education mandate, Elections Canada provides teachers, parents, parliamentarians and organizations with tools to help inform and educate the voters of tomorrow. Visit www.democracy-democratie.ca for more information on Canada's Democracy Week, including educational resources and a calendar of events.  

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.  Canada's Democracy Week is an Elections Canada civic education initiative.

Apathy is Boring is a national youth-led charitable organization that uses art and technology to educate youth about democracy.

Information:

Elections Canada Media Relations
1-877-877-9515
www.elections.ca

Apathy is Boring
Émile Thomas
Communications and Events Coordinator
514-844-2472
communications@apathyisboring.com
www.apathyisboring.com