Media Advisory - Youth Unite For May 7th Town Hall With Premier Wynne, Andrea Horwath And Mike Schreiner

TORONTO, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - A volunteer planning committee consisting of youth-serving organizations from across the province have united to host Premier Wynne, Andrea Horwath and Mike Schreiner at an election-focused, Youth Town Hall for the finale of Ontario's Youth Week at Daniels Spectrum, prior to the 6pm CityTV debate. Doug Ford's office has stated that he is unavailable to participate in this event however, an invitation remains open should that change.

"Youth are often ignored during election time unless there's a crisis or it's politically convenient," said Saeed Selvam, Manager of Public Policy with the Laidlaw Foundation, "we're happy that these three leaders are demonstrating real leadership by participating, indicating that Ontario's massive demographic of youth actually matter to them this election."

A sold-out audience of approximately 300 youth from across the province are expected to attend in person and hear what candidates for Premier will do if elected, to address urgent concerns facing youth such as affordable housing, education, unemployment and systemic discrimination.

Each party leader will be provided an equal opportunity to answer a series of questions posed by young people from across Ontario. The event will be moderated by TVO host, Nam Kiwanuka and live-streamed on Twitter.

In partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, the Town Hall Planning Committee consists of youth-serving and youth-led organizations from across the province including For Youth Initiative, the Ryerson Democratic Engagement Exchange, TVO, Twitter, For Youth Initiative, the Citizen Empowerment Project, Young Women's Leadership Network, the Toronto Youth Cabinet, Apathy is Boring, CivicAction and endorsed by signatories such as the United Way and the YWCA.  

The event is scheduled for two-hours marking the finale of Ontario's Youth Week on Monday, May 7th, 2018 from 1:30pm-3:30pm at Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall.

A media scrum with each leader may be available should scheduling permit. Scrums will occur on the second floor of Daniels Spectrum near the green room.

About the Laidlaw Foundation: The Laidlaw Foundation is a private, charitable, family-foundation established in 1949, well-known for supporting youth-led social change through funding direct action projects, research and convening.

SOURCE The Laidlaw Foundation

For scrum or interview related inquiries, please contact: Saeed Selvam, Manager of Public Policy, Laidlaw Foundation, 647-505-9612, [email protected], www.laidlawfdn.org