Mireille Thibault, auteur/autrice sur SADC-CAE

Destination Manufacturing 2026: One expo, one region, one pride. Over 400 youth expected in Saint-Paul-de-Montminy to explore local trades.

Posted on November 20, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, November 19, 2025 – Following the success of the first edition, the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, in partnership with the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet, Carrefour Région Montmagny, the Centre d’aide et de recherche d’emploi (CARE) Montmagny–L’Islet, and the Centre de services scolaire de la Côte-du-Sud, is proud to announce the second edition of the event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, this time at École secondaire de Saint-Paul in Saint-Paul-de-Montminy.

The choice of Saint-Paul-de-Montminy for this second edition reflects a commitment to showcasing the entire region to participating youth. Local pride, community engagement, and the promotion of future-oriented trades are at the heart of this initiative. In line with the action plan, future editions are expected to be held throughout the MRC de L’Islet, ensuring balanced representation across the territory. The goal of the expo remains the same: to introduce youth to the wide range of exciting careers available in the manufacturing sector.

Given the academic and career guidance content (COSP) presented at the event, the Trades Expo plays a key role in student success and school perseverance—supporting today’s students, tomorrow’s adults—by fostering motivation, engagement, and aspirations for both academic and professional paths.

In its first edition, nearly 20 companies took part. Official invitations to manufacturing businesses will be sent out in January 2026.

“We’re proud to launch the second edition of the expo, building on the experience of 2025. A trades expo is essential to inspire the workforce of tomorrow, encourage their return to our communities, and strengthen their connection to our region. It’s our responsibility to create real opportunities for discovery and dialogue between youth and local businesses,” stated the organizing committee of Destination Manufacturing Montmagny–L’Islet with one voice.

“Desjardins is proud to be a partner of the Trades Expo, which supports youth in discovering their vocation and offers them tangible prospects for building their future. Investing in youth means investing in our collective future. At Desjardins, being committed to youth means going beyond financial support,” said Julie Naud, General Manager of Desjardins Caisse de la MRC de Montmagny.

The organizing committee is also pleased to announce its Gold Partner, Desjardins, official presenter of the 2026 edition.

In the photo, from left to right: Annick Lachance, Project Officer; Caroline Gimbert, Executive Director, Carrefour Région Montmagny; Candide Harvey, Assistant Executive Director, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet; Julie Bilodeau, Principal, École secondaire de Saint-Paul; Christine Talbot, Local Development Advisor, Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet; and Sonia Proulx, Executive Director, Centre d’aide et de recherche d’emploi (CARE) Montmagny–L’Islet.

CAE Montmagny–L’Islet named provincial grand prize winner

Posted on November 5, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, November 4, 2025 – The Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet is proud to announce that it has received the Innovative Initiative Award – DÉL 2025 for its groundbreaking support projects with the tourism industry in the MRCs of Montmagny and L’Islet. Created by the Réseau des SADC-CAE du Québec for its 67 members, this award recognizes excellence in local economic development.

The award was presented last week during the network’s semi-annual conference in Lévis. This event brings together over 200 regional economic development professionals each year.

The winning project is an innovative support model developed by the CAE in collaboration with local tourism stakeholders.

In the MRC of Montmagny, the project takes the form of a recurring annual meeting model, including a seasonal debrief and a seasonal launch session. Each edition is held in a different municipality, offering a chance to showcase the region’s full tourism offering. These gatherings include site visits to local attractions, encouraging networking and highlighting hidden gems and local businesses.

In the MRC of L’Islet, support is provided through the creation of a personalized, user-friendly tool focused on e-reputation for tourism businesses. This tool is designed to enhance their digital visibility—a crucial factor in 2025 for attracting visitors, boosting sales, and strengthening the region’s appeal. By adopting this tool, businesses become more autonomous and proactive in managing their online presence, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive tourism market.

“We are extremely proud that our daily efforts are being recognized across the province. This award highlights the innovative nature of our support for tourism committees. Our model fosters collaboration and drives engagement. Every tourism business is a valuable ambassador: the more we support them, the greater the collective impact. By encouraging cooperation between businesses, municipalities, and regional partners, CAE helps make tourism an economic priority in Montmagny–L’Islet—year-round,” said Mireille Thibault, Executive Director.

