MINUTES – PUBLIC – Maison du Citoyen Committee Room, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau – Living Together Commission (CVE)

6. Round table discussion

Erik Bisson joins the meeting at 9:18 a.m. The members and representatives of the organizations proceed with a round table:

• Parrainage Outaouais (APO) informs that its annual general meeting will be held on June 16. The organization invites participation in activities surrounding World Refugee Day on June 20. The holding of activities as part of World Day for Cultural Diversity is highlighted. APO also mentions that the number of refugees supported in the region is expected to decrease significantly over the coming years. An intercultural activity is announced in collaboration with Soccer Outaouais, including an intercultural dinner in the context of the World Cup, with the support of the MIFI.
• The AFIO (Accompagnement des femmes immigrantes de l’Outaouais) highlights the holding of its annual general meeting on the same day, as well as a festival planned for June.
• The Public Health Department of the CISSSO informs members that it has shared resources in the chat related to the well-being of immigrant and elderly people, including: an online information kit for newcomers ("Info bien-être"); an invitation to a webinar on the health determinants of seniors from recent immigration. It is highlighted that Info bien-être helps to understand the issues related to settlement and adaptation in Quebec that can influence well-being. The kit gathers advice and resources touching on different aspects of integration and access to care and services. The link to consult the kit is shared: https://infobienetre.ca/.
• Table Éducation Outaouais (TÉO) highlights its 25 years of incorporation, which will be marked by various activities. It is mentioned that the government funding agreement ends on June 30 and that the organization is awaiting confirmation of funding. Some summer projects will be maintained, despite a reduction in funding. The relaunch of a platform for parents is communicated.
• A resource person from the City shares an invitation for an exhibition opening on June 7, 2026, at the Galerie Montcalm, showcasing a work resulting from an artistic project carried out with the participation of members of the Commission.
• The presenter from the Comité consultatif citoyen des personnes aînées (CCC-PAG) mentions that the CCC-PAG is in a development and recruitment phase, particularly in anticipation of departures within the team.
• The sharing of initiatives aimed at intercultural rapprochement, including artistic, intergenerational, and citizen mobilization projects, is done.
• Regarding the subject of domestic violence, Agir Outaouais recalls the wave of femicides that occurred recently in Quebec and the importance of promoting help resources.
• Jeunesse Idem announces the upcoming gala marking the 30th anniversary of the organization.

This round table allowed for the sharing of various initiatives, invitations, and concerns, reflecting the diversity of actions carried out by community partners.

7. The Gatineau Citizens' Advisory Committee for Seniors (CCC-PAG) – Presentation

Lucie Leclair Arvisais, development officer at the Table des aînés de Gatineau (TAG), and Denise Desjardins, both involved in the CCC-PAG, provide the presentation for information purposes. This presentation is linked to file #2 – Social Participation of the 2026 Work Plan of the CVE. The objective is to present this new outdoor service offer to members so that they can make this project known in their environment. The goal is also to make the Gatineau Citizens' Advisory Committee for Seniors known, whose purpose is to participate in a collective effort to better make known the reality of seniors. The TAG is a consultation organization bringing together organizations working with seniors. The organization pilots various projects, including the CCC-PAG, set up recently to promote the civic participation of seniors. The committee aims to offer a space for speaking out, consultation, and representation, allowing for a better understanding of the realities of seniors and contributing to municipal reflections. It currently brings together about 40 participants, including people aged 70 and over and even over 80, bringing a diversity of experiences. Recruitment was carried out in different living environments, and meetings are generally held in the central sectors, although some participants prefer local meetings. The committee continues its efforts to reach a greater diversity of profiles. Since its implementation, the CCC-PAG has participated in several consultations on various issues, including:

• Access to information and services;
• Digital inclusion;
• The fight against ageism;
• The development of public spaces;
• Maintaining home support.

These consultations allow for the formulation of concrete recommendations, some of which have already contributed to improvements, particularly in terms of access to information (paper documents) and the adaptation of services. A mobile Internet café project is also being developed by the TAG to support the digital inclusion of seniors. The importance of providing clear and adapted information, as well as accessible tools, particularly for more vulnerable seniors, is highlighted. The need to continue efforts to produce simple and understandable documents is also noted. Finally, some challenges are identified, notably the mobilization of participants, given their multiple commitments, and the efforts required to ensure regular and representative participation. Strategies are being put in place, such as targeted recruitment and proximity approaches in living environments. The committee is presented as a space in development, composed of committed participants, which promotes the speaking out and contribution of seniors to collective reflections.

Period of exchanges

General comments Following the presentation, members highlight the quality of the process, described as a relevant citizen participation initiative, and recognize the interest in better making known the reality of seniors.

