This fall, I’ll be introducing a private member’s bill to modernize who gets to participate in Manitoba’s municipal and school board elections. The legislation would extend voting rights to permanent residents and lower the voting age to 16 years old, two long-overdue changes that would make our local democracy more fair, inclusive and forward-looking.

Across the world, other jurisdictions are already taking steps in this direction. Austria lowered the voting age to 16 in 2007. Scotland and Wales allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections. And just this year, the UK Parliament has been debating a similar change. In Canada, many communities are actively discussing how to better engage young and underrepresented voices in local decision-making.

There’s a good reason for this: people who vote early are more likely to become lifelong voters. But right now, young people aged 18-24 have the lowest turnout of any age group. Giving them the opportunity to vote while they’re still in school and living at home could change that and create a new generation of engaged citizens. In the case of school board elections, it would also mean that trustees have a direct responsibility to listen to the students they serve.

The bill would also give permanent residents the right to vote in local elections. These are people who have lived in our communities for years, raised families here and paid the same property taxes as everyone else. Many are homeowners. All contribute to our cities and schools. But under the current rules, they have no say in who leads their municipalities or their children’s education. That’s not right.

As the summer winds down, I’m reflecting on the opportunity I’ve had to connect with our community over the past few months. While the legislature has been on a break from session, our community has been busy with something for everyone to enjoy. From local markets to cultural festivals, it has been a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we are to call Winnipeg home.

I’m thrilled that the Wolseley constituency is home to two farmer’s markets that run throughout the summer and early fall. Rain or shine, both the West Broadway and Wolseley Farmers Markets draw in hundreds of folks every week. Community members can find a wide range of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Skillful local makers sell their jewelry, candles, pottery, and wearable art while live music adds ambiance to the experience.

For those who haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, the West Broadway Farmers Market runs every Wednesday until Oct. 8, and the Wolseley Farmers Market operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays until Oct. 21. Both are perfect spots to pick up some produce, support local makers, and enjoy some time outside in our beautiful community.

This summer also marked the milestone of the 50th Winnipeg Folk Fest. I was thrilled to be a part of the celebration and to see so many constituents while we enjoyed the lazy afternoons listening to music and snacked on kettle corn and lemonade. As Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, I was excited to rename a portion of Highway 59 as Folk Fest Volunteer Way in honour of the thousands of volunteers who make the magic happen every year and for the past 50 years. Our government also announced more than $1 million in critical park upgrades to Birds Hill Provincial Park that will benefit festival goers and other users of the park.