Introduction: Three decades of social dialogue

With over 30 years of experience, Jean Battah is a respected figure in the fields of strategic communications, public affairs, and social acceptability. His career, which began in journalism, has gradually led him to support public and private stakeholders through sensitive contexts marked by complex issues: municipal mergers, urban development, social responsibility, and more recently, sustainability and inclusion.

In a rapidly changing world, where relationships between institutions and citizens are increasingly strained or fragmented, its rigorous approach, centered on listening, equity and collective impact, appears more relevant than ever.

From journalist to strategist: a coherent trajectory

Jean Battah began his career in 1985, after studying political science at UQAM, followed by training in marketing at HEC Montréal. He began his career in journalism, notably at Quebecor. This journalistic experience allowed him to develop a keen sense of analysis, popularization, and public relations—key skills he now applies to his work as a strategic advisor.

Very early on, he understood that communication cannot be reduced to a simple dissemination exercise: it must create shared meaning, promote mutual understanding and build lasting relationships between stakeholders.

The art of managing sensitive issues

1. Municipal mergers: a laboratory of social complexity

In the early 2000s, Jean Battah played a key role in supporting several municipal merger projects in Quebec. These structural transformations raised identity fears, political tensions, and citizen resistance. To ease tensions, he deployed participatory communication strategies based on clear information, meaningful consultation, and recognition of local issues.

“A good strategy is to first understand why people are afraid—and to have the humility to listen before speaking.”

2. Social acceptability as a lever for action

Over the years, Jean Battah has developed in-depth expertise in social acceptability, a field that has become essential in major infrastructure, development, and natural resource development projects. He helps organizations design authentic dialogue approaches with communities, based on transparency, co-construction, and legitimacy.

A vision for the future: living environments and social impact

For several years, Jean Battah has focused his efforts on the strategic planning of sustainable, inclusive, and attractive living environments. His approach is distinguished by a particular focus on human factors and social responsibility in territorial development.

3. Accessibility and equity at the heart of the strategy

For Jean Battah, creating a living environment isn't just about building housing or developing services: it's about considering the integration of populations, the diversity of needs, and equitable access to essential services. He advocates a relational urban planning approach, in which infrastructure is designed to strengthen the social fabric rather than fragment it.

4. The interconnection of issues: health, education, housing, mobility

His recent projects incorporate a systemic approach to territories. He works with municipalities, real estate stakeholders, and community groups to promote cross-cutting planning where affordable housing, community services, public transportation, and civic life meet.

A method based on listening, rigor and ethics

Over the decades, Jean Battah has developed a proven method which combines:

  • The detailed analysis of sociopolitical contexts

  • Consultation with stakeholders

  • Rigor in message design

  • Attention to collective memory and local sensitivities

Through this approach, it seeks to generate concrete results, but also a feeling of belonging and inclusion among the communities concerned.

Conclusion: A valuable look at the challenges of tomorrow

Today, as organizations face unprecedented challenges – social polarization, climate emergency, pressure on public services – Jean Battah's experience and sensitivity appear to be rare and essential assets.

His ability to navigate complex contexts, to build bridges between institutions and citizens, and to propose human, sustainable and strategic solutions, makes him a key player in the evolution of public communication practices in Quebec.