TASHI FARMILO
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MRC PONTIAC – The MRC Pontiac has applied for $100,000 through Quebec’s Programme aux Collectivités to develop a framework to attract immigrants and ethnocultural minorities, with the goal of fostering their long-term integration and participation in local life.
The funding would enable the MRC to set up a working committee composed of representatives from key sectors including community organizations, education, healthcare, immigration consultation bodies, and the immigrant community. The committee’s primary focus will be to strengthen the region’s ability to act as a welcoming and inclusive community while addressing the pressing need for manpower, a challenge the MRC has been grappling with as its population diversifies.
“This funding provides us with the opportunity to come up with a detailed and actionable plan that will strengthen our community’s ability to welcome and integrate new residents,” said Rachel Floar-Sandé, MRC economic development officer. “As our region continues to diversify, ensuring immigrants feel included and supported is critical for both social cohesion and economic development.”
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), which oversees the program, supports municipalities with a negative economic vitality index, covering up to 75% of eligible expenses to assist with integration efforts. The $100,000 that could be allocated to the MRC Pontiac would be used over the course of one year. The MRC will cover 25% of the costs, including the salaries of two staff members responsible for executing the initiative and other administrative expenses.
The MRC expects to hear if the funding application has been approved in November.