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Economy and entrepreneurship

Labour Shortage: Desjardins and Québec International sign $1.35 million agreement to support recruitment and integration of newcomers to Canada

January 16, 2023

Quebec City, January 16, 2023 – Québec International and Desjardins are very happy to announce they've expanded their partnership for the next five years. The $1.35 million agreement will support entrepreneurs in their recruitment efforts abroad, as well as improve financial services for newcomers to Canada to help them get settled and encourage them to stay.

With the current labour shortage, supporting newcomers to Canada and helping them get settled is more important than ever. Combining the strengths and expertise of Québec International and Desjardins is key to achieving this goal.

Québec International has in-depth knowledge of international talent pools and supports local businesses and organizations with their international recruitment needs. Teaming up with Desjardins will expand the services it can offer.

As a leader in socioeconomic development, Desjardins has created a multilingual team that understands exactly what newcomers need and is able to offer them turnkey support. Desjardins is also a partner of choice for businesses that recruit internationally, especially for its support helping international talent arrive and settle in Quebec.

In addition to recruitment, Desjardins's support for entrepreneurs adds value to Québec International's services by planning trade missions and training sessions on opening new international markets, as well as by recognizing the success of exporting companies in the Quebec City region by partnering with provincial award gala MercadOr.

"With more workers needed, Desjardins is more committed than ever to being an ally for local immigration. Desjardins is woven into the socioeconomic fabric of Quebec and our financial cooperative's values mean we can go the extra mile to welcome and support newcomers all across the province," said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. "And with the economy the way it is right now, we need to offer much more than just financial support to businesses who want to recruit internationally." 

"Québec International welcomes Desjardins's trust and support. This is a natural partnership for two organizations that are committed to Quebec's economic development, and it will significantly increase our reach. Enhanced advisory and financial services benefit both businesses that recruit internationally and newcomers by making it easier for them to integrate into Quebec society," said Carl Viel, President and CEO of Québec International.

Québec International is proud of its long-standing association with Desjardins, which has been a partner from the first. Through its different services, Desjardins has contributed for over 10 years to achieving Québec International initiatives in market development, innovation, international recruitment and tech entrepreneurship. 

About Québec International
Québec International supports Quebec City's regional economic development and international standing. The agency promotes business growth, supports strong industries and attracts talent and investment to the area. To learn more, visit www.quebecinternational.ca.

For more information (media inquiries only):

Québec International
Elsa Iskander
Press Relations and Public Communications Advisor
581-446-7707
eiskander@quebecinternational.ca

Desjardins Group
Public Relations
media@desjardins.com