When the 2025 federal election results came in, political analysts noticed something striking: voters under 30 had turned out at rates not seen in decades. Gen Z had arrived as a political force, and Canadian democracy would never be the same. This surge in youth political engagement marks a historic shift in how young Canadians participate in civic life.

The Engagement Explosion

Youth political engagement in Canada had been declining for 40 years, creating concerns about the health of Canadian democracy. The 2011 election saw just 38% of eligible voters aged 18-24 cast ballots. By 2025, that number had jumped to 61%—a historic reversal driven by passionate young activists who refuse to be ignored.

But voting is just one metric of youth political engagement. Gen Z's political participation extends far beyond election day. Climate strikes organized by youth activists drew hundreds of thousands to streets across Canada. Social media campaigns have pressured corporations and politicians on issues from Indigenous rights to affordable housing, proving that youth political engagement takes many forms.

Digital-First Activism

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z doesn't rely on traditional political institutions for youth political engagement. TikTok has become a platform for political education, with creators breaking down complex policies in 60-second videos that reach millions. Instagram infographics spread awareness about social issues to followers who might never watch traditional news.

This digital organizing has real-world impact on youth political engagement. The 2024 student protests against tuition increases in Ontario were coordinated primarily through social media, bypassing traditional student organizations and reaching beyond campus boundaries through innovative tactics that older generations couldn't have imagined.

Issue-Driven Politics

Gen Z voters defy traditional left-right categorizations in their youth political engagement. They're more likely to vote based on specific issues than party loyalty. Climate change consistently ranks as the top concern, followed by housing affordability, mental health funding, and Indigenous reconciliation.

This issue-focused approach has forced political parties to adapt their platforms. The Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP have all released youth-focused platforms addressing climate anxiety and housing costs—issues that barely appeared in campaigns a decade ago. Youth political engagement is reshaping the entire political landscape.

The Local Movement

While national politics captures headlines, youth political engagement is perhaps most visible at the municipal level. Young Canadians are running for city council, organizing community mutual aid networks, and demanding accountability from local officials on everything from transit to zoning policies that directly affect their daily lives.

As this generation ages into its full political power, its impact will only grow. Politicians who dismiss Gen Z as politically apathetic do so at their peril. Canada's youngest voters have proven through sustained youth political engagement that they're paying attention—and they vote in increasing numbers. The future of Canadian democracy depends on this continued participation.

Stay informed on Canadian politics at genznewz.com/facts/canadian-politics, genznewz.com/facts/climate-action, and genznewz.com/facts/social-justice. For official information, visit Elections Canada and Parliament of Canada.