Diversity and representativeness A member raises the question of taking into account diversity, particularly in terms of sexual diversity and gender identity, mentioning that some people do not necessarily self-identify. It is also highlighted that the LGBTQ+ population is aging and that it would be relevant to develop intergenerational links. In response to the comment, it is indicated that these issues were identified from the beginning of the project. However, challenges were encountered regarding the approaches to favor to reach these people. A desire to act is confirmed, notably through the recruitment of participants and the search for collaborations. Avenues are raised, such as the possibility of involving organizations to support the process or soliciting the committee as an advisory group. An organization, Agir Outaouais, mentions having expertise in terms of diversity and self-identification and offers its support to assist the committee in improving its representativeness.

Appreciation and findings from consultations A member asks if there were any striking elements or surprises following the consultations carried out. It is mentioned that the initial group was relatively homogeneous, but that diversity has increased over time. A striking element remains the quality of the exchanges and the respect between participants, despite the differences in profiles. It is also specified that the discussions sometimes go beyond the framework of the consultations, which testifies to the need for expression of the participants and requires a capacity for reception and adaptation at this level.

Issues related to the living conditions of seniors A finding is shared regarding the feeling of security of seniors in Gatineau. It is highlighted that this reality must spark a collective reflection and strengthen actions in favor of seniors, particularly in terms of mobility, access to services, and the fight against isolation.

Transversal approach It is recalled that several issues addressed join the discussions held during a recent inter-commission meeting on May 7, particularly with regard to common benefits for different clienteles (seniors, youth, families). It is recognized that several recommendations formulated within the framework of the committee already have a transversal scope, particularly in terms of development and accessibility, and can benefit the entire population. It is mentioned that certain infrastructures, such as libraries, could play an increased role as places of access to adapted information for seniors. The lack of spaces or clearly identified landmarks for seniors in certain places is raised.

Proposed avenues of action Some avenues of action are discussed and proposed by the members, including adapting the recreation programming to take into account family realities, particularly pedagogical days, allowing for the development of intergenerational activities (grandparents and grandchildren). Another idea brought up is to value the involvement of seniors, particularly through initiatives of the intergenerational volunteer engagement type ("mémévolat"). Finally, it is proposed to strengthen activities aimed at breaking isolation, particularly for seniors from immigration. Partners express their interest in collaborating with the committee, developing activities adapted to seniors, and contributing to the integration and social participation of specific populations, particularly seniors from immigration.

The exchanges highlighted the relevance of the process, the richness of the consultations carried out, and the importance of continuing efforts in terms of representativeness, inclusion, and intersectoral collaboration. Several avenues for improvement and action were raised in order to strengthen the participation of seniors and their contribution to the dynamics of living together.

8. Working Group on Welcoming and Intercultural Rapprochement Activities – Presentation

Louis-Patrick Comeau, officer for cultural communities – SLSDC – City of Gatineau, presents to the members the progress of the working group on welcoming and intercultural rapprochement activities for information purposes. The objective is to present the proposed orientations for the realization of welcoming and intercultural rapprochement activities, within the framework of the 2025-2028 action plan. This project is linked to file 3, Welcoming and integration activities, of the 2026 Work Plan of the Commission. The presentation aims to expose the proposed orientations and to draw up a balance sheet of the work carried out to date. A return is made on the creation and operation of the working group, set up in order to promote better consultation between partners and to ensure greater coherence of actions, particularly in a budgetary context where the effectiveness of interventions is sought. The work is based on two main types of actions:

• Welcome activities intended for newcomers;
• Intercultural rapprochement activities, including events promoting exchanges between the different communities.

Several meetings took place, including three workshops, allowing for reflection on existing practices and identifying avenues for improvement. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between partners; better align existing initiatives; develop a more structured and coherent approach. The proposed orientations favor in particular the deployment of decentralized activities, in different sectors of the city; the use of gathering, accessible, and inclusive places; the implementation of environments promoting the safety and participation of all. The working group also proposes to rely on a flagship event, namely the Week of Intercultural Encounters, in order to structure a concerted programming and to experiment with a collaborative approach. A reflection is also initiated around the positioning of activities, including an identity associated with diversity. The Service mentions the next steps, which consist of continuing the reflection and consultation with partners, specifying the actions to be implemented, and developing a structured programming in line with the established orientations. It is finally highlighted that the pooling of the different visions of the partners is essential to ensure the implementation of a coherent and sustainable approach in terms of welcoming and intercultural rapprochement.

