Adelina and Malik left everything to start zero again, here, at the foot of Mount Tremblant. A corner of paradise, they say. But their dream of stability is crumbling, caught up in increasingly restrictive immigration rules.
Located in the heart of the Laurentides, Mont-Tremblant is the third tourist destination in Quebec. Renowned for its ski resort, its pedestrian village, its national park and its many outdoor activities, the city attracts more than three million visitors each year.
Behind this showcase, a more fragile reality: the local economy rests in part on an immigrant workforce.
Infographic the press
At Fairmont Tremblant, some 60 of the 277 employees have temporary status. The hotel houses several of them in houses it rents in Saint-Jovite, a city sector.
“When we bring people from abroad, we are able to house them in our houses temporarily,” explains Julie Labelle, assistant human resources director. We accompany them from A to Z. ”
Photo Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, the press
The Fairmont Tremblant is at the foot of the Mont to which it owes its name.
But since the federal government has imposed a new rule limiting the number of temporary employees at 10 % at 10 % – that is to say less than $ 34.62 per hour – that each company can hire, everything is paralyzed.
“We are already going beyond this ratio,” underlines Julie Labelle. We cannot therefore renew their permits. »»
“A little corner of paradise”
Adelina Rebelo, 55, arrived from Brazil in July 2023. Her son Lucas, 29, joined him a few months later. Both were hired at the hotel: she as a maid, as a teammate at the housekeeping.
“When I saw Mont-Tremblant, I said to myself: my God, we are going to work in a little corner of paradise,” she said in impeccable French.
Before coming to Quebec, she lived eight years in Switzerland, then returned to Brazil, where violence caught up with her. “We suffered three armed robbery at home. I saw the bandits with a revolver on my son’s head, like that. »»
Convinced by Brazilian friends living in Montreal, she left São Paulo. Today, she feels good and wants to stay in Quebec for good.
Photo Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, the press
Adelina Rebelo, 55, arrived from Brazil in July 2023.
It’s amazing. The security we have here is no price.
Adelina Rebelo
But his days in the country could be counted. His work permit and that of his son expire in December. And as they cannot be renewed because of the 10 %rule, the only chance to remain from Adelina and Lucas is to obtain the permanent residence, the last step before citizenship.
“We have everything you need, but we lost eight months, because the program was suspended from October 2024 to July 2025,” she explains. During this time, no one could be invited to make a request. And we were in the basin. We could have been selected. »»
So she clings to what she has left.
“I pray every day. I light my candles at home. We go to mass every Sunday, Lucas and I. That’s all we can do … and wait. »»
“Stay as long as possible”
Malik Labihat, 32, arrived from France in January 2024 with a closed work permit which, at the time, still made it possible to be accompanied by his family. His spouse has obtained an open work permit, and their 6 -year -old son is registered in school, an option which is no longer offered under the current rules.
They integrated well.
Photo Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, the press
Malik Labihat, 32, arrived from France in January 2024.
Here, I like everything, nature, tranquility, the education system. It is more open, more human.
Malik bawihat
But he too lives in uncertainty.
“My license expires in January 2026. I don’t even have six months left. You have to think of the school, and you have to think about the accommodation, if you have to return to France. »»
“Their little touch”
The Fairmont Tremblant, like other employers in the region, finds itself in an impasse. The federal limit prevents renewing permits… and hiring again.
Photo Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, the press
View of a terrace of the Fairmont Tremblant
Could the hotel work without these temporary employees?
“No, replies Julie Labelle. It would be necessary to close restaurants, restrict opening hours, may be reducing rooms, our availability. »»
For her, their contribution greatly exceeds logistics.
“This is what enriches the working environment. They all bring their little touch. »»
Photo Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, the press
Fairmont Tremblant’s Deputy Human Resources Director Julie Labelle
It brings wealth in the hotel for customer service. We have employees who speak several languages. Sometimes it’s practical.
Julie Labelle, Deputy Director of Human Resources of Fairmont Tremblant
Julie Labelle is categorical: “We want to keep them, and they want to stay. »»
Adelina keeps hope. “I’m going to stay here until the last day,” she said.