A Word from the Premier

The purpose of a government is to see to the development of society and the well-being of its citizens. From this perspective, the State must, in all of its actions, consider the interests of youth.

Support for youth cannot be the purview of a single department. This is a critical government mission, and coordinating it must therefore be handled at the highest levels. This is why I insisted on taking on responsibility for the youth portfolio myself.

My goal is to make sure that all of Québec’s young people get the security, challenges and support they need to reach their full potential, at every stage of their progress toward maturity, from infancy to graduation, from entering the job market to founding a family.

Québec’s youth is culturally diverse, and blossoming. Young people inject their energy, hopes and dreams into our society, but they are also vulnerable. Eclipsed by the spirited young people who thirst for the future and are meeting the challenges of our era head on, there are young people in difficulties. We must focus on their situation, and act accordingly.

In Québec, we do a great deal for our youth and, in many areas, we have achieved very encouraging results. Yet we must strive to do more. That is why we are asking you to participate in this consultation. It will help develop the 2005-2008 Youth Action Strategy that we will be presenting to all Québecers.

The government’s strategy will focus on Québec’s young people from every origin and living situation. It will be a step forward in the Québec Government’s capacity and ability to support young people in achieving their ambitions and building the Québec of the future. The progress will be even more substantial if Québec society as a whole takes up the challenge of advancing the 2005-2008 Youth Action Strategy.

I thank you in advance for your commitment to youth.

Jean Charest
Premier of Québec