It is with deep appreciation and heartfelt emotion that the Board of Directors of Réseau Compassion Network (RCN) announces that Daniel Lussier, Executive Director of Réseau Compassion Network, will be stepping down after more than 17 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the organization.
During his time as leader, Réseau Compassion Network has experienced significant growth and achieved many major milestones:
- The transfer of Aulneau Renewal Centre and Marymound to the Network from the Oblate Sisters and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd respectively.
- The growth and sustainability of Charités Dorais Charities and its ability to provide funding support to RCN and its many activities.
- The development of a partnership with Accueil Francophone and the creation of Abri Marguerite to support short-term transitional housing for new Canadians.
- The development of the Square Angus Apartments in Montreal (QC) to support the housing and care needs of aging women religious.
- The establishment of the Sponsorship Accountability Framework and exploration of Compassion as core to organizational culture within Network organizations.
- The creation of Réseau Compassion Québec with its focus on governance support for women religious congregations in Canada.
- Financial support for numerous infrastructure and programming projects within our Network organizations and in community.
- The rebranding of the Catholic Health Corporation of Manitoba to Réseau Compassion Network.
- The return of ancestral land to Clan Mothers and support for the construction of their Healing Village.
- The construction of Les suites Marion mixed income building with non-market affordable supportive housing solutions for people facing additional barriers to housing.
- The development of a strategy statement that provides guidance to the mission and the activities of RCN for years to come.
- The development of Réseau Compassion Network’s reconciliation plan in collaboration with the organization’s Indigenous Advisory Circle.
- The construction of a tiny-home model to support people who are ageing that currently serves as a Monastery for the Sisters of St. Benedict.
- The awarding of a major grant from Société Santé en français to work on francophone human resource challenges with health and community partners through the Vitalité santé! project.
“On behalf of Réseau Compassion Network’s Board of Directors, I would like to warmly thank Daniel for his inspiring leadership, unwavering dedication, and invaluable contribution to our organization over the past 17 years,” said Arlene Wilgosh, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His vision, his great ability to listen and engage in dialogue, his entrepreneurship, and his deep understanding of current issues have enabled Réseau Compassion Network to grow and evolve. He understood the importance of relationships and succeeded in establishing many authentic and sincere partnerships in the city, the province, and across the country. Thanks to his leadership, RCN is now considered a leader among Catholic health care sponsor peers in Canada.”
“It has been an immense privilege and honor to lead Réseau Compassion Network,” said Daniel Lussier. “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together thanks to the hard work and talent of so many people who said “yes” to this journey. I will be leaving with a full heart and very grateful for having been given the opportunity to contribute.”
Transition planning
The Board of Directors has launched a search process for a new leader who is expected to be in place by spring 2026 or sooner. The Board of Directors has also developed a transition plan to ensure an effective, smooth, and orderly transition of all responsibilities and ongoing files. Daniel Lussier will oversee the transition until such time as a new CEO is in place, working closely with the Board of Directors and the management team. We are committed to ensuring the continuity of operations and ongoing initiatives during this time of leadership transition.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Daniel and wish him well with whatever may come next!