Nov1caisseimmunotec Gov

News Flash!

Information on Labour Market November 1st, 2006 Edition

This series of News Flash articles provides a brief overview of labour market events occurring throughout Quebec’s regions. The regions are listed alphabetically and followed by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

Bas Saint-Laurent Region Aimé Gaudreau sawmill to close: Wood Product Manufacturing (NAICS 321)

Pohénégamook – The crisis in the forestry industry is claiming more victims in the region. The J.D. Irving Group has just announced that the Aimé Gaudreau sawmill in Pohénégamook is to close on December 22. In all, 58 workers with an average age of 54 will lose their jobs. This closing will hit the municipality hard in terms of indirect fall-out and transportation. For the time being, the facility will not be dismantled, since faith is being put in the assistance plan for the forestry industry announced by the Quebec government to revive the enterprise. Municipal authorities hope to find a new promoter interested in modernizing the plant or else finding a new vocation for it.

Centre-du-Québec Region Canadian Tire expected to expand in 2007 General Merchandise Stores (NAICS 452)

Drummondville – The Canadian Tire store plans to add 30,000 square feet in 2007, bringing total floor area to over 75,000 square feet. The investment allocated for the project amounts to $2.8 million. Twenty new jobs will be created, some full and others part-time, in addition to the 140 existing positions. This expansion is in line with the new concepts developed by the company. Since Canadian Tire is targeting a female clientele, seasonal departments (camping, swimming, Xmas decorations, etc.) and interior decor will be given more space. http://www.canadiantire.com

Chaudière-Appalaches Region Meubles Beaucerons to stay open Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (NAICS 337)

St Georges de Beauce – Contrary to last August’s announcement, Meubles Beaucerons will not be closing down. Management said that the company must honour its order book commitments. The company has therefore decided to postpone its final closure to a later date. The wood furniture manufacturer currently employs over 100 people. 1

Unicoop invests $2 million Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers (NAICS 444)

St Joseph de Beauce – The building will be completely demolished and the new hardware store will triple in space. The reconstruction will allow for the provision of new services and the creation of 10 new jobs, thereby doubling the workforce. The project should be completed by April 2007.

New restaurant in St Nicolas Food Services and Drinking Places (NAICS 722)

St Nicolas – It cost the Boston Pizza chain $2 million to build a new restaurant. Close to 160 workers were hired as a result of the opening of the new establishment.

Gaspésie – Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine Region CHNC bought out by its employees: Broadcasting (except Internet) (NAICS 515)

Carleton – A group of ten employees, organized as a co-operative, has just acquired radio station CHNC in New Carlisle and is investing to computerize the facilities. Founded in 1933, the station covers a huge area and has a well established following. The new owners are awaiting CRTC approval to finalize the deal. They intend to switch from AM to FM in the spring of 2007 to ensure the station’s survival. A museum project is also being planned.

Lanaudière Region New GYM V.I.P. fitness centre Fitness and Recreational Sports Centres (NAICS 71394)

Le Gardeur – A GYM V.I.P. fitness and health care centre is soon to open. The project, calling for investment of $2 million, will create new jobs, though how many remains to be seen. A number of positions will open up for trainers and reception staff. Massage therapy and nutritionist services will also be offered. The opening is scheduled for January 2007, and the centre is expected to operate round the clock and seven days a week.

Laurentides Region New complex for independent retirees Residential Building Construction (NAICS 23611)

St Thérèse – Gestion Michaêl-Ange has started building a multi-purpose residence for independent retirees age 50 and over on the site of the former Lesage Pianos plant. The cost of this residential project, named Le Sage au Piano, is estimated at $40 million, and it will create 45 jobs. The opening is scheduled for July 1, 2007.

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Expansion project for Spa Scandinave Other Personal Care Services (NAICS 81219)

Mont Tremblant – Gestion Rivière du Diable, promoter of the Spa Scandinave relaxation centre in Mont-Tremblant, has plans to carry its concept further across North America, specifically in Ontario and British Columbia, at a total cost of $20 million over the next two years. Of this amount, $6 million will come from the FTQ’s Solidarity Fund, creating over a 100 jobs in Quebec directly and indirectly. At the Mont-Tremblant facility, over $500,000 will be invested in new massage rooms and a Zero Gravity relaxation room.

