SooToday received the following letter from a student at Algoma University addressing some election issues impacting young people.
Over the past few weeks during this campaign, I’ve been following closely as party leaders and local candidates speak on the issues affecting youth across Canada.
As a first-year student at Algoma University, I feel compelled to share my perspective and urge not just young people, but everyone in the Sault to take a serious look at who we are considering re-electing.
I’m not here to tell you who to vote for, but I am asking you to think critically before re-electing a government and a member of Parliament who have failed the youth of this city and this country.
Under our current MP, Mr. Terry Sheehan, we’ve watched housing prices and rent spiral out of control. The living conditions some students are forced into due to unaffordable rent are appalling. The cost of living has become unbearable, and rather than addressing the problem, this government’s policies have only made things worse.
Let’s take a moment to look at the reality youth face in 2025. It’s nearly impossible to find a decent place to rent let alone buy in Sault Ste. Marie.
Wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Youth unemployment in Canada sits at a staggering 13.7 per cent as of March 2025. Many young people are struggling to find jobs in part due to uncontrolled immigration policies that have not been matched with adequate planning.
Economic growth has been terrible in Canada. According to the World Bank, Canada’s GDP per capita was USD $50,960 in 2014. A decade later, it’s only grown to USD $53,431.
In contrast, the United States has surged ahead, growing from USD $55,304 to USD $82,769 in the same time frame. Our economy is stagnating. This government has failed to make the necessary investments to grow our economy and reduce our dependence on our southern neighbours.
Why should we believe that a new coat of paint on a rusting government will suddenly solve the serious issues that young people and Canadians more broadly are facing?
In 2015, 2019, and 2021, Terry Sheehan and the Liberal Party promised to make housing more affordable, lower the cost of living, and create meaningful employment for young people. They have failed on every front. I encourage everyone to read the 2015 Liberal platform and see just how many promises were left unfulfilled.
It’s time we stop rewarding failure. Let’s vote for change, for accountability, and for a future that gives young people hope.
Joshua Vierimaa
Sault Ste. Marie