It's official.

Former student leader Léo Bureau-Blouin will be a candidate in the next provincial election for the riding of Laval-des-Rapides.

PQ leader Pauline Marois officially welcomed him to the family in Laval Wednesday morning at a packed news conference.

Marois says she is proud to have the 20-year-old student part of her team.

"He is wise, intelligent, always thinking positive, and his maturity is remarkable," she says.

Bureau-Blouin says he is making the jump to politics because he feels he can make real change not only for the youth but for all Quebecers. As for his age, the former student leader knows that it might be an issue with some voters, but he feels there  is room in the political landscape for a young voice.

"Quebecers from 18-24-years old represent 10% of the electorate but they're not represented at the National Assembly," he says. "So I think it is time to show that the National Assembly is for every Quebecer."

Bureau-Blouin, who gained popularity for his involvement in the student conflict, was not sporting the symbol of the conflict, a little red square. But when asked why, he only would say that his stance on the issue has not changed.