Discussion on Youth and Regional Vitality

Saguenay (Chicoutimi), Monday, June 22, 2009

We are very pleased to again be here among the “bleuets,” as you are affectionately known, in this former pulp mill that has been converted into a museum—an ode, I believe, to your region’s vibrancy.

Here, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, it is impossible to deny the natural landscape; it is so beautiful it takes your breath away. You cannot help but fall under its spell.

Impossible also to remain indifferent to your warmth and hospitality. We feel welcomed here, and we want you to know how much that means to us.

You have a well-earned reputation for helping one another, for pooling your strengths and resources for the greater good.

Last night in Mashteuiatsh, and again this morning in Roberval, the conversations I had with all those I met focussed on the amazing spirit of co-operation that exists between the communities, towns and villages of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, especially between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.  

That is what is so remarkable and deserves to be cited as an example to follow, as I did yesterday in the community of Mashteuiatsh, in celebration of National Aboriginal Day.

That is why I wanted to speak with you today about the issues you are facing and the solutions you have found, especially in terms of revitalizing your region.

However—in my opinion—we cannot discuss regional vitality without bringing young people to the table, and I am pleased to see that so many of them have accepted the invitation to join us today. Welcome.

I strongly believe that, in order to find solutions to our current problems, young people must be included in the equation.

Because young people are not willing to merely follow in our footsteps. They are, in fact, usually one step ahead of us. They are the ones pulling us forward.

I also know how proud the young people of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean are of their region.

Their sense of belonging and their affection for their region are so profound that, according to the latest statistics, those we lamented for leaving and moving to large urban centres not so long ago are now returning.

I would really like young people to tell us about their experiences and the reasons they chose to stay here or to come back.

This region has a renowned university and CEGEP, a hospital centre that is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, exemplary projects—like a biobank to promote genetic research—a brand new wharf and a number of projects, I am told, that focus on integrating young people into all aspects of community development.

These are significant accomplishments, and I would like to hear how the young generation contributes to your region’s vitality.

I will end here, as I cannot wait to hear what you have to say!