Saint-Lambert, August 15, 2026 — As part of the 44th Youth Convention of the Quebec Liberal Party’s Youth Commission, Charles Milliard addressed several hundred activists gathered in Saint-Lambert to deliver a speech outlining clear commitments to Quebec’s youth.
Given that thousands of businesses will change hands over the next few years, the leader of the PLQ first pledged to create an Entrepreneurship Access Program (RAE). This measure will allow anyone wishing to start a business to use a portion of their RRSPs to raise the down payment needed to start or take over a business, without incurring the usual tax penalties.
Building on one of the greatest liberal achievements of the 20th century—the creation of the Ministry of Education—Charles Milliard reiterated his commitment to convening a national forum on the education system and to launching the initiative within the first 100 days of his administration.
After more than thirty years, it is high time to launch a new collective discussion on the education system of today and tomorrow, according to the Liberal leader.
Still on the topic of education, the leader made a second key commitment: to provide compensation for certain internships that are currently unpaid. With this measure, a Liberal government will ensure that internships are adequately compensated within the public sector, at a time when there are many positions to be filled in critical sectors, particularly in the education system. Thus, interns will be compensated for every hour they work.
Mr. Milliard also announced his intention to review and simplify financial aid for students so that it can take into account the new realities facing students. A Milliard administration would review the financial criteria used to determine eligibility, including housing costs and parental contributions, to name a few examples.
Finally, emphasizing the importance of youth, the leader of the PLQ pledged to personally take charge of youth issues as premier.
New Commitments at a Glance
- Establishment of an Entrepreneurship Access Program (RAE)
- Compensation for Certain Currently Unpaid Internships in the Public Sector
- Revision and Simplification of Financial Aid for Education
- The Prime Minister will be responsible for youth affairs
“The Liberal Youth has always been a driving force for ideas, boldness, and change within our party. I know this because that’s also where my political involvement began nearly 30 years ago. Today, as leader, I want to give young people the full role they deserve in shaping the Quebec they want to build and in which they want to succeed. This convention must enable us to turn their ambitions into concrete proposals. And starting October 6, we want to be ready to implement them.”
- Charles Milliard, Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party
