This is what the advisor for educational programs of the National Assembly, Gabrielle Dufour-Larue, was able to observe. Every month, she empties the mailbox in the “Agir” room and forwards the children’s messages to the deputies concerned.
While in 2019, Greta Thunberg's name was on everyone's lips and children were especially concerned about the environmental issue, five years later, a new issue appeared in their messages: inflation and the cost of living .
“In terms of more “political” subjects, there is still the question of the environment which is present, then there is the question of the increase in prices almost everywhere now,” explains Ms. Dufour-Larue, opening some messages.
Like that of Émie, 10 years old, who wrote: “I would like you to award the prices!! My mother and I have financial problems and we are not the only ones. Thank you for your understanding.”
Or this young person from Matane who deplores the $2 increase in his school cafeteria. “I find it a little too expensive. I know you don't decide the price of my menu, but “caliclown“, do something. It's a good thing I'm not talking to you about the grocery store and the gas.”
“I would like you to lower the prices, because I wanted to buy something, but I knew it was too expensive. I only have $1,” adds Janie, who is 8 years old. Ms. Dufour-Larue is pleased to see this “seed of commitment” among young people.
“You have a voice,” she tells them. Even if for the moment you are not old enough to vote, you can write a message, sign a petition, hold a demonstration, meet your MP.”
“If you have a question regarding your region, your neighborhood, your arena for your hockey games, your school, our parliamentarians remain accessible.”
– The advisor for educational programs of the National Assembly, Gabrielle Dufour-Larue
Some leave “hateful” messages
Worrying fact: the head of “Poste Assnat” today admits to receiving “hateful” and even “violent” messages. True reflections of society, these young people are probably inspired by what they see on social networks, according to her.
However, “it’s very little,” she puts things into perspective. Of the fifty we receive, we can have, for example, just two. These are really messages that are violent against MPs, as we can see, unfortunately, in social media.”
“These messages (…) we withdraw them, because they are really messages (…) which have no place for our deputies. On the other hand, messages which criticize the deputies, but in a very constructive way, (…) we transmit them.
Like Catherine's, which reads: “Thank you François Legault for what you do. “I would like the government to care more about the environment.” Added Charles: “I want you to pay more attention to nature.”
“We could also consider stopping deforestation,” suggests a little girl from Escoumins, while Mégane asks: “Could you do something to reduce global warming?”
Still in the environment, “I expect that politicians can make concrete decisions. This is why they are elected,” says Emma, who is 10 years old.
“I want the pollution to stop!! Animals die and if there are no animals, we can stop living!” Liliane also worries.
In another vein, Angélique and Léo are calling for “more teachers in primary schools”, as well as more “game modules for us, the children”.
*Spelling errors have been retained for the sake of authenticity.
