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The Mauricie at a glance
Stories
You’ll find below several examples of integration, as immigrants of various backgrounds and skills, who have settled here and made the Mauricie their home, tell their stories:
Haut St-Maurice
MRC Des Chenaux
MRC Maskinongé
Eduardo Pena
José W James
Michael Nivelle
Sarah Barbieux
MRC Mékinac
City of Shawinigan
Abdoulaye Souley
Patrick Muller
Teresita Méndez
City of Trois-Rivières
Nadine Abboud – Haut-Saint-Maurice (Top)
What is your country of origin?
Egypt (Alexandria)
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
29 years ago.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In La Tuque (Haut-St-Maurice).
What is your line of work?
I am currently a spiritual guidance and community involvement animator. I used to teach.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
I didn’t really choose. I got married.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
I came as a child with my parents and we settled in Montreal. This is where my integration took place. It was easier because I was going to school. I already spoke French
because I had attended a private school in Alexandria. I’m also a Catholic. When I arrived in La Tuque, the adjustment was for the Montrealer in me rather than the Egyptian.
The fresh fragrance of the forest and a peaceful environment made me feel like I was on vacation. Today, I’m really at home in La Tuque. Of course, I have foreign roots, but
I have the chance to have a triple cultural heritage: I’m a Quebecer, a European (because of the nuns) and an Egyptian.
Stathis Petridis - MRC Des Chenaux (Top)
What is your country of
origin?
Greece.
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
I have been living in the Mauricie for 9 years.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
I settled in a lovely village called Saint-Stanislas (MRC Des Chenaux).
What is your line of work?
Agriculture and renovation.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
I chose the Mauricie for its beauty.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
When I arrived with my family in Saint-Stanislas, we settled on a piece of
land where we built a greenhouse to grow exotic fruit (figs) and other organic products. During maple sugar season, I work in a sugarhouse. In the spring and summer, I work in
the Parc de la rivière Batiscan. During the remaining time, I do some renovation work. I follow all the cultural activities. I’m a member of the village cultural
committee (concerts, exhibitions, etc.). In my free time I do some artistic painting.
Eduardo Pena – MRC Maskinongé (Top)
What is
your country of origin?
Cuba
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
About 7 years ago.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
At Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc (MRC Maskinongé).
What is your line of work?
Teaching.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
My wife lives here.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
It was not easy at first because of the language barrier, but once I became fluent, I had no problems. People are very nice and accepting of others. This is not a stressful
place. The pace of life is great and nature is beautiful. I love it here.
José W. James – MRC Maskinongé (Top)
What is your country of origin?
Mexico.
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
16 years ago.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
I lived 11 years in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc and 5 years in Saint-Léon-le-Grand (MRC Maskinongé).
What is your line of work?
Growing daylilies (ornamental perennial plants) for sale through mail order or on site.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
First in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, which I loved for the beauty of its landscapes and the kindness of its people. I’m relatively new to Saint-Léon-le-Grand. This is a
very nice place. The land and weather are perfect for my plants. As far as I’m concerned, the specific area where I settled is fabulous. In the middle of an agricultural zone,
with the forest close by and easy access to large cities such as Trois-Rivières and Montreal, it’s great!
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
I had no problems integrating. I had prepared for a long time before
coming, and my arrival in Québec was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I already knew about Québec and I chose to come here because of the
French language, which I love. I was very well received wherever I went, either to look for a job, later to go into business, to conduct business dealings and finally to start up a small
company. Without renouncing my homeland, which I also love very much, I’m proud to have chosen Québec.
Michaël Nivelle – MRC Maskinongé (Top)
What is your country of origin?
France.
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
3 years ago
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
Sainte-Ursule (MRC Maskinongé)
What is your line of work?
