Youth Dialogue in Montréal

Centered on celebrating the International Year of Youth, the event assembled 200 youth. This event was presented in collaboration with the arrondissement Montréal-Nord and the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada).

Upon her arrival at the Maison culturelle et communautaire de Montréal-Nord, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, was welcome by the mayor of the arrondissement de Montréal-Nord Mr. Gilles Deguire.

The Governor General delivered a opening remarks before letting the youth speak up.

Together, they discussed the role young people, particularly those in Montréal-Nord, are playing in revitalizing their neighbourhoods through the arts, culture and new information technologies. The dialogue also explored ways other sectors of Montréal society can assist youth in their endeavours.

The Governor General’s Youth Dialogues “Can We Talk” series focuses on galvanizing young Canadians in every part of the country to become catalysts of social transformation and to connect them with decision makers. Twenty-eight Youth Dialogues have been hosted in Canada and abroad. This summer, the series places special attention on celebrating the International Year of Youth, which officially began on August 12, 2010.

The mayor of the arrondissement de Montréal-Nord Mr. Gilles Deguire offered closing remarks. He also extended an invitation to the youth to attend a meeting on October 30, 2010 to discuss issues within the community as well as solutions that can be implemented to improve the quality of life in Montréal-Nord.

Youth from La Fourchette de l'Espoir listened attentively to the issues and challenges raised during the discussion.

Before leaving, Her Excellency congratulated members of Family Squad who offered a hip-hop performance during the Youth Dialogue.