Students to hold a debate in Westmount-Saint-Louis
MONTREAL, Aug. 27, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Representing all levels of post-secondary education, student associations from McGill University, Concordia University and Dawson College are inviting members of their institutions and the surrounding community to a debate in English for the riding of Westmount-Saint-Louis on the 30th of August 2012.
"Candidates from all parties have been invited to participate and debate on issues that concern local as well as international and out of province members" said Nadia Hausfather, VP External at the Concordia Graduate Students' Association (GSA). Students as well as community members are welcome at 6 pm on Thursday (August 30th) at John Molson School of Business Building (1450 Guy) room 1.210.
"This riding has the highest proportion of voters with a university degree and with so little mention of post-secondary education or the student strike weeks into the campaign, we feel the need to host an event which will actually be focused on student concerns" explains Anastasia Voutou, Campaigns coordinator for Concordia Student Union (CSU). "However, we have also come to realize that there are very few events like this taking place in English, so we are also helping to fill that gap" adds Robin Reid-Fraser, VP External at the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU).
Last election, some of the lowest participation rates were reported in ridings with the highest number of people who declare English as their mother tongue. "Among students the turn-out was quite low as well and 18 to 35 year old voters could very well hold the balance of power" said Nicholas Di Penna, Director of External Affairs at Dawson Student Union (DSU). In 2008, only 36 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots in Westmount-St-Louis. "This debate will show that this is more than a one or two-party race. Every vote makes a difference, so it's important for youth to vote", concluded Errol Salamon External Affairs Officer at Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University (PGSS).
SOURCE: CONCORDIA STUDENT UNION
Errol Salamon - External Affairs Officer (PGSS), 514-706-5640
Nicholas Di Penna -Director of External Affairs (DSU), 514-833-1625
Anastasia Voutou - Campaigns Coordinator (CSU), 438-877-1881
Nadia Hausfather - VP External (GSA), 438-875-3563
Robin Reid-Fraser - VP External (SSMU), 514-213-9613
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