Woodworking – Kitchen furniture manufacturer.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
The Mauricie is rich in natural resources. Several
wood processing companies are based here. The region offered very exciting job opportunities. In addition, its rural areas provide great home ownership opportunities to young
families.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
Despite some administrative hiccups, I learned to discover and appreciate
this unique Québec culture. The French saying "Qui prend femme prend pays" (when you take a wife you also take her country) is quite reflective of my initial steps
overseas. Immigration being an adjustment process, patience and open-mindedness are two things that have helped me achieve what I would call a successful integration.
Sarah Barbieux – MRC Maskinongé (Top)
What is
your country of origin?
France (Roma)
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In 1991.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
Saint-Paulin (MRC Maskinongé)
What is your line of work?
In the cultural and artistic fields.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
For its natural beauty and its central location in the province.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
After settling in Montreal in 1979 and in the Montérégie in 1983, I finally discovered that the Mauricie was the place that best met my needs and was the most
welcoming. Hope for a better life soon emerged. Over time, as in nature, our roots have to be nurtured so we have the strength to grow branches and bear fruits that will be shared
in our immediate environment and our new homeland. I was given the opportunity to start my own multidisciplinary troupe in 1980. Since then, Caravane has been touring the
province year round with shows and animations for all. Born in a faraway place, my dream took shape and was realized here, and it lives on, creating for the public a world of joy and
fantasy. During my travels, I became acutely aware that integration is a bridge that has to be built from both shores, where everyone makes an effort to listen and understand
others.
Alphonse Pittet – MRC Mékinac (Top)
What is your country of origin?
Switzerland (French-speaking part).
Whe
n did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In March 1980.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In Saint-Tite (MRC Mékinac)
What is your line of work?
Dairy production.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
The targeted operation was in Saint-Tite.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
To get fully integrated, I got actively involved with farming organizations in the Mauricie, and I was well accepted. Our business has always maintained privileged trade links
with regional businesses. My spouse and I are co-owners of La Ferme Pittet Inc. As an agricultural producer I sit on various boards of directors: Cercle
d’amélioration du bétail de la Mauricie, Conseil provincial des cercles d’amélioration du bétail, Valacta, Québec Dairy
Production Centre of Expertise, Centre d’insémination artificielle du Québec, Table de concertation sur la reproduction, and various other committees. On
the social scene, I belonged to a hockey league. I was an actor with an amateur theatre company, where I met my wife. I took an intensive course in human relations which prepared
me to deal with people of all backgrounds. My wife and I are the proud parents of two boys aged 18 and 19, who hold dual citizenship. Getting involved in my children’s
education has allowed me to meet other parents, which enhanced my integration. Today, regardless of my origins, I get from my fellow citizens and professional colleagues the
same acceptance I would get if I were born in Canada.
Abdoulaye Souley – City of Shawinigan (Top)
What is your country of
origin?
Niger (West Africa).
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
I arrived in the Mauricie in August 2005.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
I first settled in Trois-Rivières because I was registered at the Université du Québec à
Trois-Rivières (UQTR). I subsequently moved to Shawinigan.
What is your line of work?
In the field of finance, more specifically as a financial analyst.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
I would say it was based on advice from my cousin who was attending the Université du Québec
à Trois-Rivières.He told me about the region, especially the City of Trois-Rivières, and after a first visit, I decided to register at the UQTR. I appreciated
the proximity to major centers such as Montreal and Quebec City. I felt the Mauricie would be a great place to live, without the stress of large cities, while still being close by.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
My integration has been going well ever since I arrived. I have been living in Canada for about 7 years, including 4 years in New Brunswick. The fact that I had been through
other countries helped me, over time, develop a much more open mind, take into account differences in my surrounding and better integrate them in my daily life and in my way of
seeing things. Of course, integration is a long-term process where both the immigrant and the host country have to keep their side of the bargain. Still, it should be pointed out that
it took some time before I could find a job in my field; this is obviously one of the major problems facing immigrants, whether they earned their diplomas in Canada or came here with
diplomas from their home country. To provide a better integration, we’ll have to redouble our efforts in this area. Fortunately, things are changing. There is an increased
awareness of the need to make things happen to improve the outlook for the future.