Laval Region Boehringer Ingelheim expands its Laval facilities Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (NAICS 32541)

Laval – This German company is investing in and expanding its Laval research centre. The new building, to be completed in 2007, will house new laboratories on the cutting edge of technology. The establishment, with a workforce of 160, including 130 research staff, specializes in developing antiviral medications. The project will open up 40 new positions for highly specialized researchers.

Mauricie Region Continental moves its offices Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (NAICS 237)

Shawinigan – A new building is currently under construction in Shawinigan. The project calls for investment of over $700,000 and is scheduled for completion in March 2007. A specialist in highway construction, paving and surfacing, Constructions et pavages Continental also operates sandpits and quarries and makes asphalt products and crushed stone. The firm had moved its administration to Trois Rivières in 2003 following a fire in its offices. A score of employees will be moved from Trois Rivières to Shawinigan. Continental has three places of business, in Trois Rivières, Shawinigan and La Tuque. The company employs up to 200 people in peak season and about 50 over the winter. http://www.asphalte-continental.com

Establishment of a call centre Administrative and Support Services (NAICS 561)

Trois Rivières – Durham Contact Center, a provider of call centre and technical assistance management services, has decided to set up a new call centre in Trois Rivières. The centre is expected to open in January 2007, and there will be some 400 positions to fill. In August this year, the Société de développement économique organized a one-day recruiting drive, and over 200 job seekers applied. Durham is looking for people with experience in e-mail software and Web browser configuration and with knowledge of Internet access technologies. Client-service and communications aptitudes are required, and sales experience is an asset, but bilingualism is not essential. The jobs on offer are for client service agents and sales and technical assistance personnel. Durham Contact Center’s technical assistance agents work directly with clients to resolve their technical problems. The positions offered are full-time, and the selected candidates

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will have to work shifts, including evenings and weekends. Pay will range from $9 to $11 an hour. http://www.durham.net/

An inn and expansion at Bières de la Nouvelle-France Accommodation Services (NAICS 721)

St Alexis des Monts – Les Bières de la Nouvelle-France has started building an inn at Lake Sacacomie. Construction of the five-room inn will cost $700,000 and will be complete in the summer of 2007. The micro-brewery, newly established in St Alexis des Monts, plans to invest $1.4 million to add a dining room and accommodation of 19 rooms. Work should start early in 2007. http://www.lesbieresnouvellefrance.com/

Montérégie Region Expansion at Asten-Johnson, 27 new jobs created Textile and Fabric Finishing (NAICS 313310)

Salaberry de Valleyfield – On Friday, October 20, 2006, Vice-President of Operations André Loiselle announced investment in the order of $1.1 million at Asten-Johnson’s plant. This expansion will add 27 new jobs to the present workforce of 118. New equipment was recently installed.

Atelier d'usinage Côté & Audet is growing Machine Shops (NAICS 332710)

Sorel-Tracy - Atelier d'usinage Côté & Audet has announced investment of $2.5 million to expand its facilities and purchase new equipment. This SME, specializing in production of machined parts in small or medium runs, plans to recruit new machinists, welders and assemblers.

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec invests $9 M in Immunotec Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors (NAICS 414510)

Vaudreuil-Dorion – The transaction will take the form of a buy-out of the two leading shareholders. This investment, together with eventual listing for public trading, will considerably change Immunotec’s profile. With this substantial partner on board, Immunotec will enjoy greater credibility and financial backing and have a wider business network. Immunotec designs and markets food supplements, vitamins, personal care products and natural health products.

Commercial investment of $10.5 M on Mgr Langlois Boulevard Home Centres (NAICS 444110)

Salaberry de Valleyfield - The TAG Group, a retail trade promoter, is to build a Rona renovation centre with a floor area of 500,000 square feet and parking for 1,200 cars. Other businesses will move in around the renovation centre.

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Nuvac growing apace Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710)

St Jean sur Richelieu - Nuvac, a specialist in the processing of piggery and municipal wastewater treatment to eliminate odours, is expanding its premises from 4,000 to 25,000 square feet. This biotechnology firm owes its growth to a number of contracts with distributors in the US Midwest, western Canada and Ontario. Also, Nuvac is allocating $365,000 to McGill University, which will be mandated to determine the quantity of bacteria needed to cut manure odours by 92%. Next to pig farming, Nuvac is making the environment the main focus of its operations. This SME has processed wastewater sludge for St Jean sur Richelieu, where residents had been complaining of odours, before taking on Henryville, Terrebone and St Hilaire.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to receive $6.9 M Universities (NAICS 611310)

St Hyacinthe –Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, has announced a grant of $6.9 million to the Canadian bovine mastitis research network. A quarter of this will go to the training of students. The network’s research helps to improve the treatment of cattle and reduce reliance on antibiotics.

