Q&A Interview – Social Mission Ambassador
Mr. Denis Coderre puts his entire career and political ambitions aside to dedicate himself to seniors.
Mr. Denis Coderre has joined the large Soleil family as a Social Mission Ambassador.
Being a well-known public figure, this naturally raises many questions.
Here is his interview, in Q&A format, answering the questions you’ve been eager to ask.
This translation comes from a discussion which took place in French.
Mr. Coderre, what motivated you to approach Les Résidences Soleil to contribute to its social mission?
Not only do I fully share the mission of Les Résidences Soleil, but we also share the same desire to support seniors—just as I did for my own parents. So once I had a bit of time on my hands, I told myself I needed a new mission. I simply reached out to Mr. Savoie to offer my support.
What have you decided to do with your career and political ambitions?
What matters to me is being useful. In taking on the role of Social Mission Ambassador, I’m turning the page on my political and electoral life. But politics also means working for the common good—talking about solidarity, improving living conditions for seniors, and respecting the “grey power.”
Was stepping away from politics your own decision?
Yes, entirely—and it’s also part of our agreement. When you hit 60, the natural question is: how can I keep being useful? I still believe I have much to give. My father passed away at 92, so statistically speaking, I may have 30 great years ahead. I’ve said before that I was retiring, then I ran again because there were still things I wanted to accomplish. Today, I have a mission and a purpose, and that fulfills something deep inside me. In fact, if we look at Maslow’s pyramid, self-esteem is at the top. For me, working with the Savoie family is about reclaiming that self-esteem.
At 60, I no longer need to engage in partisan politics. I want to use my experience to make a difference from the heart—for the benefit of seniors. And let’s be clear: this company is apolitical. It does not take political positions and is open to all. There is no partisan politics, but there is a form of human politics—the kind that’s about caring for seniors. What matters is that it’s a Quebec company doing really good. A great example: in 2000, when the Savoie Family succeeded in establishing a government Credit for seniors’ autonomy and home care, it wasn’t an elected official who initiated it. Since then, all Quebec seniors aged 70 and over have had access to it—not just Soleil residents, but everyone.
Which of your past achievements benefiting seniors make you proud?
I was Minister of Sport, where I helped provide recreation opportunities for seniors through the New Horizons program. I also served as Minister of Immigration, so I understand cultural diversity issues while respecting our community’s values.
I was an MP for 16 years and then Mayor of Montreal, where I was already actively involved with seniors. I maintained contact with 41 seniors’ associations, representing about 25,000 seniors aged 65 and over in Montréal-Nord. I was a founding member of the AQDR in Montréal-Nord. I also launched the “Age-Friendly Metropolis” (MADA) program—a collective initiative mobilizing municipal and community actors across Montreal’s 19 boroughs. Staying connected to people has always been at the heart of my work. I’ve always enjoyed being present in the field. I’ve dedicated 40 years of my life to people’s well-being.
What values guide you in your new role as Social Mission Ambassador?
Solidarity. Mutual support. Generosity. I’m not taking anyone’s place. I’m not inventing anything. Everything is already in place—it just needs to be supported with heart.
In your opinion, what are the biggest current needs of seniors?
Housing. Dignity. Community support. As life expectancy increases, we face new realities.
Did you know that over 85% of single-parent families consist of women living alone? We need to rebuild social ties, ensure safety, and improve quality of life. That’s exactly what Les Résidences Soleil is doing.
What lesser-known or urgent issues are affecting seniors’ well-being?
Many people don’t know about the services they’re entitled to. We need to develop a reflex: to inform and to help more concretely. It’s not that the rights don’t exist—it’s that people aren’t always well informed. We need to provide the right tools. When we inform, people can find their way.
What do you think of Mr. Savoie’s vision regarding affordability for all seniors?
What I admire in Mr. Savoie’s philosophy is that he truly cares about low-income seniors. Everyone deserves their place in the sun. It’s an extraordinary culture. And I find it deeply sincere that this all started with Mr. Savoie’s father. When he built a residence for him, he wanted to provide quality of life, security, care, and above all, respect. I fully embrace this culture where we treat our parents as we would like to be treated ourselves. It was even a professional love at first sight. When you look at someone like Mr. Savoie—a true builder—you realize there are very few like him left, especially in Quebec.
What does being a Social Mission Ambassador mean to you?
It means being part of a team, a collective movement. Coluche once said : “Life will put stones in your path, it’s up to you whether you make a wall or a bridge out of them.” As for me, I want to make a real contribution. I’ve always strived to build bridges throughout my public career. I intend to continue in the same vein as Social Mission Ambassador with Les Résidences Soleil.
What message would you like to share with seniors?
Help me help you: tell me what you need. There’s always a solution.
If you could sum up your commitment in one sentence, what would it be?
To serve people, to do good, and to genuinely be able to do it here.