YOUTH COMMISSION – 5th meeting – May 9, 2026 – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Committee Room, 2nd floor, Maison du Citoyen
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5. Presentation - Ta vie en ligne, on en parle
The presentation is given by Nadia Bolduc and Katia Harton, both from the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau. This is a participatory workshop aimed at gathering the perceptions and concerns of young people regarding cybersecurity, in order to better understand their reality and guide the development of an awareness activity intended for youth.
In general, young people indicated that they associate cybersecurity with the protection of personal information, safety on social networks, and prevention against malicious individuals. They also mentioned the notion of feeling safe online, including privacy management, protection against data theft, and certain more physical aspects, such as the fear of being filmed or observed without consent. The discussions demonstrated that, although the majority of young people say they are aware of these issues, the process is often trivialized, which limits its impact.
Participants mentioned being aware of the risks of hacking, compromised passwords, and phishing attempts. Nevertheless, more complex forms of fraud, particularly when they take the form of emails, apparently legitimate links, fake accounts, or new technologies linked to artificial intelligence, are difficult to detect. The widespread perception that these situations "mostly happen to others" contributes to reducing the feeling of vulnerability among some young people.
Awareness activities should be intensified among young people from 6th grade and the beginning of high school. This period also corresponds to a marked increase in the use of smartphones and social networks. Certain themes are considered priorities for further study, including:
- management and creation of passwords;
- privacy settings;
- geolocation;
- dissemination of personal information;
- sharing of intimate images;
- preparation for future realities such as online payments and purchases.
Regarding awareness methods, participants favor concrete, interactive, and realistic approaches. They mention role-playing, immersive activities, testimonials, and open discussions. They emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer exchanges. Moralizing or theoretical approaches are to be avoided. Related issues, including intimate partner violence among youth, should also be included in the framework of awareness activities.
A short awareness activity is carried out using examples of posts. Vincent Vigneault leaves the meeting at 2:35 p.m. Quorum is lost. A break is taken from 2:45 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.
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1. Quorum check and opening of the meeting
The co-chairs welcome the members of the Youth Commission and the candidates. They open the public meeting at 1:05 p.m. A round-table introduction is held where participants introduce themselves, mention their grade level, and what they are looking forward to doing this summer.
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2. Adoption of the agenda
The in-camera section is removed and the resignation item is added to the Miscellaneous section.
It is proposed by Ryan Thabit Seconded by Morad Abdelfatah And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda for this meeting with these modifications.
Adopted
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3. Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the April 11, 2026 meeting
The mystery word ("Cendrillon") is revealed and seven people found it. Rosalie Bureau, Vincent Vigneault, Mya Vernier, Karen Kenne Tchofo, Blessila Citegetse, Ryan Thabit, and Morad Abdelfatah will participate in the draw.
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4. Public question period
No questions from the public are submitted to the Commission.
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6. Information and discussion item
6.1 Recruitment 2025-2026
The next steps for welcoming new members to the Youth Commission are explained to the candidates. During the June 6, 2026 meeting, members will recommend applications to designate the new members. Interested persons must send their name to Roxanne Portelance. Louis Paré joins the meeting at 3:15 p.m. Quorum is reached. Several questions are asked regarding the next steps. The youth co-chair explains what the bootcamp activity is, which allows for the proper preparation of new members and getting the old ones back into the swing of things.
6.2 Filing of applications for co-chair
The opening of the filing of applications is announced and the selection criteria are presented by the youth co-chair. Louis Paré, Desmond Dearham, and Blessila Citegetse express their interest and must send their CV to Roxanne Portelance. A speaking time of three minutes will be granted to candidates during the next meeting. A vote will follow to elect the next co-chair.
6.3 Launch of the Youth Action Plan actions; 2026 planning
An explanation is given on the distinction between the action plan and the work plan. The actions undertaken are presented.
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7. EDUCATIONAL BLOCK – We get involved, but why
Members share the reasons for their involvement in the Youth Commission. Mentioned, in particular, is a desire to improve community living, contribute to changes, increase the sense of belonging to the City, and make the city more playful for teenagers, as well as to make the voices of young people heard more. It is recalled that it is not necessary to be a member to get involved.
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8. Floor to school representatives
Students are invited to send information concerning their respective schools to Roxanne Portelance, who will create a document and share it with all members.
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9. Floor to elected officials on the work of committees and commissions
The co-chair, Chloé Bourgeois, mentions having participated in an inter-committee working session with the same exercise that had been presented to the Youth Commission during the last meeting.
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10.1 Resignation
Considering that Ihsan Idris Nour has submitted his resignation as a member of the Youth Commission:
- the Youth Commission accepts the resignation of Ihsan Idris Nour, representative of collège St-Alexandre
Proposed by Karen Kenne Tchofo, and Seconded by: Mya Vernier Adopted
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11. Next meeting
The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for June 6, 2026.
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12. Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by Rosalie Bureau Seconded by Félix Roy And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the public meeting at 3:57 p.m. Adopted