Air Richelieu expanding Technical and Trade Schools (NAICS 611510)

St Hubert - Air Richelieu, a training school for private and commercial pilots, is to double the size of its present building and buy a new simulator worth $400,000. The enterprise’s total investment will amount to about $1 million.

Montréal Region Garda World seeking to hire 200 security officers for the Montreal region Investigation, Guard and Armoured Car Services (NAICS 56161)

Montreal – The Garda World Security Corporation (GW) has announced on its Internet site http://www.garda.ca that positions are available for officers and clerks in Montreal, Rouyn– Noranda, Calgary and Vancouver. Garda, which was founded in Montreal 35 years ago, is undergoing a major expansion since it has landed several new large contracts and acquired 10 companies, including Intertec Security LTD in Hamilton, Ontario. The company has over 20,000 employees in Canada and the United States, as well as clients in Europe, Mexico and the MiddleEast. The security industry is the company’s business: investigations, risk management consulting services, physical security, cash handling and pre-employment screening. The events of September 11, 2001 have created a world in which security is essential, particularly in the workplace. In Canada, the demand for pre-employment screening has doubled.

Need for close to 4,000 insurance industry positions by 2008 Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52)

Montréal – The finance and insurance industry accounts for 87,000 employees in Quebec. Personnel recruitment is a challenge in spite of the increase in Cegep and university enrolment. Damage insurance companies alone must fill 1,300 positions a year by 2008. They have joined

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together under the Coalition pour la promotion des professions en assurances de dommages and are involved in a number of recruitment activities. A new player will be joining the ranks of existing Canadian financial institutions: a new charter bank (replacing the former Dundee Wealth Bank). Through its 25,000 advisers already on staff, it will offer a full range of financial services (on a model similar to ING).

Job restructuring at Bombardier Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (NAICS 336410)

Montreal – Bombardier has just landed a $5 billion US contract to build commuter trains for the Paris region that it will assemble in France. The company is also central to the restructuring of the air transport industry, which has been ongoing since September 11, 2001. Bombardier will create 800 new jobs in its Toronto plant (De Haviland) since there is a significant demand for Q400 turboprops equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines. However, the company must slow down production of its CRJ 700/900 regional twin-jet aircraft owing to a drop in demand. Within nine months, Bombardier will permanently eliminate 645 jobs in Belfast, Ireland. It will also cut 480 jobs (out of 7,800) at Mirabel in particular (CRJ 700/900 assembly), but also at St Laurent (fuselage, doors and components) and Dorval (Challenger 300/605/850). Lastly, 200 managers and workers in Montreal and Toronto will lose their jobs. Bombardier had already eliminated 2,000 jobs in Montreal and Belfast in 2004. Quebec’s aerospace industry nevertheless continues to survive with its pool of 45,000 workers. Bell Helicopter has just hired 500 workers and Pratt & Whitney, 1,000, not to mention the 20 firms that have recently settled in the region and also created jobs.

Outaouais Region Sitel is hiring: 500 positions Telephone Call Centres (NAICS 561420)

Ottawa – Having landed a major contract with a software multinational, Sitel Corporation is now hiring. Some 500 new positions, about 100 of them bilingual, will need to be filled to meet demand in areas ranging from technical assistance to client service and administrative support. Interested candidates can apply on line at: [email protected]

Filtration Puretech: a new manufacturer Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 333413)

Mansfield – Filtration Puretech, a new enterprise specializing in the production of air filters for institutional and residential ventilation systems, has opened in Mansfield, in the Pontiac region. This new venture has absorbed investment of $1.3 million and will create about 15 full-time jobs.

Industries Maibec: 30 laid off Shingle and Shake Mills (NAICS 321112)

Clarendon – As a consequence of the woes afflicting the forestry industry, Les Industries Maibec is shutting down one shift, entailing the layoff of about 30 workers.

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Québec Region Film studio project Motion Picture and Video Production (NAICS 512110)

Quebec City – Mel’s Cité du Cinéma is planning to build a film studio in Quebec City. If everything goes according to plan, the project will be running by the spring of 2007. The $2.5 million project will include a film studio, a set-building workshop, makeup and costume rooms, as well as offices. The new project will provide employment for 50 people during shooting periods, as well as permanent employment for six people.

