Gatineau names young entrepreneur to Economic Development Commission

Tashi Farmilo

Marc-Antoine Laramée, co-founder of Quartier AI, was appointed by Gatineau city council on March 17 to a newly created seat on the City of Gatineau's Economic Development Commission, giving entrepreneurs aged 35 and under their first formal voice in the city's municipal economic governance.

It follows a campaign by La Relève, the youth wing of the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau (CCG), which argued that young entrepreneurs had long been absent from a body that shapes recommendations to council on economic matters. Laramée also serves as vice-president of the CCG.

Gina Ravenda, president of La Relève, said the absence had become difficult to justify. "Young entrepreneurs create, innovate, and transform our economy. Their absence from the Commission was no longer aligned with the reality on the ground. Reserving a youth seat means recognising their strategic role and ensuring that their perspective is part of the recommendations submitted to City Council."

The CCG reported a 58 per cent increase in members aged 35 and under over the past two years. Executive Director Étienne Fredette said the structural shift reflects that trajectory. "Today's business successors will shape tomorrow's economy. Adding a seat at the table is a concrete step toward constructive dialogue and a shared vision for Gatineau's economic development."

The seat is the first of its kind in a Gatineau municipal commission, and the CCG says it hopes other municipalities will adopt a similar model. Formal representation of young entrepreneurs in municipal bodies remains uncommon across Quebec. The initiative had the backing of outgoing Commission president Edmond Leclerc, who endorsed it at a council session last September. "The Youth Wing of the Chamber of Commerce can be proud: it has given voice to a generation that wants to build, innovate, and participate fully in their city's decisions," he said.

Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, who took over as Commission president this term and had previously supported the measure as co-chair of the youth commission, said the change reflects a broader governance priority. "I want to ensure that every voice shaping our city's economic future can be heard. The arrival of the next generation at the table is a decisive step in that direction."

Pierre Graff, president and CEO of the Réseau des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec, said the Gatineau model could have province-wide implications. "The initiative to integrate a seat for a young entrepreneur reflects the forward-looking vision of Gatineau's Economic Development Commission and its updated approach to good governance. I hope this gesture, both symbolic and concrete, will inspire other organisations across Quebec to follow suit."