The Salon for newcomers returns - Second edition of the Salon de l'immigration et de l'intégration au Québec

MONTREAL, May 3, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Following last year's enthusiastic response, the Salon de l'immigration et de l'intégration au Québec (SIIQ) returns May 3 and 4 at Montreal's Palais des congrès. For this 2^nd edition, SIIQ doubles its surface area: 169 exhibitors will await and 24 conferences will liven up the two busy days. Organized by Immigrant Québec, the event gathers under the same roof the opportunities and services for newcomers, be they permanent residents, temporary workers or international students.

Over 10,000 visitors expected
In 2012, SIIQ attracted 7,000 visitors of 105 different nationalities. This year, the organizers expect to see over 10,000 visitors. Besides 24 conferences on themes like employment, training and daily living, SIIQ innovates this year by offering 24 workshops for which registration is required but admission is free. Organized in partnership with the Conférence régionale des élus (CRÉ) de Montréal, these workshops will offer interactive discussions on issues related to entrepreneurship, networking, résumés, employment interviews and regional life, among other topics.

"SIIQ is a unique opportunity to meet so many people who are closely related to immigration and integration in Quebec. Over two days, SIIQ focuses on all information useful to newcomers. And access to SIIQ and all activities is free," explained Jonathan Chodjaï, president of Immigrant Québec.

1 Salon, 169 exhibitors
Divided into seven zones, the trajectory follows the diverse stages of the immigration and integration project: (1) Arriving in Quebec, (2) Network of organizations part of the Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI), (3) Training, (4) Working, (5) Moving to a region, (6) Creating or taking over a business, and (7) Settling. Twenty companies will be part of SIIQ in the hope of recruiting new immigrant employees.

The 169 exhibitors include recruiters, organizations that help out newcomers, academic institutions, financial institutions, law firms, public institutions, representatives of various regions of Quebec, and many more.

An information booth that brings together various government players will be set up for the first time. "Immigrants can get all the information they need. In addition, the presence of so many exhibitors at the salon is a testament to the fact that the integration of newcomers is a responsibility shared by government and society," explains Diane De Courcy, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities and responsible for the Charter of the French Language.

SIIQ organizers emphasize their continued partnership with the event presenter, the Desjardins Group. "We're happy to present SIIQ for the second consecutive year. We know starting over in a new country is not easy, and that's why Desjardins has an entire team of professionals whose goal is to facilitate the integration of newcomers and why we offer a range of financial products and services adapted to their needs," said Chantale Picard, Vice-President, Complementary Networks division.

Important cultural component
Visitors will discover giant portraits by photographer Josias Gob, showcasing six personalities who have gone through the immigration experience. "Through these personalities' trajectories, visitors can project their own success and know it's possible to fulfil their dreams in Quebec. These personalities are references on the sometimes rocky road to integration. But there is calm after the storm," explains Delphine Folliet, CEO of Immigrant Québec. Works from immigrant artists are also showcased in various spaces. Theater company "Théâtre puzzle" will also present Plastique, a show for the entire family, on Saturday May 4 at 3 p.m., thanks to a partnership with the City of Montreal's Accès Culture network.

Every visitor will also be given a free copy of the 2013 guide Travailler au Québec.

The 2013 edition of SIIQ is made ​​possible by Desjardins, presenter of the event, as well as the following partners: the Government of Quebec, the Conférence régionale des élus (CRÉ) de Montréal, the City of Montreal, the Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI), Jobboom, LesPAC.com, as well as Journal Métro.

Salon de l'immigration et de l'intégration au Québec
Palais des congrès, Montreal
201, Viger Avenue West
Friday May 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
www.salonimmigration.com

About Immigrant Québec
A non-profit organization founded in 2006, Immigrant Québec aims to inform all persons who want to settle in Quebec - permanently or temporarily - about immigration and life in la belle province. Through its website, it provides highly documented information as well as access to comprehensive references, resources and services destined to immigrating persons.
www.immigrantquebec.com
Facebook: immigrantquebec
Twitter: @ImmigrantQuebec, #SIIQ

SOURCE: Salon de l'immigration et de l'intégration au Québec

Source:
Delphine Folliet
CEO
Immigrant Québec

Information and interview requests:
Julie Cassab
PGPR Public Relations
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Cell.: 514-513-3327
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Twitter: @JulzCass

Paule Genest, APR
PGPR Public Relations
514-845-7477, extension 23
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@ypgpr