École hôtelière de la Capitale expands Technical and Trade Schools (NAICS 611510)

Quebec City – The École hôtelière de la Capitale on Robert Rumilly Street in Quebec City will soon be expanded and renovated. The $11 million investment will provide the school with stateof-the-art equipment, premises tailored to the needs of the food and tourism industry and space for an additional 120 students a year. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2007 and new students should be able to enrol in September 2007. The long awaited project is timely since it is now increasingly difficult to recruit people for the food and accommodation industry. According to the Director of the Wilbrod Bherer School, demand is such that employers are recruiting workers even before they finish their training.

New nursing home for Pont Rouge Community Care Facilities for the Elderly (NAICS 623310)

Pont Rouge – Within 24 months, the Town of Pont Rouge will have a nursing centre for seniors. The construction cost of the new 32-bed establishment is $8.6 million. The new centre will allow for better distribution of nursing home spaces throughout the area served by the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Portneuf. The 32 beds earmarked for Pont Rouge will come from Portneuf’s four other public nursing homes. The new building will be erected on the same land as the CLSC and also include a 25-space day centre.

Le Massif ski centre recruiting Skiing Facilities (NAICS 713920)

Petite Rivière St François – Le Massif Ski Resort in Petite Rivière St François in Charlevoix is in hiring mode. The company is looking for 40 workers to complete its team of 230 employees. The list of available jobs is posted on the Internet site at www.lemassif.com, Job Opportunities. Individuals interested in submitting an application have until December 16 to do so.

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region Scierie Laterrière closure Sawmills (except Shingle and Shake Mills) (NAICS 321111)

Laterrière – Produits Forestiers Saguenay is closing its Laterrière mill for an indefinite period. The Laterrière plant, which employs 65 workers, ceased operations on Monday, October 23. For the time being, forestry operations related to the mill are ongoing. Produits Forestiers Saguenay

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management explained that the costs of energy and fibre, and the rise of the Canadian dollar have had an impact on their processing operations.

Industrie Bois Lamontagne winds down Structural Wood Product Manufacturing (NAICS 321215)

St Prime – Secondary wood processing is also being affected by the problems in the forest industry. Industrie Bois Lamontagne has shut down operations in St Prime, throwing 40 workers out of work for an indefinite period. The situation can be explained by the drop in prices on American markets. The St Prime plant exports over 90% of its products to the United States. Its products are not subject to a customs tariff, but the price currently paid on markets is too low to maintain cost effectiveness.

Second work stoppage in six months at Bois Joyal Sawmills (except Shingle and Shake Mills) (NAICS 321111)

Roberval – Raw material procurement problems are forcing Bois Joyal to close its planing mill in Roberval. Bois Joyal specializes in the manufacture of boards and bed parts. The temporary production stoppage is affecting 15 workers. .

Investment in food distribution Other Specialty-Line Food Wholesaler-Distributors (NAICS 413190)

Saguenay – Food distributor D Bertrand & Fils has invested $1.5 million in Saguenay in order to enlarge its freezer and warehouses. The investment will consolidate the 125 jobs of the Chicoutimi division. D Bertrand & Fils supplies restaurants, food retailers, hospitals, hotels and major construction projects in Saguenay–Lac St Jean, Chibougamau–Chapais and the North Shore. Since 2004, $800,000 has been invested in this distribution centre that has an inventory of over 12,000 different products.

Number of farms dropping Dairy Cattle and Milk Production (NAICS 112120)

Alma – A study conducted by the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) estimated that the number of farms in the Saguenay–Lac St Jean has dropped by 8.6% since 1997. In 2005, there were 1,115 farms in the region, while this figure was over 1,200 eight years ago. Milk producers were affected the most. Potato and vegetable production has also dropped. Today, there are more regional blueberry and canola producers and sheep and goat breeders than there were in 1997. The 35% increase in farming income goes hand in hand with a loss of over 300 jobs for the region in an eight-year period.

For information: Visit our Web site www.servicecanada.gc.ca Produced by: Socio-Economic Analysis Branch, Service Canada / Québec Region Diffusion: Communications Directorate, Service Canada / Québec Region Translation: Translation Bureau, Public Works and Government Services Canada

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