Neuville, September 14, 2025. In a festive and friendly atmosphere, the city of Neuville celebrated the independence holidays of Mexico and Guatemala—two countries whose nationals come each year to support local agriculture as Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). The event, organized by Accès Travail Portneuf, brought together over 150 workers for a day filled with gratitude, joy, and camaraderie.
With the St. Lawrence River as a backdrop and the surrounding farmland symbolizing their daily labor, the community gathered to pay tribute to those who, through their dedication and perseverance, sustain a large part of local production, particularly sweet corn, a regional staple.
By late morning, the courtyard behind city hall came alive with music, flavors, and activities specially planned for the TFWs. Information booths on health, integration, transportation, and workplace safety were available to provide support and guidance to attendees, while traditional Latin American dishes were shared in a warm and welcoming environment.
Highlights of the day included a torchlight walk and the popular “nail in the log” game, which tested participants’ skills in an atmosphere filled with laughter and cheers.
The event also featured remarks from the Consul General of Guatemala and the Mayor of Neuville, both of whom emphasized the importance of temporary workers and the need to strengthen cooperative ties between countries.
“This kind of gathering allows us to give thanks, but also to better understand each other as a community,” noted one of the event organizers.
Nicolas Bellier and Alejandra Salas, representatives of Immigrant Québec, actively participated by distributing InfoTET guides and speaking with workers about their rights and the resources available to help ease their stay in Quebec.
Organizations such as FERME Contigo, CAFLA, CNESST, and Desjardins were also present, offering valuable advice on key topics like health, workplace safety, and personal financial management.
The next edition is already in the works, with the goal of continuing to strengthen this space for connection, recognition, and celebration of those who make the region’s agricultural development possible through their hard work and dedication.
