Our Leader and Young Canadians
2009-08-17
On Wednesday, July 30, I had the immense honour of meeting with our Leader, Michael Ignatieff, in his office on Parliament Hill along with the YLC National Director, Keith Torrie.
The fact that our Leader made time in his extremely busy schedule to see us was a clear indication of his high regard for Young Liberals. What a contrast to the Conservative Party elite, which openly opposes any effort to create a CPC youth commission. I felt deeply proud to see the distinct interest that the next Prime Minister of Canada takes in the YLC. He immediately asked us about our various priority projects and action plans, proving beyond a doubt that Young Liberals play a decisive role in the Party he leads.
When I asked him how he viewed his relationship with young Canadians, Michael Ignatieff emphasized his open-minded approach to youth. In his opinion, the role of a political leader is to listen to young people in order to understand their aspirations. He also said that he needs young Canadians-- their ideas and their passion-- in order to give us the kind of Canada we want. And we, as young people, need Michael Ignatieff to rid ourselves of a Conservative government that we generally can't identify with.
The relationship between young Canadians and the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada is brimming with promise.
Sam Lavoie
President
Young Liberals of Canada