Rebels & Renegades: Engaging Youth in Policy Development to Save Canadian Democracy

Canada’s democracy is aging. Civil engagement is on the decline, and those who hold the potential to revitalize it are disenfranchised from political decision-making processes. This research is about the rebels and renegades at the highest levels of policy development work in Canada who are breaking the rules, calling out their colleagues, and standing up to say the system itself is broken. Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, Senators Stan Kutcher and Marilou McPhedran, Order of Canada Recipient Irwin Elman and civil society leaders from across Canada share stories from their careers striving to engage youth in political consultations, to make space for the voices of those who know what is happening here and now within their schools, mental health supports, and child protection services.

This research presents new knowledge about the motivation adults have to engage with youth to learn about their lived experiences in receipt of government services, and as such, the current status of Canada’s adherence to their human rights. Findings provide new knowledge about the conditions and factors required for adults to engage in meaningful political consultations with youth. It is my conclusion that youth political consultation takes an emotional investment of humanity, curiosity, and humility as well as a sense of responsibility to take action. The discussion provides a concluding overview of tangible policy recommendations, requiring the commitment of time, money, data, coordination, and the professionalization of youth work all of which must be enforceable through legislative change. Calls for further research include exploring the expectation and burden on youth to accommodate the needs of the adult learner within political consultations.