Better understand democracy and give a taste for politics

The Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) launches CPAC Route 338, a resource including a website and giant maps, which aims to help young Canadians better understand our democracy while motivating them to participate in the political process.

“We recognize more than ever how fragile democracies are, even established ones, and even here in Canada,” said Catherine Cano, President and CEO of CPAC. "CPAC Route 338 is an essential resource for all young people, because the sooner we teach and learn about democracy, the more our society will be well informed, eager to know and engaged."

CPAC Route 338 will help Canadians better understand the role of their representatives, the impact of political decisions and the importance of knowing the issues.

A website and giant maps to showcase thees 338 constituencies fédérales

This democratic literacy project consists of two components:

• The website www.route338.ca, which portrays the 338 constituencies fédéCanada through photos, highlights, and videosébones from the extensive collection of'CPAC archives. In addition, users of the website déwill cover, in a new light, the rohthe and the work of their éread - and responsibilityé which accompanies the'exercise d'a public responsibility.

• A series of giant maps illustrating the country's 338 federal ridings, developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. These huge cards measuring 8 meters by 11 meters (24 feet x 36 feet) will be sent to schools across Canada, providing students across the country with interactive and personalized learning.

This website and these giant maps are accompanied by a series of 11 curriculum-related educational activities that will help teach students primary and secondary school students the many facets of our democratic society.

Bring together the best resources in geography and politics

“Learning about democracy is more important than ever,” says John Geiger, CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. "Our partnership with CPAC brings together the best geography and political education resources to provide students and newcomers with the information they need to understand how democracy works in Canada."

You can access Route 338's website and lesson plans at www.route338.ca. Teachers can apply for a giant card at the address education.canadiangrographic.it.

Source: press release