An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum (voting age)

Bill S-201 (44-1) was a Senate Private Member's Bill from Senator Marilou McPhedran to lower the federal voting age from 18 to 16, amending the Canada Elections Act (S.C. 2000, c. 9) and the regulation that adapts it for referendums. Supporters argue that 16- and 17-year-olds pay taxes when they work, can drive in most provinces, and have the largest long-term stake in issues such as climate. It is a recurring proposal, with similar bills introduced since the 40th Parliament and a House of Commons companion (Bill C-210). A separate Charter challenge by youth applicants seeking to strike down the age-18 rule was before the courts during the same period. S-201 reached second reading in the Senate, with debate continuing into June 2024, and did not become law.