Prior to the pandemic, businesses had difficulty finding qualified workers. The current crisis hasn’t helped the situation; qualified candidates are still hard to find.

Seeking out professionals who have recently arrived in our country is one option that can alleviate the problem. But how can we match businesses with job seekers who are facing numerous obstacles in the job market?

It’s for this very reason that the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Laval (CCIL) has launched Interconnexion Laval with the financial support of the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, as well as partnerships with Services Québec and Perspective Carrière.

In an interview, Martine Lafrance—who manages Interconnexion Laval and was responsible for getting it off the ground—explains how it all works and why it’s such an essential program.

What is Interconnexion Laval?
It’s a program that basically solves two problems at once. First, we have the challenge of finding qualified staff. Businesses struggle with this for all types of employment. Before COVID-19, we heard a lot about worker shortages across Quebec and in Laval. Today, the situation is different, but businesses still struggle to find qualified workers.

The second problem is that individuals who are recent immigrants have difficulty finding work in their field. Their unemployment rate is higher than the general population. In their home countries, they had diplomas and qualifications that are not being recognized here for all sorts of reasons. These individuals would be great candidates who have the skills and knowledge to fill open posts here in Quebec.

In concrete terms, what does the program do to help businesses and job seekers?
Our role is to match up businesses with qualified candidates. The heart of what we do is recruiting candidates and putting them into contact with businesses that require their skills. Even if the candidates don’t have all of the certifications required in Quebec, they can really help businesses who need their experience and expertise.

Thanks to the collaboration of our resources, the support we offer is aimed at helping organizations meet with candidates that have the desired profile. This could include individuals that would otherwise not have been considered for the job, even though they have the required skills. What’s more, because we want to ensure employee retention, our services include the transition and integration of recent immigrants with their new employer.
Whether it’s francisation in the workplace or for human resources consulting, our counsellors play an important liaison role between the business, the candidate and the available services—all of which contribute to steady and sustainable employment.

Do you give money to businesses who hire candidates from Interconnexion Laval?
Interconnexion Laval does not pay out subventions directly. That said, we facilitate access to employer subventions, thanks to our partnership with Services Québec. For example, we support businesses who apply for a salary subvention in the context of the Programme d’aide à l’intégration des immigrants et des minorités visibles en emploi (PRIIME).

The PRIIME subvention covers a portion of the employee’s salary up to 70 per cent of the minimum salary for the time period in question. Eligible businesses can benefit from this subvention for a period of between 30 to 52 weeks.

We also offer organizations a support service for 20-hour non-remunerated observation internships or four-week internships (paid for by the business) through our counsellors so that we can promote the transition from intern to employee.

As for job seekers, we don’t work with them to write their resumés or other employability strategies. Rather, we refer them to Perspective Carrière who will support them in these areas.

What has the pandemic changed for Interconnexion’s clientele?
Obviously, our support is now done virtually, but we still offer our placement services to match newly arrived immigrants with businesses. Perspective Carrière continues to accompany newly arrived immigrants in the employment preparation and Services Québec also continues to support employers through the PRIIME subvention.

Another thing that hasn’t changed; it’s still free. Whether you’re an employer or a job seeker, Interconnexion Laval’s services are totally free!

Our team of program counsellors are used to answering questions from businesses and job seekers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, get in touch with Interconnexion Laval at 450-682-5255, extension 261, or write to interconnexion@ccilaval.qc.ca.

Who is the program for?
Interconnexion Laval is for job seekers who have immigrated in the past five years as well as for businesses who are looking for qualified workers.

Services for businesses center around recruitment, integration, and employee retention.

As for job seekers, they receive assistance from Interconnexion’s counsellors to connect with businesses looking to hire. More precisely, the program’s role is to match employers with job seekers. Our counsellors don’t help with resumé writing, but rather will analyse the situation and direct candidates towards useful resources through our partnerships, such as with Perspective Carrière—our main collaborator for employability skills and strategies.

How much does Interconnexion Laval’s services cost?
All services from Interconnexion Laval are free of charge for employers and job seekers. The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration provides the funding, which is managed by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Laval (CCIL).

Can Interconnexion Laval help  me get subventions?
The program itself does not provide subventions, but our mandate is to help guide you toward the appropriate resources and to support you in your efforts. As for subventions in general, you need to consult Services Québec. This government organization will evaluate your situation and explain the various possibilities that are available to you. In fact, Services Québec manages the Programme d’aide à l’intégration des immigrants et des minorités visibles en emploi (PRIIME), which offers salary subventions to eligible businesses.

