To collaborate is to evolve
I have lately observed numerous initiatives that have reinforced my belief that nothing is more powerful than a group of people united in purpose, advancing together. However, although collaboration appears simple in concept, its practical application demands various human attributes essential to its success. For the well-being of society today and the one we aim to create, let us, if you agree, elevate collaboration to its deserved esteem.
Collaboration has become, in numerous organizations and for some people, a fashionable or “in vogue” value—a superficial display of goodwill that frequently lacks meaningful subsequent actions. Why does this happen? Because effective collaboration is highly challenging. While helping is indeed a natural human inclination, collaboration is much less so: it entails working alongside others, which often necessitates personal compromises for the sake of the common good.
In my opinion, regrettably, collaboration—one of our corporate values, yet so crucial to any major accomplishment—has become diluted. It would be so straightforward, and much more fulfilling, if we supported one another in helping more effectively!
Yet, I have recently experienced a resurgence of optimism, noting various initiatives around me focused on enhancing the well-being of older individuals, with collaboration being the cornerstone of their success.
Considering the worldwide events and the rapidly growing population of individuals aged 65 and over, it is now more essential than ever to come together and break down barriers to meet the diverse needs of all age groups, particularly, in my view, the most vulnerable members of our society.
Some exemplary examples
By coming together, large-scale and humanitarian projects that benefit the most disadvantaged, such as Mission Unitaînés, would emerge with even greater frequency. To me, this stands as one of the most compelling examples of such endeavours. With the cooperation of all involved parties, the project’s leaders are on track to construct 10 buildings with 100 affordable housing units each in two years. What’s more, they’re poised to exceed it by adding an 11th building within the same budget and timeframe!
Beyond seeing governmental and private sectors collaborate synergistically, Luc Maurice carefully chose every supplier engaged in the project. They needed to exhibit strong human values and believe in the mission. For me, this is an outstanding accomplishment that exemplifies the full splendour of successful collaboration.
Furthermore, the new national home care policy, which seems to hinge on greater cooperation among public, community and private entities, could serve as another example. This was the hope articulated by Minister Sonia Bélanger on our recent podcast Dans quelques aînés. Within Quebec’s 2024-2029 action plan La fierté de vieillir, Mrs. Bélanger is developing a home care policy, collaborating with diverse community and private sector actors, set to be launched by the end of 2025.
I can’t help but exclaim: “at last”! The increasing complexity of aging-related needs has necessitated collaboration among the different entities with decision-making and operational influence on our society’s better aging. Robust cooperation between government, community and private sectors is crucial to provide high-quality, readily accessible and customized care for seniors.
This policy addresses our collective well-being, which I greet with enthusiasm but also with eagerness for its rollout; presently, just 10% of home care needs are covered by the public system, pushing many to rely on private services. As most older adults cannot afford these, the problem is urgent: healthcare must not be reserved for the affluent.
Moreover, I find it crucial to note that, despite common misconceptions, services offered by the private sector, especially in home care, are frequently less expensive for the government than those provided by the public system: the public sector’s wage, administrative and union costs are significantly higher.
Additionally, private or community-based organizations, embedded within local communities, provide agility and quick response capabilities that the public network often lacks. They commonly employ innovative technologies and computer systems absent in the public sector, which substantially boost productivity and circumvent administrative inefficiencies, like reliance on faxes.
Therefore, a formalized collaborative framework in which the government funds or subsidizes specific private sector services (already partially implemented, but unevenly), would expand care access and more efficiently meet the increasing demands driven by an aging population––often at a lower public cost.
To collaborate also means reaching out
Let me also emphasize that if we genuinely strive to enhance collective healthy ageing, we need to involve the key concerned stakeholders in the discussions and decisions that affect them. It’s only fair, I believe. We should listen more to older adults to learn from their experiences and perspectives!
We need them as a society: seniors are precious collaborators who could further assist us in shaping what’s to come. This is why we make every effort to regularly seek input from Le Groupe Maurice residents.
Without them, we simply couldn’t understand how to better ourselves or address their hopes justly and adequately! Their voice, their lived experience, their insights carry immense weight for us. Championing their expertise, encouraging dialogue across generations—this is my vision for progress as a society.
That’s one of the reasons we decided to support two flagship Montreal events this summer: both Festival MURAL and the Montreal International Jazz Festival welcomed the opportunity to include senior artists in their lineups. Some residents took part in a hands-on creative workshop alongside two artists (one of whom was older), reflecting their perceptions on aging.
This encounter led to a live-painted outdoor mural during the festival, with residents welcomed to participate in its creation. Make sure to visit it at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Marianne Street in the Plateau if you haven’t yet. What moves me most about this work is its luminous palette… so lively and brimming with optimism.
All that we achieve throughout our lives ought to happen, I believe, in a climate of trust and goodwill that fosters asking for a colleague’s advice, a friend’s assistance, or consulting outside expertise. Not a single Groupe residence could operate successfully without the cooperation of each staff member, each resident, its management and suppliers, along with the organization’s financial partners.
In my view, no ambitious undertaking can succeed in isolation. The finest cathedrals rise through the labour of countless hands; breakthrough ideas emerge when many minds collaborate. Our power comes from those around us… through fostering energizing dialogue with the sole purpose of moving forward and rising higher, together.
I believe in the strength of numbers––in the diversity of ideas and the harmony of talents guided by a shared vision. And I hope more and more of us will embrace this approach.
