Temporary immigration | “For the moment, we are good here”

The press Returns this summer in regions visited last year, where temporary immigration seemed full of promises. Today, the rules have changed … and the future too.

In a year, Shawki Tallous and Mariem Ksaier have changed pace: a second child, a new job, travel projects … and the persistent desire to anchor themselves, where their future begins to take shape.

Originally from Tunisia, they gradually root in Saint-Ubalde, a pretty agricultural village of 1450 inhabitants, an hour from Quebec, known for its potato fields.

They still live in the quadruplex that they bought on rue Saint-Paul. Their accommodation, modest and “poorly divided” – you have to go through their room to access that of children – is not perfect. But it is with them.

“If we wanted to enlarge here, we should take another accommodation from the quadruplex. But that would mean to expel someone. And that, we don’t want to do it, ”explains Shawki, 40, in the living room, where toys hang out near the sofa.

In the meantime, work is provided: roof, windows, insulation. And maybe, one day, a house.

The arrival of Naseem

In October, the birth of their second son, Naseem, was a trigger. Shawki took advantage of his parental leave to think about his future.

Since his arrival in Quebec in 2020, he worked at Patates Dolbec, one of the main employers in the region. Recruited in Tunisia, he obtained the permanent residence in 2022, at the same time as Mariem, arrived in June of that year.

“We had to make choices,” he says.

At the beginning of winter, Shawki started a recruitment process at Alcaa, an alumina factory located in Deschambault, a 30 -minute drive. Confident to have the post, he started talking to his employer about it. A supervisor even came to meet him: an attempt to hold him back. Finally, he wrote a resignation letter.

“It was an emotional letter,” he said.

“The owners thanked me. It was reciprocal. Five years is a lot. »»

From $ 26 to $ 46 per hour

Today, Shawki, a university graduate in agronomy in his country, is machine operator at Alcaa. The position, accessible with a 5^e secondary, is well below his skills. The environment was a bit difficult at the start, but it feels better every day. Rolling bridges, mussels, molten metal … Nothing to do with potatoes.

“It’s another world. We have to learn a new lexicon. But it’s worth it. »»

His salary almost doubled, from $ 26 to $ 46 per hour.

“It is a very big change. It is financial security. We feel a little better, because we were a little just. You had to make choices. »»

A relief, therefore. But employment remains precarious: it is on call, with irregular schedules.

“Sometimes they call me the day before. Sometimes at 5 a.m. I’m new, so I say yes. »»

The factory has more than 500 employees. Shawki is the only one of Tunisian origin. “Ninety-nine percent of employees are Quebecois,” he says.

How is it going?

Youssef’s mom

Mariem, 31, is on maternity leave until October. She hesitates to resume her post with Patates Dolbec, and dreams of trying something else.

“I would like a stress -free job. Maybe at the daycare. I never tried. »»

She also plans to return to studies. Agronomy? Early childhood education? Nothing is decided. For the moment, his priority remains children’s well-being.

“We are good here. The daycare is close, and everyone is peaceful. »»

She is the only immigrant to daycare.

“At first, people were surprised because I wear the veil. Now I’m Youssef’s mom. I volunteer, I speak with other mothers. It breaks the ice. »»

A lot of concern

More and more Tunisians settle in the region.

“There are Tunisians in the village, some who are hosted by their employer, others who rent apartments, here in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade and Saint-Casimir,” said Shawki.

But the uncertainty hovers. The process of obtaining the permanent residence has slowed down and complicated. Low -skilled workers live in stress. Many hope to stay, bringing their family.

At Patates Dolbec, the rules have changed, as in other companies. The maximum threshold of temporary foreign workers increased from 20 % to 10 %. Several requests for the impact study on the labor market (EIMT) have been refused.

“We want people who stay with us, insists M^me SAVARD. They are here with their family, then they turn the local economy. But whenever the measures change, we have to see our whole way of doing things. »»

One step at a time

This summer, Mariem left for Tunisia with children. Shawki was to join her during the construction holidays.

“It will be my second trip in six years,” he said before leaving. My family has not yet seen the baby. I’m eager to. »»

And after? Renovations? Home ? Move closer to Deschambault?

Shawki prefers not to project too far.

“One step at a time. For the moment, we are well here. »»