PERMANENT RESIDENTS - CAMPAIGN TO VOTE
Did you know that of the 176,155 immigrants in Winnipeg, 67,265 are permanent residents, but not yet citizens. This means about 10% of Winnipeg’s population and 38% of the immigrant population cannot vote. We want to change this and make sure these voices are heard!
What You Should Know:
Currently, in order to vote in Winnipeg, you need to be:
-
18 years of age,
-
Have lived in Winnipeg for at least 6 months
-
Be a Canadian Citizen.
We would like to change the rules and allow permanent residents who have lived in Winnipeg for at least 1 year, the right to vote at a local level.
Many other countries allow non-citizens to vote in elections. Toronto and Vancouver city councils both recently passed a motion to ask the province to change legislation to allow permanent residents to vote at the city level.
We believe allowing permanent residents the chance to vote will promote inclusion and belonging amongst newcomers and give voice to thousands of residents and tax payers. As you know:
-
Even if you are not a citizen, if you own a home, you pay property taxes to the city.
-
Even if you are not yet a citizen, you likely utilize many city services like the bus, garbage pick up, libraries.
-
Therefore, we believe permanent residents should have a say in who will be elected and make decisions at a local level