Tag Archive for: Culture

Y4Y Quebec Helps English-Speaking Youth Thrive!

In 2018, Le Journal de Montreal commissioned a poll that revealed some discouraging figures about English-speaking Quebec youth. According to that poll, about 60% of respondents were considering leaving Quebec due to tensions between the anglophone and francophone communities.

 

That’s bad news for the Quebec economy at a time of record low unemployment rates, when finding top talent is more challenging than ever. Especially since many of the anglophones leaving the province, or considering leaving, are well educated, bilingual young people – people who could potentially fill some of those gaps in the labour market.

 

Y4Y (youth for youth) Quebec is a provincial non-profit youth network aimed at English-speaking Quebecers between the ages of 16 to 30. Their mission is to address the issues and concerns facing anglophone youth in the province, and build a sense of community and belonging among them. Through this mission, Y4Y hopes to help this demographic reach their fullest potential within the province, so that they ultimately decide to stay in Quebec.

Y4Y Quebec Helps English-Speaking Youth Thrive!

So, what of bilingualism and support of the French language? Through their own research, Y4Y has found that anglophone youth are actually big supporters of bilingualism, with over 90% of poll respondents saying they believed that learning both English and French is important to Quebec youth. Over 50% expressed an interest in improving their French proficiency, and several more expressed confidence in their current French-language skills.

 

With such interest in learning French and, in many cases, existing bilingualism, why do so many anglophone youth consider leaving? Both Le Journal’s poll and Y4Y’s research uncovered a disconnect with Quebec society. The Journal respondents claimed tensions between the anglophone and francophone communities to be concerning, while over 80% of Y4Y respondents expressed a moderate to non-existent attachment to Quebec society.

 

This disconnect is what Y4Y is working to remedy.

Y4Y logo

Through their work, they hope to inspire English-speaking youth to build the confidence to begin taking on more leadership roles throughout the province.

 

Despite the tensions (or perceived tensions), many Quebec youth of both communities want the same thing: a vibrant, dynamic society with strong leadership, a healthy economy and a growing labour market, where francophone language and culture are celebrated, and learning both languages is accessible to all.

 

Bridging the gap between the communities is how this becomes possible, and it is organizations like Y4Y that are leading the effort.

 

If you would like to know more about Y4Y, join the network, or otherwise get involved, visit their website or drop by their offices at 5964 avenue Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

 

“Y4Y is now offering internships on an ongoing basis for cegep and university students in communications, marketing, political science, social sciences, and related fields. Please send your CV and a brief letter of intent to info@y4yquebec.org with the subject heading “Request for Internship” ?

 


Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor

With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide.

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Mexican Market Dining in Montreal

 

Torteria Lupita

Mexican Market Dining in MontrealMExican Tortilla with veggies

If you’ve ever been to an authentic Mexican market (i.e. one actually within a Mexican city, town or village) you know that Mexican cuisine is nothing like what you typically find in Canada. The food you find in these markets is made with unbelievably fresh ingredients and is full of rich flavours and incredible textures.

 

The family behind Torteria Lupita is originally from Mexico City and is on a mission to recreate the Mexican market dining experience, as closely as possible, for Montrealers.

 

Inside this charming and cozy restaurant, the atmosphere is authentically Mexican, as opposed to Mexican-themed. The warm colours, natural materials and laid back, welcoming vibe will transport you to another place. And that’s just the beginning.

 

The menu is small, which is often a good indicator that the food is amazing. Small menus typically mean fresher ingredients, dishes made to order, more dynamic flavours and often more homemade elements. In this case, homemade chorizo, churros that melt in your mouth and agua fresca made on the spot.

 

The specialty of Torteria Lupita (in case the name didn’t give it away) is the tortas. Unlike the tacos, quesadillas and burritos many North Americans are familiar with, tortas are sandwiches served on white sandwich rolls. They’re brimming with deliciously spiced meats, vegetables and cheeses, like the Pastor featuring grilled, marinated chicken topped with grilled pineapple, smoked mozzarella, chipotle mayonnaise, red onions and cilantro. There’s also a veggie torta with avocado and marinated onions, a grilled steak torta with spicy pasilla mayo, a braised pork torta with coleslaw, a chorizo torta topped with a fried egg and more.

Inside of Torteria Lupita

Torteria Lupita also has a small brunch menu on Saturdays, while the absolutely irresistible churros are available all week long. You can also get enchiladas, or a variety of smaller plates such as soup, quesadillas and flautas. In addition to the variety of agua fresca, they also offer beer, coffee and hot chocolate (perfect for churro dipping).

 

The staff is incredible and so welcoming. You won’t want to leave!

Torteria Lupita is located at 4601 Notre Dame west, just down the street from Tacos Victor. Will we see you there?


Melissa DawnMELISSA DAWN : Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be | Corporate and Leadership Coach | Best-Selling Author | Speaker

I am Founder of CEO of Your Life, an organization helping individuals and businesses get clear on where they are, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there. Read more on Melissa

 

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