On February 10, Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) from Savoura, originally from Guatemala and Mexico, participated in an informational workshop in Mirabel organized by the CIE Laurentides, in collaboration with the Mirabel local police, with interpretation provided by the Service d’Interprète, d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants (SIARI). This meeting was a unique opportunity to better understand the rules, customs, and responsibilities that shape life in Quebec.
During the session, participants received key information on topics that directly impact their safety and well-being:
- Prevention of harassment in the workplace and in social settings, learning how to recognize it and where to seek help if needed.
- Living together and respecting rules in Quebec, understanding cultural and legal differences compared to their countries of origin.
- Risks of drinking and driving and the legal consequences of failing to comply with traffic laws.
- Information about cannabis use in Canada, explaining how its use is regulated and what precautions TFWs must take to avoid legal or personal issues.
One of the most appreciated moments of the workshop was the Q&A session, where TFWs shared real-life situations they may encounter in their daily lives, such as what to do if a car light is malfunctioning, how to respond in the event of a breakdown or mechanical issue, and what penalties are associated with driving under the influence of alcohol.
The police conveyed a key message: their role is not limited to enforcing the law; they are also there to support and guide the community, so that TFWs know they can rely on them when needed.
For many TFWs, the workshop was not only educational but also reassuring, as it helped them better understand local regulations and foster safer, more harmonious integration into the community.
InfoTET would like to thank CIE Laurentides for organizing the workshop, as well as the Service d’Interprète, d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants (SIARI) for its participation and collaboration in providing interpretation, recognizing their valuable contribution within the PSTM for the benefit of TFWs across the province. Their commitment helps more workers feel informed, supported, and safe in their daily lives in Quebec.
