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Ask students how issues are resolved within the democratic process. As citizens, what actions can we take to voice our opinions? What can governments do when they are unsure about public opinion on an issue?

Have students view Clips #3 and 4 on the Confederation Bridge: PEI Connects topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. As they view, students should record the pros and cons of building a permanent transportation link between PEI and N.B. Gather the class and record the pros and cons on the board.

Divide the class into groups. Assign half of the groups to represent the pros and half to represent the cons. Using the information recorded on the board, each group will design and create a campaign button and a pamphlet that supports the group’s position. The group’s work should include a logo as well.

Have each group present its campaign button and pamphlet to the class. When all groups have presented their position, students will vote in a plebiscite for or against the creation of a “fixed link.” Compare the class results from this plebiscite to the Island plebiscite statistics presented in Clip #4.

Have students prepare a radio broadcast that reports on the results of their class plebiscite. The broadcast should compare the results of the class plebiscite to those of the Island plebiscite.