Service de la diversité et de l'inclusion sociale
The Service de la diversité et de l’inclusion sociale promotes diversity and social inclusion, and helps newcomers integrate in Montréal.
News
In May 2022, Montréal’s ombudsman published her report on unhoused Indigenous and Inuit residents of the Milton-Parc neighbourhood, titled “Don’t Look the Other Way.” Learn more about actions the city has taken in response to the ombudsman’s recommendations.
Mission
The Service de la diversité et de l’inclusion sociale (diversity and social inclusion department) works in collaboration with its partners so that all residents can have an equal place in Montréal regardless of their status, identity, origin or abilities.
Priority actions in 2023
Strengthen the shift to inclusive action
- Strengthen territorial equity by using a living environment equity index
- Continue implementing ADS+ in municipal business units
Reduce inequalities
- Increase investments to fight poverty and social exclusion and better reflect emerging social issues by renewing and improving the agreement to fight poverty
- Progressively launch the mobile mediation and social response team ($10 million) to provide a first-line municipal social response to situations of conflict and distress on public property
- Improve the public’s sense of safety by increasing actions to prevent violence, particularly among young people (such as projects to create ties between young people through sports and cultural activities, etc.)
- Launch the “By and For Youth” call for projects by supporting initiatives by young Montrealers that aim to fight injustice, discrimination and violence
- Improve the living conditions of unhoused residents and increase mediation and social cohabitation actions on public property
Fight discrimination
- Help reduce harassment in the streets through education and support for specific actions, particularly at festivals
- Implement recommendations from the universal accessibility work plan by developing a universal accessibility plan and increasing expertise in business units through the universal accessibility fund
Accelerate integration and inclusion of newcomers and racialized residents
- Develop and test the services the city offers for the New Beginnings station
- Produce season 2 of the “Biais d’entrée” podcast as part of the inclusivity at work initiative
- Continue the launch of Montréal’s response plan to exceptional migratory events
Build social affairs intelligence
- Produce dynamic social portraits by borough
- Unveil the city’s 2023 Echo Barometer for immigrant inclusion from an intersectional perspective (ADS+).
Commissioner for people experiencing homelessness
Role
- Promote knowledge, cooperation and planning of actions to develop services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless
- Advise the city on all aspects of homelessness
Objectives
Enrich knowledge and communication
- Create communication and consultation mechanisms with partners, the public and people experiencing homelessness to better understand and express their realities and needs
- Develop and popularize knowledge about homelessness issues and best practices for support
- Send information to the city administration, partners and citizens to raise awareness.
Develop services
- Promote cooperation among partners to develop services adapted to the needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless
- Contribute to developing a global vision and a municipal and regional plan to support vulnerable people in the Montréal area
- Direct requests for help or information to the appropriate authorities
Support public policies
- Act as a consultant to the city government in developing public policies and practices that promote inclusion and citizenship, and provide services to people experiencing homelessness.
About the commissioner
Serge Lareault was the Executive Director of Groupe L’Itinéraire, a well-known magazine that provides work for people experiencing homelessness, from 1994 to 2014. He was also president of the International Network of Street Papers from 2006 to 2016, a Glasgow-based association of some 120 street papers in 40 countries and 600 cities.
Contact the commissioner by email at [email protected]
Publications
Universal accessibility
Homelessness
Social development
Children, youth and seniors
Women
Developments
Programs and initiatives
Useful information
Need help?
Contact us if you have questions.