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 SOLUTION TO STEADY DECLINE OF WORKFORCE  Editor: Nancy Nourse

Date: December 9, 2011  Region: Sherbrooke

Within the framework of a “5 à 7”, at the 2^nd edition of “l’Estrie se parle des vraies Affaires (Estrie Speaks of the Reality in Business”), the regional committee proposed to employers a solution to the problem of a steady decline in the workforce: recruitment of an immigrant. In order to show that this proposal is backed up by real success stories, the coalition of partners associated with this repetition of the regional initiative has come out with a 2nd edition of a calendar aimed at commending the employers of the area who have wisely chosen to recognize the talents and potential of these people who have chosen Estrie as their new home.

The concept of sensitizing businesses to this issue was presented by the office of the ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities -- MICC). This issue very often corresponds to their point of arrival and the starting point of their new life in the Townships. There could be no better solution to this situation.

Month after month, there are 5,000 employers in the area who have become concrete examples of this successful integration into the work force – resulting in a success not only for the companies but also for these immigrants who have found it possible to put their talents, their know-how, their culture and their experience to work for the companies here. Hearing these testimonials, sometimes touching but always inspiring, will hopefully encourage other employers to experience the benefits of hiring these new citizens in 2012.

Support for New Canadians (SANC) is a non-profit organization established in 1954 which offers assistance to newcomers to the Sherbrooke area such as help in locating new housing, employment and becoming involved in recreational activities. The ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles appointed the SANC the mandate to officially welcome the immigrants. Upon their arrival, support and services are provided to these new citizens until they are comfortably-integrated into the social, economic and cultural life in the area. Over the years, the SANC has developed an expertise which enables it to offer services adapted especially to the needs of the immigrants who come to live here. It conducts itself in an apolitical fashion, with no ties to any one religion.

The SANC consists of more than one hundred volunteers who assist in many different branches of the organization. Whether it is with the welcome itself or helping them to get established, with customer relations, with the twinning program, for intercultural activities and such, the work of these volunteers is important in order to meet the multiple needs for the 300 family units which are welcomed into the Sherbrooke community each year.

Information: Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens (Support for New Canadians)

-- 819-566-5373