Past Event

 

Stewarding Our Youth with Justin Trudeau

A Fundraiser for Rapport Youth and Family Services

Date: April 3rd, 2007

Location: The Brampton Rose Theatre

Introduction: Hon. William (Bill) G. Davis

Master of Ceremony: Ms. Hina Khan, Host of Save Us From Our House (as seen on the W network)

 

Trudeau asks youth to show leadership
The Brampton Guardian By TINA DEPKO, Staff Writer

Youth are the leaders of today, not just the leaders of tomorrow.
That’s the message Justin Trudeau imparted as the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for Rapport Youth and Family Services at Rose Theatre on Tuesday night [April 3, 2007].
The eldest son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau held a rapt audience with his charisma and intelligence as he addressed the essential role youth can play in creating a better future for our country and the world.
“Now, more than ever, we need our young people to be leaders,” he said. “The challenges we are facing are beyond anything we have ever encountered before. The things that we do in the next 10 years will dictate the type of planet humanity will be a part of in 100 and even 1,000 years. Right now is a pivotal moment for our youth to step forward.”
As a former teacher, Trudeau spoke about his experience working with students. He said children and teens must have access to outlets that develop their character, especially in the education system.
“We need to create ways to make them feel like they matter and make them feel successful,” he said. “In schools, we are cutting down on arts programs, music programs and sports. By doing so, we are removing the capacity for young people to feel successful and ways for them to matter. What matters is that they matter and that they understand that.”
Youth were front and centre throughout the evening, not only in Trudeau’s speech, but also in other aspects of the event. The Mayfield Magnetics Jazz Combo from Mayfield Secondary School entertained guests during the reception, while the St. Thomas Aquinas Dance Majors from St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School and the Hopeful Highschool Hooligans Otesha Team from Heart Lake Secondary School brought their talents to the main stage at Rose Theatre before Trudeau’s presentation.

Former Ontario Premier Bill Davis, left, a life-long Brampton resident introduced Justin Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, prior to his speech at the Rose Theatre Tuesday night.