On October 18, the Cégep de Granby hosted the Health Fair – A Meeting with Health, a free event dedicated to temporary foreign workers (TFWs) who live and work in the region. The day brought together around sixty participants from various countries in Latin America and Africa, who had the opportunity to learn, share experiences, and enjoy a day filled with learning, health, and a friendly atmosphere.
The event featured two informational panels offering essential tools for workers. In the first, Jonathan Buitrago, Regional Coordinator of InfoTET Québec, presented the free services offered by the program, such as legal, tax, and translation support, designed to help TFWs integrate and defend their rights in Canada. It was also an opportunity to distribute the new edition of the informational guide for TFWs, handed out by Nicolas Bellier, Project Director at InfoTET Québec. This moment of direct exchange allowed participants to have their questions answered, share their experiences, and help deepen understanding of their needs. These warm interactions are at the heart of our mission: to support and equip temporary foreign workers throughout their journey in Québec.
In addition, several organizations and partners took part in the event to provide useful information about their resources. Desjardins, the CNESST, the Granby Police Department, and the Consulate of Guatemala, among others, offered advice and guidance on financial, professional, safety, and health-related topics.
To make the day more interactive and friendly, a bingo-style activity was organized. Participants were invited to visit the different information booths, get a stamp on their card at each stop, and, once the tour was completed, receive a small symbolic prize. This dynamic encouraged interaction and allowed participants to discover, in a fun way, the many services available to them.
The fair concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, with social activities that encouraged exchanges among participants and the creation of connections between workers from different backgrounds. The day also included free health consultations with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and massage therapists, as well as workshops, snacks, and surprises for all participants.
The Health Fair – A Meeting with Health was made possible thanks to the collaboration of several institutions and organizations dedicated to the well-being and integration of temporary foreign workers: CAFLA, SIARI, FERME Contigo, Intégration Compétences, and Granby Industriel.
Their shared commitment made this event a true gathering of health and community, reaffirming the importance of caring not only for the physical well-being but also for the social and emotional well-being of those who contribute every day to Canada’s development.
