Civic Engagement in Action

Last Wednesday evening, Brentwood’s Killy Theatre hosted a debate for the federal election candidates in our Cowichan-Malahat-Langley riding in preparation for today’s election. Organized by Social Studies Instructional Leader Mr Robinson and moderated by Mr Wismer, the candidates from the NDP, Liberal, and Green parties were present and spoke on key issues while answering questions written by Brentwood students and audience members which were coordinated by Ms Legassicke and Mr Ganley as Ms Widermaier and Ms Britton-Foster managed the theatre. 

Before the debate began, audience members were asked by student volunteers to fill out a form if they wanted to ask a question. These questions were grouped into a variety of categories ranging from Infrastructure & Services to Governance and Transparency. The questions were then distributed to students in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics 12 (PPE) to ask the candidates. 

The candidates were given two minutes for opening statements. Then, Mr Wismer began the debate by asking pre-selected questions that students had written and the candidates had prepared for. The debate then moved into audience questions asked by students, and finally, two minutes for closing statements. 

As Brentwood has students attending from across the world, this all-candidates meeting offered a glimpse into Canadian politics that students might never have experienced before. Isaac R, Whittall ‘25 describes the debate: “I’ve learned a lot of different things in PPE but being able to experience the debate live as an American citizen was an experience that I might never have again.” 

On Thursday, Mr Pasquale and his Political Studies 12 class ran a Student Vote at the school. Mr. Pasquale notes “It’s valuable to have students go through the process and practice of voting even if they don’t know the full extent of the election issues. They have to know that democracy is heavily dependent on participation and involvement and voting is the ultimate voice in democracy. Understanding that an election result can have a direct impact on you as a person is only now being realized in North America.”

Later today, the school is providing a bus to drive students and staff to our polling station at Kerry Park so they can cast their first federal election vote. Max K, Rogers ‘25 plans on voting on Monday stating, “I’m really appreciative of Brentwood making voting accessible for those of us who are able to vote this year,” and Elena F, Hope ‘25 adds “I can’t wait to cast my first vote in a federal election.” 

Democracy in Action!