Both Birchwood and Rural include in their classwork mock elections, with the requirement that the students investigate the party platforms and form their opinions based on how they feel they address the issues of the day.

It’s a wonderful and essential part of the curriculum.

It’s something new for my kids, as outside of following the circus show of American politics we haven’t had many political conversations at the kitchen table. And, while in Taiwan it felt like we were a family state, or self-ruled, as we were not allowed to participate in local government in any shape or form, and we were so far removed from Canadian life we had little idea of what was happening.

They cast their mock votes with Catriona voting Green, and Camren voting Liberal.

It’s my hope that they will continue to think critically and not fall victim to all the disinformation that is so prevalent today.