Université Laval hosts first public dialogue about 2018 G7 Summit

Québec City, November 16, 2017 – Today Université Laval proudly held the first public dialogue to discuss what issues to focus on when Canada hosts the upcoming G7 Summit on June 8 and 9, 2018, at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix. This public dialogue was the first stop on a national tour by Peter M. Boehm, Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister of Canada. 

The public consultation brought together over 300 Université Laval students, professors, and staff members as well as community members from various backgrounds to discuss major issues surrounding economic growth, gender equality, energy, innovation, peace, security, the environment, and climate change. Attendees were also able to speak directly with Mr. Boehm about what the Canadian government's priorities should be as host of the G7 Summit. 

«I'm thrilled with the fruitful discussions we had today. They show that the general public—and our young citizens in particular—care about Canada's place in the world and about the issues Canada should focus on as host of the 2018 G7 Summit,» said Mr. Boehm. «We will continue the dialogue throughout the coming year and it will provide insight to the G7's work. Thank you to Université Laval for the warm welcome and for giving us the opportunity to discuss these ideas with attendees.»

In her opening remarks, Rector Sophie D'Amours spoke about how proud Université Laval was to host the public consultation: «Holding this event on our campus is a testament to the strong leadership role Université Laval plays in Québec society. I am proud of the valuable contributions our students and professors in attendance today have made. They put forward innovative ideas and shared their expertise and knowledge of major global challenges.» 

The discussions were moderated by Professor Louis Bélanger, director of Université Laval's Institute for Advanced International Studies (HEI). HEI is an interdisciplinary centre for advanced international studies and research that has partnered with the government for a number of years. «Meeting one of the most important Canadian foreign service diplomats, getting to ask him questions, and talking to him about Canada hosting the G7 Summit was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students who are interested in global issues,» said Louis Bélanger.

Université Laval, HEI, and other stakeholders of the university community will be organizing more events on G7 themes in the coming months.