Drummondville, September 24, 2025 – As part of the 6th Immigration Summit organized by Immigrant Québec, an enriching workshop titled “The Power of Local Synergy in the Reception and Integration of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs)” was led by Nicolas Bellier and Jonathan Buitrago Sosa, members of the Migrant Worker Support team.
This space for dialogue highlighted a key reality: when local institutions join forces, the integration of TFWs becomes smoother, more humane, and more sustainable.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from Quebec’s TFW reception ecosystem: public institutions, community organizations, local businesses, and consular representatives. Each contributed their expertise and commitment to co-creating solutions tailored to regional realities.
The guest panelists included:
- Ms. Roxanne Fyfe, Advisor in Intercultural Relations – MRC de Rouville.
- Mr. David-Simon Boisvert, Immigration Coordinator – Intégration Compétences
- Ms. Catherine Grimard-Leduc, Director of Human Resources – Cultures Gen V Inc.
- Mr. Fernando Borja, Executive Director – Fondation FERME
- Ms. Daniela Radu, Director of Prevention Services – CNESST
- Ms. Caroline Marcoux, Director of International Strategic Development – Desjardins
- Ms. Julissa Hengstenberg, Consul General – Consulate of Guatemala in Montreal
- Mr. Felipe González Lugo, Consul for Protection – Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal
The discussions clearly demonstrated that collaboration between MRCs, businesses, community organizations, and consulates can foster a more inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for temporary foreign workers. Initiatives such as enhanced reception services, cultural and financial support programs, and local partnerships were shared as promising practices.
The dialogue also emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing communication among field actors, sharing best practices, and adapting interventions to local contexts. This territorial synergy enables a more effective response to the real needs of TFWs, while strengthening collective capacity to welcome and support them.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Consulates of Mexico and Guatemala, Desjardins, CNESST, Fondation FERME, the MRC de Rouville, Intégration Compétences, and Gen V for their active participation and sustained collaboration.
For those involved in supporting migrant populations, this type of event is essential for making visible the lived realities of TFWs, strengthening intersectoral networks, and encouraging concrete, sustainable action.
This gathering is a powerful reminder that the successful integration of temporary foreign workers relies on a collective effort rooted in collaboration, active listening, and responsiveness to on-the-ground needs.
Photo. Immigrant Québec PRO
