Nearly five decades after Katimavik was founded, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien reflects on why its national-service model mattered, why he still believes in it today and how critically important the National Experience is to a new generation.

When Katimavik President and CEO JF (John-Frederick) Cameron sat down with the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien, the conversation began with a simple question: why did Mr. Chrétien believe in Katimavik then, and why does he still believe in its relevance today?

For Mr. Chrétien, the answer lies in the experience itself. Katimavik brought young Canadians from different regions and backgrounds together to live, work, serve and discover their country. Participants were given real responsibility in real communities and returned with broader perspectives, greater confidence and a deeper understanding of Canada.

 

A model that has evolved with Canada

Mr. Chrétien also reflected on Katimavik’s history. After federal funding for the National Experience was discontinued in the 1980s, he sought private-sector support to keep the model alive. Years later, as Prime Minister, his government restored federal support.

The format evolved  many times since Katimavik was founded in 1977, but the premise has remained consistent: give young people meaningful responsibility and opportunities to contribute, and they rise to the challenge.

Today, Katimavik continues that work through FuturePerfect while exploring what a renewed National Experience could look like in the current Canadian context.

 

“A program like Katimavik (National Experience) would bring people from all parts of Canada with very different backgrounds, family backgrounds and education backgrounds together, and they will gain out of it; I believe in that.”

– The Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien

 

Looking ahead to national service

The conversation also turned to how national service could evolve.

JF Cameron recalled the vision of Katimavik co-founder Barney Danson, a Second World War veteran and former Minister of National Defence, who believed young people should have opportunities to explore different forms of service, including military service.

Katimavik is now exploring with the Canadian Armed Forces how elements of that vision could be adapted for a new generation.

The objective is not to recreate the program as it existed in 1977. It is to build on nearly 50 years of experience and consider what young Canadians need today: opportunities to travel, serve, develop practical skills, meet people from across the country and explore meaningful ways to contribute.

 

Nearly 50 years later, what comes next?

Since 1977, Katimavik has created opportunities for young people to take on responsibility, contribute to communities and connect with their country.

The programs have evolved with every generation. The purpose has not.

Mr. Chrétien’s reflections connect that history to what comes next. The opportunity now is to put nearly five decades of experience to work for the Canada young people are inheriting today, while continuing to create meaningful ways for them to contribute, grow and serve.