Employment realities not the same for everyone

On a national level, everything is going well. In August, the unemployment rate was stable at 6%, the lowest in 33 years. Provincially, the unemployment rate was at 7% for the same period. Job creation was fostered by the housing market.

And in St. Laurent? It is difficult to measure and forecast every shift in an unpredictable economy, but some aspects can always be determined.

“The trends in job creation or employment reduction are frequent,” said Robert Petit, director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of St. Laurent. “It’s hard to see if things or going bad or are going well. But, as the borough has a lot of small businesses, there is relative stability in terms of employment.”

The rules of economics also apply – sometimes strongly. “This relative stability doesn’t just happen, like, for example, the recent issues at Provigo,” said Petit. “Demand influences big enterprises, who can go from 800 to 110 employees, or the inverse, all depending on business.

“New employees coming in can cause some difficulties. The Chamber of commerce is trying to sensitize them about preparations and employee training.”

According to Cécile St-Pierre, communications director for the Economic Development organization of St. Laurent, the job situation is going well in the manufacturing and engine service sector. “Last year, 3,000 jobs were created in these sectors,” said St-Pierre.

With a high immigrant population, St. Laurent is no stranger to this situation. According to Fadia Younan, employment services co-ordinator at the Centre d'accueil et de référence sociale (CARI) Saint-Laurent, many immigrants face serious difficulties integrating into the job market.

“Oftentimes, unawareness of the job market in Quebec becomes an obstacle for them. Bilingualism is also a problem. When they immigrate, they are told knowing one language is enough, while both French and English are required by most employers.”

A number of immigrants are also forced to take jobs that have no link to their previous training or skills. “They’re forced to work in call centres or in general sales,” said Younan.

“Yet, there’s a genuine willingness to work,” Petit emphasized. “They are competent people, and enterprises would benefit by training them. However, businesses often have to fill spots as soon as possible.

“Long-term vision would therefore be a good strategy, both for immigrants and the skills they have, and for business who need new employees.”

Translated by Elyse Amend