In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Canadian students: activists or apathetic?

(Mclean's) With Prime Minister Stephen Harper's proroguing of Parliament being heard all over the country, Canadian campuses in particular have become a hotbed of debate. Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff is touring Canadian universities and colleges this week, hoping to gain support among students. Yesterday, a letter denouncing Harper's decision, and signed by over 170 university professors, was delivered to newspapers across the country. Maclean's writer Justin McElroy wonders if Canada's campuses are the ideal birthplace for passionate political movements to gain steam before hitting the public, or if student political movements are destined to burn bright and die quickly.

1.

Going online and getting heard

“Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament” Facebook group
While open for anyone to join, a significant portion of this group's membership (nearly 180,000 as of Wednesday morning) are post-secondary students. The group, which was started by a student from the University of Alberta, isn't just being used as a sounding board - it's also being used as a place to plan protests in a number of cities. It showcases a growing trend among tech-savvy students to use online resources and social media as tools for political activism.

2.

"Indifferent or Just Different?"

Canadian Policy Research Networks
While many Canadian students seem to be getting more political, studies show that youth involvement in formal political matters, like voting and party membership, is falling. This 2007 study by a University of Calgary researcher shows that young Canadians, especially those attending post-secondary schools, get politically involved in different ways from previous generations. They rely more on technology as a tool for activism and are less likely to join formal political organizations. It notes that the more education a student gets, the more likely they are to become politically active and suggests a number of ways to get voter participation up among youth.

3.

Attacking apathy

Apathy is Boring
A non-partisan, non-profit group based out of Montreal, Apathy is Boring aims to get young people more involved politically, especially when it comes to federal and civic elections.  The site includes information on on the political platforms of Canada's major federal parties, a full list of contact information for Members of Parliament, as well as a place where visitors can create and sign their own online petitions.

4.

Activism off the beaten path

Ontario Public Interest Research Groups - Toronto
One of the largest public interest research groups in the country, run out of the University of Toronto. Some other provinces have their own public interest research groups (like Nova Scotia and Alberta), which have become a common sight on Canadian campuses. They promote activism and involvement in social justice and environmental issues and often are a way for students to work on issues that don't always crack mainstream political discourse.

5.

Not just for students

Letter against proroguing Parliament
A copy of the letter mentioned in the Maclean's article. Written by Daniel Weinstock of Université de Montréal, Jeremy Webber of the University of Victoria and Charles Taylor of McGill University, the letter is signed by over 170 professors from all over the country, mostly those who focus on political science, law and public policy. The letter argues that Harper's actions were inappropriate, and shows that students aren't the only ones on university campuses eager to have their view heard. Professors, backed by the knowledge and authority their positions demand, are also wading into the political arena.