Mr. Speaker, it is against the backdrop of Ontario's provincial election that I deliberate about voter participation.
In the year of Confederation only 11% of Canada's population was eligible to vote. It was not until 1921 that universal women's suffrage was enacted. Today we can be proud that 68% of Canada's population is eligible to vote. This means every Canadian over the age of 18.
As Ontarians go to the polls I would like to emphasize the importance of voting. Voting is the only instance where direct democracy is at work: ordinary citizens making the choice who will govern them.
I strongly urge every citizen in Ontario to get out today and exercise their right to vote.