The MUHC joins the social economy

The McGill University Health Centre has taken a major step to join the growing social economy movement. On October 26, 2023, President and Executive Director, Dr. Lucie Opatrny signed a declaration of commitment with the Conseil d'économie sociale de l'Ile de Montréal (CÉSIM). It recognizes the contribution of social economic organizations to the community and prioritizes purchasing goods and services from like-minded enterprises.  

The launch of the seventh edition of the program was held February 2nd at l’École de Technologie Supérieure in Montréal (ETS). It was an opportunity for the MUHC’s Technical Services and Procurement Services teams to meet with local enterprises, including non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and associations. Pierre-Marc Legris, Director of Technical Services, participated in a round-table discussion. “The mission of social economy enterprises is consistent with and complementary to the MUHC's mission. Some social economy enterprises hire persons living with physical or psychological disabilities, these people are likely to receive health care and services in our establishments. So by supporting fellow members of the social economy movement, we are helping our own patients,” he said.  

Social economy in action at the MUHC 

The Pet Therapy Program at the Montreal Children’s Hospital is a perfect example of social economy in action. Managed in collaboration with Zoothérapie Québec, a social economy enterprise, the program has strong local roots and promotes the health and well-being of its young patients. MUHC employees also enjoy its services and some impromptu canine cuddles!  

This latest initiative opens the door to developing a more inclusive economy with organizations that share economic, social and environmental values.  McGill University, the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), and the ETS are also members.  

Marie-Christine Chartier, Assistant to the Director, Sustainable Development and Performance is proud of the strategy. “Social economy enterprises exist to serve the community. In a social economy, equity, inclusiveness, diversity, and environmental stewardship are prioritized.  The MUHC shares those values,” she said. 

For more information, visit the CÉSIM website: https://www.esmtl.ca/