Photographer Solana Cain hit the streets of Kensington Market to ask young Canadian women why they’ll be sure to vote on October 19th, and what issues really matter to them.

Nayiri, 26, Student (Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion). "Helping to create equity between populations who might not have as many opportunities as others; so creating opportunities for Aboriginal populations, disabled and eldery persons. In that vain, looking at healthcare, housing and welfare - those same populations are affected by all of these. I want a government with a more upstream approach."

Nayiri, 26, Student (Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion). “Helping to create equity between populations who might not have as many opportunities as others; so creating opportunities for Aboriginal populations, disabled and eldery persons. In that vain, looking at healthcare, housing and welfare – those same populations are affected by all of these. I want a government with a more upstream approach.”

Stephanie, 18, Student (Life Sciences Program), First Time Voter. "I'm excited to vote because I really think that after a long time with the Conservative government we really need some change and I think it's time for that change with a new Party, but that also makes me nervous because [a new party] might not get elected, but I am excited to have a bit of say in what happens."

Stephanie, 18, Student (Life Sciences Program), First Time Voter. “I’m excited to vote because I really think that after a long time with the Conservative government we really need some change and I think it’s time for that change with a new Party, but that also makes me nervous because [a new party] might not get elected, but I am excited to have a bit of say in what happens.”

Annie, 27, Teacher. "First environment; I'm hoping the new government will be more involved in protecting the environment, and also education. I am a teacher so it's important for me that teachers have enough resources to help children. Right now that's not happening."

Annie, 27, Teacher. “First environment; I’m hoping the new government will be more involved in protecting the environment, and also education. I am a teacher so it’s important for me that teachers have enough resources to help children. Right now that’s not happening.”

Elspeth, 22, Student (Environmental Science). "I'm dual Canadian and American citizen; I haven't voted in that many Canadian elections but environmetnal issues are really huge for me. Making sure that we are trying to pull away from fossil fuels and making sure more land is protected. Which also goes along with indigenous rights and protecting more indigenous lands. Also, even though I've had Canadian citizenship since birth because of Bill C-51 that can get taken away at any time since I wasn't born here."

Elspeth, 22, Student (Environmental Science). “I’m dual Canadian and American citizen; I haven’t voted in that many Canadian elections but environmetnal issues are really huge for me. Making sure that we are trying to pull away from fossil fuels and making sure more land is protected. Which also goes along with indigenous rights and protecting more indigenous lands. Also, even though I’ve had Canadian citizenship since birth because of Bill C-51 that can get taken away at any time since I wasn’t born here.”

"Someone who could cater to all types of different demographics, not just business people and working families. One of my biggest issues is student loans because tutition is really expensive. If something could become of the current situation I'd be really happy about that."

“Someone who could cater to all types of different demographics, not just business people and working families. One of my biggest issues is student loans because tutition is really expensive. If something could become of the current situation I’d be really happy about that.”

Anna, 18, Student (Criminology). "One of the biggest issues for me is immigration, and getting the policies right there. But also the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission going on in regards to Residential Schools and Aboriginal Peoples - the government is trying to make this a one last stop but there's so much generational trauma there that needs to be addressed. Some people are saying its better to stick with the devil you know but after the events that have happened in the last two terms I think it's time for someone new to step up to the plate."

Anna, 18, Student (Criminology). “One of the biggest issues for me is immigration, and getting the policies right there. But also the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission going on in regards to Residential Schools and Aboriginal Peoples – the government is trying to make this a one last stop but there’s so much generational trauma there that needs to be addressed. Some people are saying its better to stick with the devil you know but after the events that have happened in the last two terms I think it’s time for someone new to step up to the plate.”

What issues matter most to you? Your vote counts! Make sure you’re registered here.