Are Canadians ill-educated on the importance of democracy? Are we failing our youth in the realm of civic education?
Margaret Atwood, well-known Canadian novelist, recently released an eye-opening animated video on the potential devolution of countries into totalitarian nightmares. It’s a thought-provoking piece that forces us to reflect on the state of civic education in Canada.
**The Poll and the Reality**
A recent Abacus poll found that a startling one-third of adult Canadians can’t recall taking any courses in civics during their elementary and secondary school years. Even more concerning, over 50% of Canadian teachers feel they lack adequate training in civic education. If our educators feel unprepared to teach civic values, how can we expect our youth to understand the importance of democracy and civic engagement?
**The Crises of Our Time**
Miss Atwood’s video comes at a crucial time in history. The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, social unrest, and a growing distrust of democratic institutions are all contributing to a sense of societal unease. But it’s precisely during these critical moments that we need a population that understands how our democratic systems work and why it’s vital to engage in the political process.
**The Way Forward**
The solution starts in the classroom. Civic education needs to be a priority in our schools. Teachers must receive proper training and be given the time and resources to educate students about our democratic institutions and the importance of voting. Equally important is teaching young people to discuss and debate controversial issues in a civilized manner. Without these skills, the very foundation of our democracy is at risk.
It’s time to acknowledge that strengthening our democracy from the ground up is a national interest. The opportunity to participate in a national summit on car theft is a noble endeavor, but it pales in comparison to the urgency of fortifying Canada’s future voters against the challenges of the 21st century.
**Conclusion**
Our failure to instill in our children a deep appreciation for democracy is a mistake even in the best of times. But during this era of uncertainty, it could prove to be self-destructive. The Canadian government must step up and make civic education a top priority. Through a concerted effort, we can ensure that the next generation of Canadians is equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to safeguard our democratic values for years to come. The survival of democracy itself depends on it.
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