Mélissa Gélinas
Published online January 14, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
MRC PONTIAC – The Carrefour jeunesse emploi du Pontiac has launched a new initiative aimed at raising awareness and supporting the integration of immigrants through a project titled Bienvenue chez nous, bienvenue chez vous. The initiative is financially supported by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration.
Launched on December 12, the project includes awareness and promotional campaigns, the sharing of personal testimonies and inspirational stories, exploratory visits, individual support, and workshops intended to highlight the realities and challenges associated with immigration.
According to the organization, the primary objective is to draw attention to the contributions immigrants make to the local community while promoting a climate of openness and welcome within what it describes as an inclusive culture. The broader aim is for the Pontiac to position itself as a welcoming, dynamic and inclusive territory where immigrants are encouraged to participate fully in community life.
The initiative also relies heavily on the engagement of employers and local stakeholders, whom the CJEP says will play a key role in determining the project’s success. “We are convinced that immigration is an essential asset for the development and vitality of our region,” said Karim El Kerch, former executive director of the CJEP. “Through the Bienvenue chez nous, bienvenue chez vous campaign, we want to create a genuine collective momentum toward openness and inclusion.”
While the project outlines an ambitious vision, its long-term impact will likely depend on sustained involvement from local institutions, employers and residents, as well as whether the proposed activities translate into tangible outcomes for immigrants settling in the region.