– 30 –

In the attached photo, from left to right: Denis Lavoie, President; Christine Talbot, Communications and Local Development Advisor; and Mireille Thibault, Executive Director. All three represent CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

Nearly 200 talents express interest in settling in Montmagny–L’Islet thanks to economic mission

Posted on October 8, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, October 7, 2025 – The Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, in collaboration with the CLD and the MRC of Montmagny, is proud to share the positive outcomes of the recent economic mission held in Montreal during the 2025 Employment and Social Integration Fair for Asylum Seekers, organized by INICI on Thursday, October 2.

Mireille Thibault, Executive Director of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet, and Élyse Mercier, Immigration Officer at the MRC of Montmagny, met with over 400 highly skilled individuals motivated to settle in the region. This large-scale event brought together more than 4,000 participants and highlighted the importance of inclusion, regional development, and collaboration between economic and community sectors.

Building on the success of its 2023 pilot project Nouveau Départ, the CAE continues its mission to support businesses in creating and maintaining sustainable jobs, in partnership with local organizations.

The individuals met during this economic mission are exempt from the 10% cap on temporary foreign workers imposed on businesses. This represents a valuable and sustainable solution to address the labour shortage while supporting regional economic growth.

“We had the privilege of meeting incredibly skilled, motivated individuals who are fully prepared to integrate into our workplaces and communities. Their level of French and willingness to establish themselves permanently in the region exceeded our expectations. This is a unique opportunity for our businesses to meet their labour needs,” said Mireille Thibault.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the thorough preparatory work carried out by the MRC of Montmagny with local businesses to identify their specific workforce needs. Companies interested in learning more are invited to contact Martine Leullier at the MRC of Montmagny at 418-248-5985, extension 240.

– 30 –

Source:
Christine Talbot, Communications and Local Development Advisor
CAE Montmagny–L’Islet
418-248-4815 | [email protected]

Mobile ticketing takes centre stage across Québec at the FQM conference

Posted on October 2, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, October 1, 2025 – The mobile ticketing system deployed in the MRCs of Montmagny and L’Islet stood out on the provincial stage during the annual conference of the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM). Presented during the panel “Collaboration in Local Development: SADC and CAE and MRC Development Services”, this local innovation captured the interest of elected officials and economic development stakeholders from across Québec.

During the discussion moderated by Mr. Pascal Harvey, CEO of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, Ms. Mireille Thibault, Executive Director of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, proudly showcased the project. She was joined by Mr. Frédéric Jean, Warden of the MRC of Montmagny, who took part in the panel, and Mr. Normand Caron, Warden of the MRC of L’Islet, who was present in the room to support this innovative initiative.

Developed to address the challenges of regions distant from urban centres, the mobile ticketing system tackles issues such as poor cellular coverage, an aging population, digital literacy gaps, and rural isolation. This project was made possible through a strong partnership between CAE Montmagny–L’Islet, Les Arts de la scène in Montmagny, the Centre socioculturel Gérard-Ouellet in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, and Dépanneur Voisin Famille Simard in Saint-Pamphile.

Thanks to portable ticketing terminals installed in local businesses and strategic locations, the mobile ticketing system expands access to culture and sports. It ensures universal accessibility and drives traffic to local shops. This system fosters cultural and sports participation while generating local benefits: increased foot traffic, impulse purchases, and strong connections between culture, sports, and local commerce.

For organizers, the mobile ticketing solution offers a modern and secure management tool, enabling better insights into audience demographics, more effective communication with attendees, and reduced risks of fraud and cash handling.

“Mobile ticketing is a perfect example of the power of collaboration between the CAE and the MRCs. Five years after its launch, this innovation continues to be recognized as a driver of vitality and inclusion for rural communities. Its presentation at the FQM confirms its relevance and shows that projects rooted in local realities can inspire and shine throughout Québec,” said Mireille Thibault, Executive Director of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

– 30 –

Source:
Christine Talbot, Communications and Local Development Advisor
CAE Montmagny–L’Islet
418-248-4815 | [email protected]

Leadership transition and record breaking year at CAE Montmagny-L’Islet

Posted on May 30, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, May 30, 2025 – The Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet held its annual general meeting today, marking the end of a remarkable 2024–2025 fiscal year. The organization continued to carry out its mission with dedication, agility, and a close connection to the entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, and social economy organizations in the region. The meeting also marked the end of Mr. Normand Gauvin’s term. We sincerely thank him for his 13 years of commitment to the board of directors, including two years as chair. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in raising the CAE’s profile and driving local economic development. We are also pleased to welcome Mr. Denis Lavoie as the new chair of the board. His deep understanding of the local environment and strong commitment to the entrepreneurial community will be valuable assets in pursuing our mission.

