Environment Takes Centre Stage at First-Ever Laurentians Summit

Students and municipal leaders gathered in Sainte-Agathe, Que., for the first-ever Laurentians Summit, where the environment took centre stage as attendees discussed collective climate action.

Student Voices and Survey Findings

At the sold-in Théâtre des Patriotes, student speakers urged elected officials to prioritize climate change in municipal and provincial decisions. Fifteeen-year-old Alex Lafrance and 16-year-old Frédéric Prud'homme shared concerns regarding the future and eco-anxiety. A survey presented by students showed that over 60 per cent of 352 respondents felt extremely concerned about the climate crisis, while expressing disappointment over the lack of concrete action following recent provincial election campaigns.

Municipal Collaboration and the Laurentians Agreement

Mayor Kim Meyer of Lac-Tremblant-Nord, a member of the steering committee, noted that student concerns validate the event's purpose. The summit featured panels and workshops on topics including:

• Sustainable mobility
• Social economy and waste management
• Resilient living environments
• Water and natural ecosystems

More than 50 municipalities and all eight MRCs signed the Laurentians Agreement, committing to collaborate on fighting climate change and pledging to renew the accord annually, setting the stage for future summits.

Verification and Practical Implications

Organizers and participants, including SNAP Quebec's Marie-Pierre Beauvais and outgoing MNA Agnès Grondin, emphasized the value of sharing best practices and regional cooperation. Readers can verify official regional announcements through local municipal channels and reporting by outlets like CBC.