What are the eligibility requirements  for the PRIIME?
There are several baseline criteria that must be respected, most notably the ability to offer long-term employment. The business’s eligibility will be evaluated by Service Québec once contact has been made via Interconnexion Laval. It’s important to note that the future employee must also be eligible for the salary subvention. Service Québec will be responsible for evaluating this aspect as well.

Are there a lot of documents to sign to participate in Interconnexion Laval?
No. The initial registration is simple and fast. After that, you might have to fill out other documents for Service Québec. One of the big advantages to working with Interconnexion Laval is how quickly you can begin to receive support and access to services.

Do I have to be a member of CCIL to take advantage of the program?
No. The program is open to all Laval-area and North Shore businesses who are looking to hire qualified candidates living in Laval.

When will the salary subvention be paid out?
As soon as your business receives confirmation of eligibility, the subvention will be accessible. The business’s file must first be accepted by Services Québec before the employee begins work. Because we have a partnership with Services Québec, our processes speeds things up. It’s quite common to have a file processed within one week. For example, if your employee starts work next week, we can speed up the process to have everything ready within that week.

To register as a candidate, do I have to be a Canadian citizen or have a work permit?
Candidates must be permanent Canadian residents in order to qualify for the services. They must also have been living in Canada for less than five years.

Is it possible to help my other employees with francisation? How can I benefit from this service?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t have to have hired a candidate with the support of Interconnexion Laval to take advantage of the francisation services or other training, such as language lessons. Our counsellors at Interconnexion Laval will get you set up with your request.

Are Interconnexion candidates bilingual?
We have candidates that master French and English at varying levels. The majority of them also speak another language such as Arab, Spanish or Russian.

What is the candidates’ level  with computer technology?
For the most part, their levels range from intermediate to advanced.

How do you find your candidates?
Candidates are recruited across the territory of Laval through collaboration with our partners in the field. In other words, we work with a multitude of organizations such as employment services or integration, cultural centers, etc.

A Team That’s Just Like You
By Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The counsellors at Interconnexion Laval know what it’s like to be an immigrant, because almost all of them are immigrants. They have experienced the challenges of arriving in an unfamiliar country, sometimes without being able to rely on a support network.

Every experience is different, but the team at Interconnexion Laval is in a unique position to understand and support your needs. The team speaks multiple languages, from French to Arab and even Russian, Spanish, Creole and English.

If you’ve been dreaming of a job that fits your expertise and experience, contact our counsellors If you’re supporting a newly immigrated individual, let them know about Interconnexion Laval.

Thanina Ameziane
Business Counsellor
Born in Algeria and arrived in Canada in 2008. Trained in human resources and project management. Her strength; getting to the heart of what businesses need and supporting them with HR services.

Rudy Carlier
Candidate Counsellor and Liaison
Orignially from Belgium and arrived in 1999, he is very much integrated in Québec! He builds partnerships and promotes the integration of recent immigrants.

Jocelyne Chartrand
Business Counsellor
Born in Quebec, she has a vast experience in Human Resources. Her speciality; promoting professional opportunities.

Mohammed Cheramti
Candidate Counsellor
Born in Morocco and arrived in 2010 after some time spent in academics and professional work in Europe. His speciality and passion ; helping people find work !
Daphney Colon
Business Counsellor
Of Haitian origin. Specialized in learning processes and coaching. Loves to help businesses discover their hidden gem!

Svetlana Filippova
Candidate Counsellor
Arrived from Russia in 2014. She learned French in record time! Supporting and motivating people to integrate into a new job are her specialities.

Martine Lafrance
Director of Labour Force and Diversity
A Quebecer motivated by inclusion and equity. A strategic vision, a benevolent management approach and creativity are her main weapons in mobilizing the team and partners for the program’s success.

Larissa Rico
Candidate Counsellor Born in Colombia and arrived in 2007. She successfully naviagted her progressional integration in the fields of human resources and immigration. Her speciality; motivating others to achieve their dreams!

Saliha Tighersine
Candidate Counsellor
Originally from Algeria and came to Quebec in 2011. She decided to stay as of 2013. After having helped businesses, she pivoted to support newly arrived immigrants. Her passion; dedicated to helping other immigrants.