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.

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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.

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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:

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• 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