More updates coming soon...

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In light of current events regarding accidents, a new law has been passed to make Ontario a safer place for drivers. This is indeed a noble cause, however, the way that the government is approaching the issue, is too simplistic. As MYLC, we would like to speak on behalf of the teens of Mississauga. The controversial part of the law is the section which states that during the first year in G2 class, drivers are restricted to one passenger aged 19 or under, with exemptions for family members. (This restriction previously applied only to driving at night).

We, as MYLC, would like to propose that this section of the law be amended. This is because this section will contribute to more accidents, which is counterproductive to the purpose of the law. The section is counterproductive, because due to the restriction, there will be less carpooling. When there are more people on the road, there is inevitably a higher probability of accidents. Moreover, there is also a higher probability of the drivers being impaired, as a sober friend will not be able to give ride to his/her impaired friend. This will indeed increase the number of accidents.

Another concern that arises from the section is that many households depend on a teenage driver to take responsibility and help out with the household. What are the dependent households to do? Is public transit a viable option, when it takes so much time in such a fast paced life? Moreover, taking away the right to drive another person based on based upon age is discrimination which is prohibited under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: a piece of legislation that makes Canadians so proud.

Furthermore, if a student commutes to university and/or is involved in intercity games, how does the government propose they commute? This law handicaps the teenagers in a society, where a car is a necessity. Moreover, if a teenager cannot travel with a friend, then the responsibility falls upon the parents, who are often much to busy with their own jobs to take time out for the teenager to become their chauffeur. We, as MYLC, promote youth activism and leadership, and many of our executive committee members are teenage students in universities (not in the GTA). If they cannot carpool, it is impossible for us to have meetings. This is just one example of how this law handicaps teenagers. The government is stopping the youth from being involved in their larger community, whereas it also promotes it through media.

Lastly, we would request that laws should not be based on the stereotypical view of teenagers: “Teenagers are irrational and trouble maker.” An age group as a whole should not suffer due to the mistakes made by some members of the age group.

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Second cleanup on July 20, 2008

After the success of our last cleanup on May, Youth enVolve! continues with its 2nd cleanup this summer in July. YOUTH enVOLVE is a joint initiative of MYLC and the City of Mississauga to get Peel youth involved in making their city's environment cleaner and greener. The group will have three park clean-ups in a year and will also give students an opportunity to obtain their high school volunteer hours and a certificate to recognize their contributions.

Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Zonta Meadows Park (near Square One)
Street: 410 Rathburn Road West
City/Town: Mississauga, ON

To sign up and be eligible to recieve a certifiate, email mylc.committee@gmail.com with your name, phone number, grade, school.Sign up fast as space is limited.

If you are under 18, please sign the parental consent form and bring it with you. Last cleanup's participants must also get a parent's consent for new date and resubmit their names to obtain certificates.

We are on Facebook. Join our facebook group and RSVP on the event.