Cities could be powerful engines for fighting climate change, developing the economy, combating homelessness, better integrating newcomers and promoting Quebec culture. But today’s cities are governed by rules adopted a century and a half ago, so they have one hand tied behind their backs (deficient taxation) and a ball and chain tied to their feet (deficient legal framework). Urban reform is urgently needed.

All organizations, all companies must take an interest in what is happening in cities because they will influence the future like never before.

Floods, tornadoes, torrential rains, political crises, etc. Few politicians have had to manage so many crises in such a short period of time. In this conference, Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin will address the following points:

• The characteristics that define a good leader in a crisis situation;
• What is a good organization in a crisis situation?
• Risk management, before, during and after the crisis;
• Crisis management: the keys to success.

Local ownership, local expertise, local profits and management of a public good by players other than the state: the social economy works miracles, and can satisfy both the right and the left! In this talk, Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin presents concrete examples of economic and social success thanks to the presence of citizens at the heart of the economy.

In the ^21st century, citizens can no longer be ignored: they are better educated and more informed than ever. They want to understand the actions of the people who are calling on them, they want to contribute to the advancement of their community. It is by making room for them that we will renew democracy, and even the economy.

So how do we engage citizens? What are the benefits and risks for the state (and for business) of including citizens in its daily life? In this conference, the author of Passer de la ville à la cité, faire place à la participation citoyenne will answer all these questions.