Mélissa Gélinas
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on December 3, 2025.
MRC PONTIAC – Two general practitioners from France plan to make the Pontiac their new home, following a three-day exploratory visit in late October that introduced them to local communities, services and potential workplaces.
As part of the Place aux jeunes initiative — led by the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac (CJEP) in partnership with the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of the Outaouais — Dr. Matthias Elbaz and Dr. Marie Morel toured the region from October 24 to 26. The visit allowed them to get to know the Pontiac firsthand, and the couple is expected to relocate here beginning in December.
“The goal of the visit was to familiarize them with the living environment, local health services, community and economic resources, and the social infrastructure of the
territory,” said CJEP Executive Director Karim El Kerch. During their stay, the couple visited municipalities, schools and CISSSO facilities, met with staff and community members, and had the opportunity to explore activities available in the region. According to El Kerch, they
may work in the Mansfield and Chapeau CLSCs starting in January 2026, although this has not yet been formally confirmed.
Place aux jeunes is a free program that supports graduates aged 18 to 35 as they establish life and career plans in rural regions. The initiative aims to slow youth out-migration, strengthen the workforce, sustain regional vitality and encourage young professionals to settle long-term in the regions. Services include exploratory visits and one-on-one support with housing and employment searches, guided regional familiarization, access to services and assistance with social and professional integration. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35, hold or be completing a post-secondary diploma — vocational, college or university — or have significant professional experience, be legally eligible to work in Quebec, and have an account on the Place aux jeunes en région (PAJR) platform.
Since the program began three years ago, CJEP has welcomed new educators, nurses, administrators and other professionals. “We are very pleased with this initiative, which supports our ongoing efforts to attract and retain medical staff and skilled workers in the region,” said El Kerch. He added that beyond recruitment, the approach helps build personal connections and demonstrates that the Pontiac is not only a place to work, but a place to live. “We would like to thank all partners who helped make this visit possible — especially our wonderful CISSSO team.”
Photo : Dr. Matthias Elbaz and Dr. Marie Morel visit the Chutes Coulonge with their baby, October 26. (Photo: CJEP)