In June 2023, Leonardo and Damaris Dias left Brazil with their daughters to settle in Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover. But long before flying over America, the couple worked with Drummond Economics to smooth the landing into their new life.
An article about Quebec made the welder and the daycare teacher want to live in Canada. “We wanted to live in a quiet, more egalitarian city, with little violence,” remembers Leonardo Dias. From 2018, we started looking for work. »
They speak enthusiastically about the help provided by Drummond Economics. “When we were still in Brazil, they supported us with immigration papers, work permits and student permits,” he says. They also helped us find a house. »
Lots of services offered
Indeed, there are many services offered by the international workforce attraction unit of the organization, which is a non-governmental partner of the Ministry of Immigration. “In the past, we organized actions elsewhere in the province, but we quickly realized that having people move from Quebec, when all the regions are in shortage, did not help society,” says Julie Biron , Director, Talent Attraction, at Drummond Economic. “The best solution was to look for qualified people abroad. »
In order to meet needs, the 20 employees focus on the pools of French-speaking, Francophile or Francotropic workers. In addition to France, Belgium and Switzerland, they are building links in Latin America (mainly Mexico, Brazil and Colombia), the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa.
For two years, Drummond Economique has supported more than 260 international companies in the recruitment of 1,200 qualified workers.
It must be said that the needs are dire in all sectors. “In addition to health and education, we have major challenges in the manufacturing fields,” explains M.me Biron. With the battery sector affecting our sector, there will be significant pressure on certain positions, such as electromechanics or engineering technicians. »
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Leonardo Dias at work
Targeted professionals must have the qualifications required to work in their sector upon their arrival in Quebec. This involves equivalence and diploma recognition procedures with the help of Drummond Economique, which also relies on a team of legal professionals to facilitate the immigration process.
We want to promote their integration in a long-term perspective. We are not just looking for people who want to have an experience, but people who will love their new environment and become well-established citizens.
Julie Biron, director, talent attraction, at Drummond Economic
A support
The integration team questions the selected people to find out if they plan to arrive alone, as a couple or as a family. It popularizes certain realities of Quebec society, such as the concept of lease and the scarcity of housing. She sends them housing offers. “We will also pick them up at the airport so that they feel secure,” she adds.
A series of attentions that delighted Leonardo and Damaris Dias. “Upon our arrival, we spent two days with Sylvana Tovar, a support agent, also Brazilian, who made our life much easier in Quebec,” recalls Damaris Dias.
Her partner adds. “She helped us find a SIM card, open a bank account and find kitchen tools: little things that gave me peace of mind so that my number one concern upon arrival was my work. »