Good afternoon, everyone.
We divide our services into three main components, the first one being attraction and regionalization. I don't know about other Canadian provinces, but in Quebec, 85% of immigrants settle in the greater Montreal area, while 55% of available jobs are in the regions. What we call “regionalization” serves to promote our city, its assets and available jobs.
To do that, we have a strong presence [Technical difficulty] to provide sessions, training, and conferences in places frequented by immigrants or newcomers, so we can show them our region. We also go to all job fairs as a regional recruitment agency. In addition, we offer guided tours of our region to showcase its assets, including the quality of life of its businesses. We also organize recruiting activities directly with companies at job fairs or corporate tours, followed by flash interviews.
In the past year, we've also explored other avenues, including “job caravans”. Here's how the process goes: a bus travels through the industrial park and each bus stop turns out to be a company. Employers share their job openings, and corporate tours are also included, because as we know, it's jobs that attract people to the area—well, training attracts them as well.
The second component, which is key, is onboarding and settlement services. We help search for housing, raise landlord awareness, and show immigrants how to use services. This includes guidance for opening bank accounts, obtaining social insurance numbers and health cards, obtaining hydro and telecommunications services, as well as help to fill out various documents. We really want to make sure that people feel supported throughout the process.
The third component is employment assistance services. I mentioned it earlier. We match available jobs with candidates. Sometimes the spouse of a person who has a job also needs help with their job search. We can help them prepare a resumé and cover letter and, if necessary, show them how apply for a diploma equivalency. We also offer orientation and reorientation services, as well as a job-matching service with businesses.
In closing, I'd like to say that immigration is an economic asset, but it also provides considerable cultural enrichment for the regions. I sincerely believe that any policy favouring immigration to the regions must be supported and encouraged, particularly by ensuring that organizations are on hand both to properly welcome immigrants and to adequately prepare local people through awareness.
If I may, I would recommend tax credits for businesses. Many entrepreneurs have talked to me about this in terms of international recruitment of temporary workers. I'm not talking about seasonal workers, I'm talking about temporary workers who intend to stay for a long time. Entrepreneurs often tell me that they would like to see a clear link between labour market needs and the invitation to come to Canada.
Thank you.