Carrefour celebrates five years
French economic development marks milestone with new newcomer program
Karen K. Ho
Northern News Services
Monday, October 19, 2015
IQALUIT
Francophone economic development agency Carrefour Nunavut is celebrating its fifth anniversary with two initiatives aimed at building the territory's French-speaking business community.
Carrefour Nunavut interim director general Stéphanie Beauregard, left, communications and member services officer Francois Fortin and employment manager Julie Carrier at the economic development agency's annual general meeting on Oct. 13. - photo courtesy of Vincent Desrosiers |
Carrefour launched its first small business week on Oct. 12 and a newcomer program on Oct. 15.
Spokesperson Francois Fortin said the Passport Nunavut program came from public consultation with the francophone community two years ago.
"We wanted to have more resources," he said. "Most people said they wanted to be better equipped for welcoming newcomers in town."
After creating a welcome guide in French last year, Fortin said the Passport Nunavut program was created to better allow francophone newcomers to integrate into life in Iqaluit and Nunavut more quickly and more profoundly.
"We pick them up at the airport, we offer them a quick practical town tour," he said. "Then when we have a certain number of newcomers we organize a little conference to present the welcome guide, go a bit deeper and explain our services at Carrefour."
Fortin said Passport Nunavut program was also designed to help newcomers more easily discover francophone organizations and businesses.
The program uses a card that can fit in a wallet, like a coffee card.
Fortin said participants collect stamps by visiting participating organizations or businesses. And there are prizes for getting involved.
"When they get three stamps, they get a 8GB USB key," he said,
"When they have six, they receive a thermos. When they receive nine, they get a little knife."
"We believe it's a great way to discover the French community here."
Fortin said the intention of the program is to aid economic development through better integration of newcomers into the territory.
"We think they're more likely to stay also because they'll find they are more welcome and part of a community," he said.
"They feel at home."
Fortin said participating organizations and businesses also benefit by being better known by more newcomers and gaining more sales.
At press time, Fortin said nine francophone organizations and six businesses had signed up for Passport Nunavut, including services like Parks Canada.
On Oct. 13, Carrefour also elected its board of directors.
This year the board consists of four returning directors - Jonathan Poirier of Sanaqatiit Construction, Amy-Émilie Passalic of Studio 2628, Louis-Philip Pothier of Inukpak Outfitting and Cedric Rusike of Nunaforce - and new director Amelie Pelletier of Tumiit Solution and Tumiit Homestay.
