Pontiac immigration plan enters final stage
Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative
MANSFIELD – The partners in the MRC’s immigration plan met at Magnum Outfitters Lodge in Mansfield on August 27 to review the final version of the plan. It is intended to attract, welcome, integrate, and retain immigrants in the Pontiac. This was the third meeting of the partners. The plan was presented by Violaine Guérin, community development advisor with the consulting firm CommunAgir, which was hired by the MRC to assist in its preparation. The presentation and discussion were conducted almost entirely in French, with no translation provided.
At the end of 2024, the MRC received a grant of up to $75,000 from the Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) to develop the plan. A steering committee was created and met eight times during the drafting process. Beginning in February 2025, the committee collected data on immigration and prepared a situation report on the current conditions and challenges. Two public consultations were held.
The plan is organized around three focus points, each containing two objectives and a total of 20 proposed actions. At the August 27 meeting, partners reviewed, discussed, and prioritized the actions, suggested changes, and considered what their organizations might contribute. They also debated and voted on a final name for the plan.
The first focus point is to enhance the region’s appeal for immigrants and providing support from the moment of arrival. The second is aimed at fostering inclusion and participation in community life by addressing barriers and strengthening solidarity. The third seeks to retain migrants long-term, in part by trying to sway public opinion in favour of immigration and by tackling obstacles that prevent qualified workers from staying in the area. As part of this point, Jacob Gale, project manager at Carrefour jeunesse-emploi, presented statistics highlighting immigrant contributions.
Discussion at the meeting centred on providing better support upon arrival, making information more accessible, and improving coordination among municipal stakeholders. Increasing representation within decision-making structures was also raised.Guérin closed the meeting by urging partners to take individual action to help make the Pontiac more inclusive.
The Council of Mayors will vote on the plan at its September 17 public meeting. If adopted, it will be submitted to MIFI for approval. Ministry approval would allow the MRC to move to the second phase of the program (Programme aux Collectivités), opening access to funding for implementation over three years.
