About Us

Opened in April 2018, the Atelier is a not-for-profit, member-based organization. It is an inclusive bilingual space (physical and virtual) for collaboration, training, knowledge-sharing, and support for social innovations. We form part of an innovative ecosystem at Saint Paul University alongside the Élisabeth Bruyère School of Social Innovation and the Centre for Research on Inequalities and Social Transformations (CRITS). The Atelier’s members are stakeholders in the field of social innovation: students, researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs and local communities.

In collaboration with our partners, the Atelier offers training; professional support; opportunities for visibility and; funding to individuals and initiatives pioneering new organizational models, social practices and tools for civic engagement to be used in the fight against social inequalities and various forms of oppression. 

Our Vision

To become a catalyst for social innovation and social transformation.

Our Mission

The Atelier is an inclusive bilingual space for collaboration, training, knowledge-sharing, and support for social innovations particularly within the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Our Objectives

• Welcome and support social innovation projects that meet the needs of their communities.
• Promote initiatives that address inequalities and poverty efficiently and sustainably.
• Connect social innovation initiatives with ongoing research, while facilitating the exchange and dissemination of practices and knowledge.

Our Values

• Engagement
• Collaboration
• Social Justice

The Atelier is an inclusive space that welcomes folx of all gender and sexuality identities.

Alongside Faculty Associations, the Canadian Labour Congress, the Ontario Federation of Labour, and many unions and associations across Canada, the Atelier stands in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in their right to access inclusive and culturally safe education and healthcare, including gender-affirming care. We support practices and policies to make schools safer and more inclusive for 2SLGBTQIA+ folxs. The Atelier condemns hate-motivated actions to undermine progress made in ensuring a positive learning environment for all students.

Check out our Team and Board of Directors.