Our Future Union Leaders at the 24th QFL Youth Training Camp
The 24th QFL Youth Training Camp was held from September 29 to October 1 at Station touristique Duchesnay, bringing together 88 young union members aged 35 and under from unions affiliated with the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL).
IAM Local 712 was represented by four members of its Youth Committee: Camille Champagne, Jessica Guitard, Charles-André Vincent and Youth Committee President Jonathan Sears.
On September 29, participants were welcomed by Éric Rancourt, IAM Canada International Representative for Quebec and Vice-President of the QFL.
Rancourt has a long history with the QFL Youth Committee and Youth Camp. In the early 2000s, he was part of a group of young union activists who helped establish both initiatives. He became the first president of IAM Local 712’s Youth Committee in 2001 and later served as the second president of the QFL Youth Committee in 2008.
During his presentation, Rancourt shared the history behind the creation of the QFL Youth Committee and Youth Camp, while reflecting on his own union journey. He also spoke with participants about labour relations, mobilization and taking action as a union.
Participants also had the opportunity to speak with QFL President Magali Picard about political action and the 2026 Quebec provincial election.
The three-day camp featured a range of presentations and discussions on issues affecting workers and the labour movement, including the États généraux du syndicalisme, a broad consultation on the future of the labour movement, as well as artificial intelligence, intimate partner violence and the socio-ecological transition.
The QFL Youth Training Camp provides the next generation of union leaders with an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, debate and build connections with young activists from across Quebec. It also creates space to explore the labour and socio-political issues that have shaped the movement, the challenges workers face today and the issues that will shape the future of the labour movement.
