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June 12th, 2019

The NDP Receives Recommendations from Oxfam-Québec Youth

OTTAWA – NDP MP and Youth Critic, Anne Minh-Thu Quach (Salaberry—Suroît), received recommendations for the next federal election from youth invited by Oxfam-Québec, la Fondation Filles d’action, ENvironnement JEunesse, and the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) youth committee.

“Young people under 35 represent approximately 40% of Canada’s population, but they struggle to be represented in the House of Commons. They are politicized and worried, and they want to have a say in the government’s decision-making process,” said Quach. “The past few months have shown us that youth have the courage to act, they have proposals, and they won’t hesitate to go into the streets to make their demands known.”

Three young people were in attendance, joined by Anne Duhamel, Oxfam-Québec’s Director of Policy and Campaigns, to explain the purpose of the exercise and young people’s vision for greater environmental and social justice. Their recommendations are based on four main platforms: the environment and climate change, economic justice, active citizen participation and the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes, and gender equality and inclusion.

“These demands are clear, concise and precise! Young people want to be heard and be active in today and tomorrow’s politics to ensure their concerns are reflected in electoral platforms,” added Quach. “From implementing a concrete plan to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to recognizing women’s right to abortion, these young people and the NDP’s values are aligned."

The NDP recently introduced legislation to create a federal youth commissioner. This will make it possible to respond to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for action and ensure that the rights of children, as provided for in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, are implemented in federal laws and programs. Oxfam-Québec welcomed the creation of a youth commissioner in Canada, as recommended by the UN for several years.