Young professionals take in the best of the Haut-Saint-Laurent
Despite challenging weather conditions and local flooding, a group of dedicated young professionals from Montreal and Sherbrooke visited the Haut-Saint-Laurent as part of the spring Discovery Day Weekend hosted by Place aux Jeunes Haut-Saint-Laurent. A total of seven participants were able to get a taste for the Valley over their three-day stay in early April, which emphasized the cultural, gastronomical and entrepreneurial gems of the region.
The first day featured guided tours of Leahy Orchards operations in Franklin and SH Environnements Immersifs in Huntingdon. In partnership with the Mutuelle d’Attraction, the participants were able not only to experience firsthand the innovative approaches taken by the two companies, but network directly with potential employers. Mr. Tony Lavoie, of the Mutuelle d’Attraction, which is celebrating its tenth year in operation, served as Honourary President of the weekend events. The site visits were followed by a 5 @ 7 attended by representatives from the business, social, cultural and community sectors as well as several elected officials.
The second day was centered on visits to a number of agricultural enterprises as well as some local historical and cultural highlights. The day was capped with a lesson in local history with a theatrical twist at the evening performance of ‘On the Line’ at Grove Hall. The third day emphasized small agri-food and artisanal businesses in the area with stops at two sugar shacks and the final winter market of the Huntingdon County Farmers’ Market.
Everything was offered at no cost to participants.
"This visit was an opportunity for me to explore the potential in terms of employment, and at the social and community level, that can be found in the regions," said Kalo Alliagu, an environmental engineer from Montreal. "I would like to thank all the wonderful people I met during this trip. I hope to find something and settle in the region," he added.
"The Discovery Day Weekends are very effective in breaking down the myths around rural life – namely that there are fewer, less interesting possibilities for young people and that there is little to do. We offer an exceptional opportunity to young professionals looking for opportunities outside the city. They meet with potential employers, network and build their contacts all while experiencing what it is to live in a rural region," said Sarah Rennie, the Migration Agent for Place aux Jeunes Haut-Saint-Laurent.
Place aux Jeunes en Région is focused on the migration, establishment and retention of young people between the ages of 18-35 in the regions. For more information on Place aux Jeunes Haut-Saint-Laurent, contact Sarah Rennie, Migration Agent, at 450-807-2479 or visit the website at www.placeauxjeunes.qc.ca/mrc-690.