Period of exchanges

Collaborations A member asks if steps have been taken to collaborate with social development tables, particularly those engaged in initiatives in cultural diversity. It is also suggested to consider certain upcoming initiatives in the territory, including a forum on the paths, challenges, and successes of immigrants. The Service indicates that the reflection is called to continue and to expand. An intention is confirmed to consult more partners in order to enrich the process and to move towards more structuring actions in terms of welcoming and intercultural rapprochement. Members highlight that the working group constitutes a relevant space for sharing information and reflection, but that partners do not always have the mechanisms to effectively share their respective activities. The Service mentions that it is recognized that the process aims precisely to improve the circulation of information, to promote collaboration, and to avoid the realization of activities in silos. The objective is to develop a concerted approach to living together.

Coherence and common vision It is mentioned that the working group allows for a better understanding of the actions of other partners and to identify avenues of collaboration in order to collectively carry the objectives of living together. The Service confirms that the group constitutes a lever to strengthen the coherence of actions and to support a common vision, notably through the development of shared and concerted activities.

Link with other projects of the Action Plan It is highlighted that the welcoming and intercultural rapprochement initiatives should be better aligned with the other projects of the action plan, in order to ensure better overall coherence. The Service indicates that the actions of the working group are part of a transversal approach and that they aim to support and facilitate the implementation of the other actions of the municipal action plan.

Common tools Several interventions highlight the need to better make known existing initiatives; develop tools promoting coordination (e.g., common programming, information sharing); avoid the duplication of activities. The Service confirms the importance of continuing towards a more structured approach, including the improvement of coordination mechanisms and the development of common tools, in order to ensure coherent and effective programming.

The exchanges confirm the relevance of the working group as a space for consultation and highlight the importance of continuing efforts in terms of collaboration, dissemination of information, and structuring of actions, in order to strengthen the impact of initiatives in welcoming and intercultural rapprochement.

9. Revision of the Event Strategy – Presentation

Sonia Lebel, Head of the Events Office – Arts, Culture and Letters Service, and Louis-Patrick Comeau, officer for cultural communities – SLSDC, present to the members the revision of the event strategy for information purposes. This project is linked to file 2, Social Participation, of the 2026 Work Plan of the Commission. The presentation aims to expose the process of updating the event strategy, initially adopted in 2017, and to collect feedback in order to guide the work. The current strategy is based on several axes, notably governance, support programs, financing, and the promotion of Gatineau as an event host city. It notably allowed for the implementation of the Events Office, the structuring of the municipal offer, and the increase in the number of supported events. The City offers significant support to the event sector, both financial (approximately $2.2M) and in services (approximately $1M), in addition to ensuring a role of promoter for certain major events. The supported activities cover different fields, notably cultural, sports, and popular. A double process of evaluation and updating is underway:

• The evaluation of support programs of recent years;
• The revision of the event strategy and its orientations.

This process is based on an analysis of the benefits, including significant economic impacts, but also highlights the importance of social benefits, such as integration and cultural discovery; the development of a sense of belonging and citizen mobilization and volunteer engagement. The revision also aims to ensure better coherence with other municipal policies, notably in terms of culture and leisure. A consultation process is planned in order to involve stakeholders, including certain municipal commissions. An inter-commission meeting is announced for September 11, 2026, aiming to reflect notably on the criteria allowing for the support of events, according to their economic, social, and cultural benefits. The complexity of the event ecosystem, involving multiple internal and external partners, as well as the importance of their active participation to ensure the success of the process, is highlighted.

Period of exchanges

General comments The Chair invites members to contribute actively to the process, notably by sharing their ideas and participating in the upcoming consultations. It is recalled that the support of the Commission is expected in the development of future orientations. The members are invited to participate in the inter-commission workshop planned for September 11, 2026, and to reserve this date. An expanded participation of organizations is also encouraged. A member raises a confusion surrounding the different support programs and municipal entry points, which can complicate the procedures for organizations. It is indicated that this reality is taken into account in the revision process, notably in the reflection on governance and the improvement of the clarity of support mechanisms.

Coordination and coherence of actions The exchanges highlighted the importance of coordinating actions and breaking silos between municipal services and partners, while facilitating the sharing of information. A member indicates that the communication deadlines for the holding of the inter-commission workshop appear late to him, which complicates planning. The Service takes note of this and reiterates that the exercise underway will allow for reflection on the criteria for supporting events, notably according to their social, cultural, and economic benefits.

The exchanges confirm the interest of the members for the revision process and the importance of their participation in the consultations. The discussions highlighted the need to improve the clarity of programs, the coordination of actions, and the planning of consultations, in order to support a coherent and inclusive vision of the municipal event offer.