Traveling thousands of kilometers to work in Quebec is no easy task. While the professional and personal prospects are tempting, this major transition comes with its share of challenges for temporary foreign workers. In addition to changing countries, some TFWs must stay in isolated regions such as Côte-Nord, Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Nord-du-Québec. Is this an advantage, a disadvantage, or both? Find out more in this special report.
Text and photos : Marie-Anne Dayé
“I love winter,” says Rosa Maria Gonzales Perez in conversation. “There are lots of activities to do, we’re not cooped up, we have to get out. We can go snowshoeing, hiking, the sun is shining, it’s clear, the sky is blue, everything’s fine!”
Rosa Maria left Toluca in Mexico two years ago for a new experience in Sept-Îles. Her hometown is located near Mexico City, 2,668 km above sea level, and has a temperate climate. This Mexican with an infectious smile is therefore used to cool temperatures and doesn’t particularly appreciate the heat. The need for security was also a determining factor in her choice of destination. “I feel free here, I feel good. The stress I had in Mexico can’t compare with the peace and quiet I can have here. Sept-Îles seemed the obvious choice for her.
A new stage
With a degree in gastronomy, she ran a bistro in her hometown for 18 years until the pandemic complicated matters. Sadly, her father died as a result of Covid-19, and everything changed in her family, she explains. “I applied to go to Canada and was selected. I thought it was the best opportunity. In the end, I can say that yes, I’m happy here.
Her employer, Poissonnerie Fortier, hired her as head chef. Rosa Maria is now busy developing new recipes for the store’s takeaways: poké bowls, seafood pizzas, salads featuring products from the river. “I love my job, I love being creative, I’ve always loved cooking,” says Rosa Maria.
Out of sight, but close to heart
Living so far away from her family, especially her mother with whom she is very close and who is now suffering from dementia, is the main challenge for Rosa Maria. Fortunately, they talk regularly and were able to get together in Sept-Îles last year for a month. “Being away from the family is difficult for me, and I know I have to face up to all these circumstances, and thank God for continuing to enjoy them in any way I can, even if it’s by Zoom or telephone,” she stresses.
Rosa Maria has had the opportunity to travel to several countries, and still plans to do so. But it’s in Sept-Îles that she’d like to settle down, especially since she’s found love there. One day, she’d like to open her own business and continue to make a living from her passion, cooking.
