We know the statistics. Youth aren’t voting and they aren’t opting into the traditional political system. Apathy is Boring isn’t waiting for an election to turn that around. Apathy is Boring wants young Canadians to grab their cell phone or video cameras and tell us their vision for the next 250 years of Democracy in Canada. On the 250^th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in our country, Apathy is Boring is encouraging young Canadians to look forward towards our next 250 years and articulate their vision of Canada and the world.

Starting in July and running through the month of September, the contest will culminate with the grand prize: a trip to Halifax for the winner to attend and showcase their video during a Youth Dialogue hosted by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on September 20^th. More information on the Governor General’s Youth Dialogues is available at Citizen Voices. The winner will also receive backstage passes to the Apathy is Boring Concert featuring artists ill Scarlett.

This weekend in Canada is the Victoria Day long weekend. We get this holiday to celebrate the birthday of the current Canadian monarch – its named Victoria Day as she was Canada’s first monarch. Ask most people on the street however, and most will not be able to tell you why we get the long weekend. What we do know though, is that it usually signals the beginning of summer. And we love summer. You would too if you were subjected to Canadian winters.

Since the weather in Vancouver is so nice this weekend, I can almost guarantee you that most of us Vancouverites will be hitting the outdoors and water in some fashion or another. So for those of you not in Canada and having to wait for your May long weekend, I’ve provided you this video to join us vicariously.

[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=UuthSW0UYT0]