It was during a mission to France in 2019 by the mayor at the time, Suzanne Roy, that the first links were established with the town of Bethune Bruay – which nicknamed itself BB.
Because the unemployment rate is particularly high there, following the closure of a factory, explains Mario Lemay, current mayor of Sainte-Julie. “The region was having difficulty recovering from this situation of economic and employment poverty,” he explains.
The unemployment rate in Bethune Bruay currently hovers around 8.2% and there is a problem of exodus of young people, according to the City of Sainte-Julie which, for its part, has around 750 jobs. vacant. According to the mayor, recruitment difficulties are particularly great in Sainte-Julie, and have been for around ten years.
A labor shortage could lead to the relocation of valuable businesses, the City has decided to take the bull by the horns.
This is how this idea of collaboration was born, which is now seeing the light of day.
Mario Lemay must go to Pas-de-Calais during the fall to participate in the candidate selection process. He will also have the mandate to present his city.
“It’s a life opportunity for young people,” says Mayor Mario Lemay, “and a work experience. »
The French municipality will make a pre-selection before the arrival of the delegation of Sainte-Julie, in October, so that the candidates know the project – and the living and employment conditions in Quebec.
Yes, that’s what the City of Sainte-Julie is hoping for. Three companies raised their hands for the initial project: McDonald’s, door maker Novatech and Peterbilt Excellence Trucks. They are the ones who have, together, 19 positions to offer, all unskilled jobs, including cooks, security guards, janitors.
18-35 year olds are the target clientele, partly because they are more mobile given that they will be traveling alone and will be offered shared apartments. The accommodation will be furnished and fully equipped. Workers will have to pay around $800 per month for rent.
They will have a temporary foreign worker permit that will allow them to stay here for up to two years.
In total, the project will cost around $30,000 for the entire process, which includes the candidate screening trip. Half of the budget comes from a grant from the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie.
The three companies will assume part of the recruitment mission, as well as the costs related to the arrival of their new employees, scheduled for spring 2024.