Unveiling of Sept-Îles' newest landmark

In the heart of Quebec's Côte-Nord region, Sept-Îles has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. One of the most notable changes is the influx of temporary foreign workers, who have brought new energy and diversity to the community.

A tropical grocery store now graces the streets north of the 50th parallel, offering a wide variety of imported products that were once hard to find in the region. This is just one example of the changes that have taken place in Sept-Îles.

Companies in Sept-Îles have been buying houses and residential buildings to accommodate workers and their families, reflecting the growing demand for housing. Immigration has become prevalent in various sectors, including mechanics, cooking, heavy truck driving, accounting, reception, serving, teaching, roofing, welding, butchering, and more.

Regional entrepreneurs initially saw the project as a complex and costly venture. However, things began to change after the health crisis, with the number of temporary foreign workers significantly increasing. In 2022, approximately 200 new temporary foreign workers arrived in Sept-Îles each year.

The A&W and McDonald's restaurants were among the first to hire temporary foreign workers in the mid-2010s. Since then, agencies have set up to offer "turnkey" foreign recruitment, and CV banks have run dry.

Data from Quebec's statistical institute predicts that the region could lose 17% of its population by 2051, the highest demographic decline in the province. However, the influx of temporary foreign workers has helped to counteract this trend. According to Economic Development Sept-Îles, at least 850 positions were filled by temporary foreign workers between 2022 and 2025.

Elizabeth Fragoso, responsible for outreach and communications at Développement économique Sept-Îles, estimates this number. She also noted that after 2021-2022, the number of temporary foreign workers significantly increased.

The pandemic seems to have marked a significant shift in the influx of temporary foreign workers in Sept-Îles. In 2022, there were three to four asylum seekers, and in 2023, over 70 asylum seekers were reported. Law firms are specializing in immigration to meet the growing demand.

The CISSS de la Côte-Nord hired two employees from immigration in 2019, but by 2024, they had hired 79. The Fer school board in Sept-Îles has opened two welcome classes for primary school children to accommodate the growing number of new residents.

One family from Cameroon even saved the last bowling alley in Sept-Îles by becoming its owner. These changes are not just statistics; they represent the faces and stories of people who have chosen to make Sept-Îles their new home.

Hélène Lejeune, Director of Programs at Alpha Lira, noted that things have accelerated since the health crisis. The transformation of Sept-Îles is ongoing, and the community continues to welcome temporary foreign workers with open arms.