CHARLOTTETOWN – Nov. 22, 2013 – The LIENS project (Linking economic immigration to our successes) is looking for French-speaking immigrants who have a permanent resident status or who are international students to participate in three-month, paid internships. And of course, employers (French or English) will also be needed to hire these new employees.

« These internships, part of an initiative we call PERCÉ Immigration, will take place from January to March, 2014, » explains coordinator Catherine Rioux. « The objective is to provide adult immigrants a work experience in their field of study or experience to give them an opportunity to acquire new skills, to meet Islanders who work in the same field and especially to facilitate their integration into the PEI work market. »

She explains newcomers from different cultures who arrive here often have a hard time finding a job, even though they may have considerable experience in a professional field.

It is expected that the immigrant interns will share with their new employer new ways of doing things they may have learned in their country of origin as well as business contacts they may have in other markets or countries that could be of benefit to the employer. « It provides an ideal occasion for immigrants to demonstrate their skills and savoir-faire in their field, » notes the coordinator.

Rioux said this program is being tried on a pilot basis with five interns this year. It may be expanded in coming years if it proves to be a success.

All those wishing to participate in the program, either as an intern or an employer, and those who wish to learn more about the program are urged to contact Rioux at (902) 370-7333, Ext. 404, or at catherine@rdeeipe.org. Applications must be received no later than Dec. 6.

The LIENS project and the PERCÉ Immigration program are both initiatives of RDÉE Prince Edward Island Inc., the provincial francophone economic development council.

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CUTLINE: Catherine Rioux, coordinator of the LIENS project, discusses the recruitment of immigrant participants for the new PERCÉ Immigration internship program with Bobby Thomas Cameron, settlement worker with the PEI Association of Newcomers to Canada.

For more information:

Catherine Rioux
Coordinator
LIENS Project and PERCÉ Immigration Program
(902) 370-7333, Ext. 404
catherine@rdeeipe.org