In 2024–2025, the CAE authorized 20 loans, generating over $3 million in investments. These funds helped create 15 jobs and maintain 58 others throughout the Montmagny–L’Islet territory, making a concrete contribution to the region’s economic vitality. Support was provided through various funds, including the Regular Investment Fund, the Youth Strategy Fund, the FlexiLoan pilot project, and the new Green Strategy Fund. These initiatives supported start-ups, business expansions, modernization efforts, and ownership transitions. Investments were allocated across three key sectors: services (65%), commercial (20%), and agriculture (15%). In addition, the CAE delivered nearly 300 technical support interventions, highlighting the quality and relevance of its personalized approach. This tailored support remains one of the CAE’s greatest strengths in fostering close relationships with entrepreneurs.

Over the past year, the CAE team contributed to the rollout of more than 40 local economic development projects and events. Highlights include the very first Sustainable Vision Regional Gala, six business succession events, eight networking activities, 12 trainings sessions, four recognition events, three buy-local campaigns, and active participation in regional tourism initiatives. These efforts brought together over 1,500 participants and showcased entrepreneurship in all its forms.

“Our team and board members have met challenges with professionalism and creativity. Thanks to their dedication and the trust of our partners, we are entering a new year with confidence,” concluded Mr. Denis Lavoie, Chair, and Ms. Mireille Thibault, Executive Director of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

The CAE extends heartfelt thanks to its partners, clients, and collaborators, as well as to Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions for its financial support.

– 30 –

Source: Christine Talbot, Communications Advisor, CAE Montmagny–L’Islet | 418-248-4815 | [email protected]

OVER 85 PEOPLE GATHERED UNDER THE THEME OF INNOVATION – An inspiring day dedicated to the digital transformation of manufacturing businesses

Posted on May 8, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, May 8, 2025 – The organizing committee—composed of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, the MRC of Montmagny, the MRC of L’Islet, the Kamouraska–L’Islet Chamber of Commerce (CCKL), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the MRC of Montmagny (CCIM), Chaudière-Appalaches Économique, and the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale—is proud to announce the success of the very first Innovation 2025 Montmagny–L’Islet event. This initiative was made possible thanks to financial support from the Government of Québec.

More than 85 participants attended the event, which took place on May 1 at the Cap-Saint-Ignace Cultural Centre. The day was designed to equip manufacturing businesses in Montmagny–L’Islet to face the challenges of digital transformation, fostering concrete exchanges, inspiration, and networking. Over 17 exhibitors were on-site to showcase their solutions and technologies, including the Chaudière-Appalaches Digital Squad, made up of Investissement Québec, Développement PME Chaudière-Appalaches, the Synchronex Network, CEI Québec, ERAC Chaudière-Appalaches, and financial institutions.

Among the key topics presented was a talk on innovation management in large-scale manufacturing, delivered by Mr. André Dufresne, Plant Manager at Teknion. He was followed by Mr. Badr Bouziane, Project Office Director and expert in computer vision and artificial intelligence at the Centre de robotique et de vision industrielle (CRVI), who highlighted the practical applications of AI in the manufacturing sector. The program also featured a presentation by the AEQ Montmagny Industrial Fablab and a workshop on practical applications of AI in entrepreneurship.

One of the day’s highlights was undoubtedly the panel featuring three local companies—Paber, Armoires Mathurin, and Art Massif—who generously shared their innovation journeys. Their contributions were praised by attendees for their relevance, authenticity, and inspirational value.

Holding an event like Innovation 2025 is especially meaningful in a context where digital transformation is no longer optional, but essential. Creating a space for reflection, sharing, and learning around this current theme helps strengthen business resilience, enables them to better anticipate change, and remain competitive in a constantly evolving market.