Patrick Muller – City of Shawinigan (Top)
What is your country of origin?
France, specifically from the Alsace region.
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
Almost 3 years ago.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In Shawinigan.
What is your line of work?
In the field of tax accounting.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
To be closer to nature, with easy access to Montreal/Quebec City.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
What really helped my integration was that I had a good preparation to start with. In fact, I took the time to get relevant information on the immigration process in
Québec as well as on Québec itself, by searching through websites and making three trips there, which got me better acquainted with the area. After my arrival in
Shawinigan to permanently live there, I had to deal with several problems (including finding a job), but I had the good fortune of meeting the right people at the right time and
getting assistance in the process from very proficient resources, including the Newcomers Aid Service (SANA Shawinigan), which made my job search and my integration much
easier. There was nothing unusual about my immigration experience: all immigrants have to deal with problems, this is life, and they’re often the same problems we faced in
our home country. But all things considered, I live a happy life in Shawinigan. I came to Québec for its way of life and culture, and for personal growth. I really feel at home
here.
Teresita Méndez – City of Shawinigan (Top)
What is your country of
origin?
Mexico.
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
2 years ago.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
In Shawinigan.
What is your line of work?
In the field of law. I’m studying for my Québec bar exams so that I can practice my profession here.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
My husband works here.
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
I love the city. It provides a quiet living environment that really suits me.
Regarding my integration, I want to stress that it’s very important to respect the Quebec culture. I love this culture and really enjoy discovering it. I don’t feel like a
stranger here because I can find in Québec all the values and features that I really cherished in my homeland (respect, tolerance, open-hearted hospitality…). My
integration has gone very well so far. The main problem I have encountered has been the language, but I’m taking some courses to correct the situation.
Couple Adzakpa - Trois-Rivières (Top)
Names
Ruben Adzakpa
Deborah Adzakpa
What is your country of origin?
Togo
When did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
Ruben settled in the Mauricie in January 2006.
Déborah settled in the Mauricie in September 2007.
Where did you arrive/settle in the Mauricie?
Trois-Rivières.
What is your line of work?
Ruben works in research and development (electrical and computer engineering). He’s currently working on a Hydro-Quebec-funded project that involves generating
residential electricity from fuel cells. Fuel cells use an electrochemical process to generate electrical energy from oxygen (found in air) and hydrogen.
Déborah works in health services: she is currently employed as an attendant in a senior citizens home. At the same time, she’s studying in a vocational school to become a nursing assistant.
Why did you choose to come to the Mauricie?
The first reason was that Ruben found a job in the above-mentioned project, and Déborah came as a result of this. Also, given the different lifestyles offered in the
Mauricie, we decided to settle here. Other considerations were the friendships we have made with people in the region, the low cost of living, affordable housing, and the different
social and recreational activities available. An additional reason was the region’s geographical location (especially Trois-Rivières) providing easy access to
Québec’s two largest cities (Montreal and Quebec City).
In a few words, could you give us a general description of your integration experience?
Our integration occurred gradually but quickly. We made several friends. We found an apartment without too much trouble. We enjoy visiting different sites in Québec
with friends: the Montmorency Falls, the Mauricie valley, etc.
Déborah was a nurse in Togo. Before coming to the region, she had already registered in a vocational school to become a nursing assistant. She started her studies one week after arriving in Trois-Rivières. To find a job while she was studying, she contacted the Centre de recherche d’emploi de la Mauricie (job search center) where she was given assistance to write her resumé in the usual format. She was able to get her first job even before the end of the job search assistance process.These are a few points about our settlement and integration experience in the Mauricie.
(Top)
Where is the Mauricie?
Clic on the map.
This site was created with financial support from the ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles du Québec,
the Conférence régionale des élus de la Mauricie and SADC Centre-de-la-Mauricie. See complete credits.