September 3, 2008

by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean

The summer gave us a chance to recharge our batteries. After a non-stop spring filled with festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec, including the official visit to France, numerous encounters, forums, discussions and a rich program that you were able to follow on this site, we needed some time to relax and reflect.

But beginning in mid-August, in the midst of the celebrations in the Old Capital, I had the pleasure of presiding over the opening of the World Library and Information Congress and three days of plenary discussions during the World Youth Congress. What a wonderful way to get back into the swing of things!

World Youth Congress

Over 500 youths came from every corner of the world, along with many representatives from youth organizations in Quebec and the rest of Canada. It was also great to see so many representatives from multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, which are increasingly focusing on youth, recognizing that youth are key to human development. The young delegates filled the space with their ideas, initiatives, proposals and questions with such self confidence and willingness to act. Working with Apathy is Boring, RéGénération 2008, TakingITGlobal, the Institut du Nouveau Monde and D250 to organize an international Youth Dialogue allowed us to use the Web and text messaging to connect with youth across Canada and around the world abroad, and to engage them in the discussions online. Civic responsibility, the importance of critical thinking, the duty to act locally and globally, social engagement, putting words into action, being heard and being considered as part of the solution—these were some of the issues at the heart of the discussions and participants’ concerns. Throughout the Congress, there was a festive spirit in the air, as numerous artists also took part. Art and culture are so much a part of our lives, bringing people together and helping them to express themselves, to share and to take action.

What is remarkable is the extent to which youth are able to move beyond borders and differences, be they linguistic, social, geographical, cultural, or religious; to work together, find their similarities, and pool their ideas, projects and dreams. And they do this while demonstrating a keen sense of leadership and an ability to share. Youth are daring enough to explore unconventional avenues that may surprise, disturb, or even shake up what we have always thought to be true, but the impact and results of which cannot be denied. We need to learn how to be daring right alongside them.

North Montréal – an opportunity for some much-needed reflection

As these discussions were taking place, violence erupted in North Montréal. A young man was shot down by police during an altercation; residents peacefully demonstrated their terror; and overnight, businesses were looted, vehicles set ablaze, and rioters took to the streets. So much anger, lack of understanding, out-of-control behaviour and confusion. I was deeply saddened by this incident and publicly deplored the turn of events and the violence, especially since it happened in a neighbourhood I know well, having grown up there, where the associative milieu is deeply rooted and dynamic. But the events that took place in North Montréal have given us the opportunity to take a much-needed look at the widening gaps, the anguish of exclusion, the smouldering anger of those who feel as though they don’t matter and are never heard. I expressed the wish that the young people from that neighbourhood be encouraged to speak up and share their opinions on what needs to change, how this can be brought about, and how we can open the dialogue that will lead to greater social harmony and stronger, more lasting ties.

The only way to move forward is with the support of every citizen, especially our youth.

To understand, we must listen. To act, we must include.