A series of audiotapes recorded at workshops held by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Campus Association show that the Conservative party is trying to take over student organizations – by any means necessary.

The workshops are held in cities across the province, with topics ranging from how to win a student union election to how to combat and remove funding for progressive student organizations such as the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

Even more disturbing is that these trainings are being organized with the support and resources of Canada’s governing party, evidenced by the participation of Conservative MP Peter Braid and his campaign manager, Aaron Lee-Wudrick.

As a member of the oft-ignored youth vote, I see some stirrings on my university campus to get out there and have our voices heard. Since the 1960s, when the younger generation was a strong force in societal changes taking place across North America, the atmosphere has settled into one of (perceived) apathy and ignorance.

I see this on my university campus, where a vocal and compassionate minority attempt to affect interest in the silent majority. Organizations such the Canadian Federation of Students (the CFS is one of the biggest student-focused lobby groups in Canada) have been organizing debates and information sessions across Canadian campuses, and while I can't speak for the whole country, a lot of this work goes unnoticed. Why is this?