News release

May 25, 2004

New PSAC website reaches out to young voters

OTTAWA – The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is doing its part to encourage young Canadians to participate in the political process and the upcoming federal election by launching a special web site – Rantroom.ca

According to PSAC National President Nycole Turmel, recent statistics show that more and more young Canadians are not engaged politically at any level.   “It is a sad commentary on our democracy that only about one-quarter of Canadians under the age of 35 even vote.”

“The performance by some of our governments and politicians makes it easy to become cynical about the political process,” suggests Turmel.   “Nevertheless, we all have a stake in electing Members of Parliament who will put the interests and needs of citizens, of all ages, above their own.”

To help play a role in changing the pattern of disengagement from the political process, PSAC is hosting Rantroom.ca initially to help younger Canadians focus on the federal election and to encourage them to participate.

“Rantroom.ca will give our younger members, as well as younger Canadians in general, an opportunity to engage in a dialogue about the federal election,” says Turmel.   “Youth's voices and opinions are vital to shaping the future of Canada and the future of the labour movement.   The goals of Rantroom.ca are to challenge, motivate and educate its visitors by letting them shape its content.”

Rantroom.ca will feature regular polls on a range of topics targeted to youth including postings of local events and activities, a union quiz, links to related websites, topic forums, op ed submissions from visitors and even prizes.

Turmel indicates that PSAC members will be playing an active role in their communities during the election campaign.   “Our members will be asking candidates and their parties where they stand on a range of issues such as the privatization of public services, real protection for whistleblowers, international trade, human rights issues such as same-sex marriage and pay equity, labour rights and the state of collective bargaining in the federal public sector.”

The PSAC's publication “Your Guide to the Federal Election” is being distributed to all its members.   It contains information on the performance and platform of the major federal parties on these issues.   “We are encouraging our members to go beyond the election promises that don't seem to last beyond election day and to make an informed choice based on the track record of the candidates and the parties,” says Turmel.

- 30 –

For information: Denis Boivin, PSAC Communications, (613) 560-4280

For information about Rantroom.ca: Loren Crawford, (613) 560-4274

33-250504