August 10, 2007

"Throughout my travels across Canada, and more recently during my State visit to Brazil, I was delighted to meet young people who are making themselves heard, offering solutions, and achieving their aspirations—young people who are eager to explore the wide range of knowledge at your disposal and to improve the world in which we live.

I find the theme for International Youth Day 2007, “Be seen, be heard: youth participation for development” extremely inspiring. It gives me great pleasure, then, to salute the young Canadians taking part in the celebrations marking this day. You are very important to me and I would like to encourage you and have your contributions recognized.

I am very impressed with the level of your commitment, as well as your determination to expand your action networks and use all the assistance at your disposal to become even more involved in your communities and in society as a whole. It is for this reason that I am fully committed to joining you in your efforts to build a stronger country and a better world. As governor general of Canada, I look forward to continue helping to multiply opportunities for your voices to be heard and to provide spaces in which you can come together to discover your commonalities and pursue joint initiatives.   

You are a driving force in Canada, full of promise and a guarantee for a better world. With further learning and education, each and every one of you can reach your highest potential and make your wildest dreams come true. I have complete confidence that your daring and willingness to act will give you the means to do so."

Michaëlle Jean

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Media Information
Isabelle Serrurier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca