Profiles in voting (IV): Alexandra Ogden

Below is the last in a series of profiles of first-time federal voters by Samara volunteer Jse-Che Lam. Next up, Alexandra Ogden from New Westminster, British Columbia.

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1. Tell us about yourself.  

My name is Alexandra Ogden, originally from New Westminster, British Columbia. I study International Studies and Modern Languages at the University Ottawa and am in French Immersion. Next year I will be studying at the Political Institute in Lyon, France.

2. Do you consider yourself to be civic-minded or politically engaged? 

Yes. I volunteer with my Member of Parliament and I keep up to date on civic movements and current social issues.  My MP came to talk to my social studies classes on more than one occasion and was almost always present and available at important school functions. His presence in my small little world at high school made me really believe that some politicians care, and that is why I reached out and wanted to contribute what I could to the political process.

3. Identify one issue in this election that is the most important to you and explain why you feel so strongly about this.

Post-secondary education: although I doubt any party will talk seriously about this issue, tuition fees are continuously being raised as university courses and services are being cut. As a student, this matters greatly. I am a scholarship recipient, and my $20,000 scholarship doesn't cover fees over 4 years. This is just wrong.

4. What can we do better to encourage young voters to become active and more involved with their communities? 

If politicians actually acted like they give a damn about the youth population and talked about issues that concern them and offered solutions, I think they would take notice. Unfortunately, leading parties in Canada like to ignore the younger population and make politics inaccessible to them (or at least make it seem that way).
 
When I say that leading parties tend to ignore the younger population, I am not necessarily referring to the leadership itself, but the general party mentality (especially from the Liberals and the Conservatives). Of course, good leadership is important, and I think an Obama-like leader of a political party would definitely encourage young voters.

5. How do you feel about the quality of representation found in political candidates?  What qualities do you want to see in the people who want to stand for office?

The leaders of parties just seem like talking heads. I like a charismatic leader that has a good understanding of current issues and can explain them to the public in an accessible way. I also like a leader who values social justice, standing up for the working class and student populations instead of giving all the benefits to the upper two percent.
 
Above all, though, what would really entice young voters is parties who speak directly to them and present platforms that also speak directly to them (e.g., education, jobs for youth, dealing with internet/cellphone companies that are wanting to increase prices for the same services). This would involve talking at university and college campuses, youth centres, but also talking about these issues seriously in the House and in the media. 

6. What will be the deciding factor for you when it comes time to mark your ballot on May 2nd?

The party responses to health, education and social programs.