A northern Quebec company is making big efforts to recruit and retain foreign workers, focusing on community and integration.
Now, Tugano works at Chantiers Chibougamau, a mill that makes wood products. He didn’t plan on moving to Canada, but a friend encouraged him to apply.
Since then, his family has joined him, and they’re settling in. Tugano loves the simple life here and feels safe for his kids.
Chantiers Chibougamau has been hiring skilled workers from the Philippines since 2017. They realized it was hard to find local talent, so they looked abroad.
The company’s vice-president, Frédéric Verreault, says the workers from the Philippines are impressive. They come with great skills and a strong work ethic.
To help them settle in, the company is investing in housing and offering French classes. They even pay workers to study French for six months before they arrive.
Rex Ardiente, another worker, is taking French classes online. He hopes to stay in Quebec permanently and bring his kids over. But recent immigration cuts have him worried about his future here.
Chibougamau’s mayor, Manon Cyr, sees the value of immigrants in her town. They help fill jobs and support the community. But there are challenges, like a lack of housing.
To address this, Chantiers Chibougamau is building new homes for foreign workers. The mayor believes that more support from the government is needed to help these workers integrate.
Families like the Eusantos are also adjusting. They moved here in 2022, and their kids are thriving in French schools. Despite the challenges, they’re grateful for their new life in Quebec.
With the right support, Tugano, Ardiente, and others hope to make Chibougamau their permanent home. The company knows that without these workers, their mills would be empty.