“With the insights shared throughout the day, it is clear that we must act now to maintain a dynamic and prosperous region. By organizing Innovation 2025, our shared goal was to create a stimulating and practical space to reflect on the future of our businesses—right here in Montmagny–L’Islet. The strong turnout, the quality of exchanges, and the positive energy felt throughout the day confirm that we collectively met a real need. We are proud of this collective mobilization, which sends a strong message of economic unity for Montmagny–L’Islet,” stated the members of the Innovation 2025 organizing committee with one voice.

– 30 –

Source:
Christine Talbot, Communications and Local Development Advisor, CAE Montmagny–L’Islet, 418-248-4815 | [email protected]

Succès retentissant pour la première édition du Salon des Métiers

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, le 7 mai 2025 – Le tout premier Salon des Métiers – Destination manufacturière Montmagny-L’Islet, tenu le 23 avril dernier à l’École secondaire Louis-Jacques-Casault, a connu un franc succès, réunissant plus de 400 élèves de 2e secondaire et des classes d’adaptation scolaire provenant des quatre écoles secondaires de Montmagny-L’Islet.

Cet événement a permis aux jeunes de visiter plus de 20 kiosques, offrant une immersion concrète dans les métiers d’avenir du secteur. Les élèves ont pu échanger directement avec des professionnels passionnés, explorant ainsi les nombreuses opportunités de carrière disponibles sur leur propre territoire.

La journée a débuté par un panel d’ouverture dynamique, mettant en lumière des parcours inspirants et des témoignages motivants. Les élèves ont ensuite participé à un « musée des découvertes », une activité interactive favorisant l’exploration et la curiosité.

« La réussite de cette toute première édition du Salon des Métiers manufacturiers démontre l’importance de créer des occasions concrètes pour faire découvrir aux jeunes la richesse des possibilités d’emplois et de carrières qui existent chez nous. C’est en valorisant nos métiers d’avenir que nous contribuons collectivement à bâtir une relève forte et enracinée en Montmagny-L’Islet. Dans un contexte où la démographie joue contre nous, il est essentiel de travailler main dans la main pour inspirer les jeunes, qui sont nos travailleuses et travailleurs de demain » nous mentionne d’un commun accord le comité organisateur.

Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce à la collaboration du comité organisateur, composé du Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny-L’Islet, du Centre d’aide et de recherche d’emploi (CARE) Montmagny-L’Islet, du Centre de services scolaire de la Côte-du-Sud, du Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet et du Carrefour Région Montmagny.

-30-

Source : Christine Talbot, conseillère en communication et en développement local, CAE Montmagny-L’Islet,

418 248-4815 | [email protected]

A resounding success for the first edition of the career fair

Posted on May 7, 2025December 2, 2025 by Mireille Thibault

Montmagny, May 7, 2025 – The very first Career Fair – Destination Manufacturing Montmagny–L’Islet, held on April 23 at École secondaire Louis-Jacques-Casault, was a resounding success, bringing together more than 400 Grade 8 students and special education classes from the four high schools in the Montmagny–L’Islet region.

The event gave students the opportunity to explore over 20 booths, offering hands-on insight into promising trades in the manufacturing sector. Students engaged directly with passionate professionals, discovering a wide range of career opportunities available right in their own region.

The day began with a dynamic opening panel that showcased inspiring career paths and motivational testimonials. Students then took part in a “discovery museum,” an interactive activity designed to spark curiosity and exploration.

“The success of this very first edition of the Manufacturing Career Fair shows just how important it is to create real opportunities for young people to discover the wealth of jobs and careers available here at home. By promoting our trades of the future, we are collectively helping to build a strong, locally rooted new generation in Montmagny–L’Islet. In a context where demographic trends are working against us, it is essential that we join forces to inspire our youth—the workforce of tomorrow,” stated the organizing committee.

This project was made possible through the collaboration of the organizing committee, which includes the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, the Centre d’aide et de recherche d’emploi (CARE) Montmagny–L’Islet, the Centre de services scolaire de la Côte-du-Sud, the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet, and the Carrefour Région Montmagny.

-30-

Source: Christine Talbot, Communications Advisor, CAE Montmagny–L’Islet | 418-248-4815 | [email protected]