Guy Cormier to serve as honorary chair of the 2017 edition of Semaine des régions

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Desjardins Group and Place aux jeunes en région (PAJR) announce their joint support for the 6th edition of Semaine des régions. The purpose of this initiative is to promote the distinct character of rural communities and the abundance of job opportunities in these areas to recent graduates from Quebec's larger cities. The event will be presided by Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.

Semaine des régions (SDR) was created in response to the tremendous lack of qualified workers and the demographic challenge felt in rural areas. This special week, which runs from February 6 to 10, 2017, will be held in Quebec City and Montreal. The event, which is the brainchild of PAJR, will bring together like-minded partners concerned about the longevity and development of less urbanized areas as key components to the optimal development of Quebec as a whole.

"Today, our rural citizens want to be drivers of their own success, which depends on their socio-economic development. PAJR is very pleased to coordinate this initiative to showcase our different rural communities and attract qualified workers," said Cynthia Rivard, President of PAJR.

"Desjardins Group's support of PAJR, which encourages kids to achieve their full potential in quality jobs, works to strengthen our commitment to the social and economic development of our communities," stated Guy Cormier. "For more than 25 years, this partnership has enriched the lives of our members and communities. I'd like to extend a personal invitation to rural employers who are struggling with the shortage in qualified labourers to take part in our job fair as exhibitors to connect with the largest pool of young graduates in Quebec."

SDR's program will include 3 large-scale events:

• Opening event: highlights the complementary nature of urban and rural communities.
• Job fair: the first ever job fair to exclusively feature rural employment. The fair will be held at Complexe Desjardins on February 8, 2017.
• Tour of learning institutions: this activity has enjoyed a great deal of success in the past and will be held once again in 2017. The tour is slated to include visits to nearly 20 different institutions—schools will be chosen based on regional labour needs.

Activities held as part of the Semaine des régions are geared specifically to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, as well as students enrolled in study programs based on regional needs at the vocational, technical and university levels. To see the events calendar, visit the French-language site www.placeauxjeunes.qc.ca/semaine. 

About Place aux jeunes en région 
Renowned in Quebec for its efforts to help young job seekers migrate, PAJR assists young graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 to move to, settle and remain in rural areas. Through the support of PAJR, more than 5,400 graduates relocated between 2009 and 2014. PAJR receives funding from the Secrétariat à la jeunesse, Desjardins Group and numerous local partners.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of more than $260 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Counted among the world's strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

SOURCE Place aux jeunes en région

Image with caption: "Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group to serve as honorary chair of the 2017 edition of Semaine des régions, accompanied by Cynthia Rivard, President of PAJR and Mathieu Vigneault, Director of PAJR. (CNW Group/Place aux jeunes en région)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161018_C1648_PHOTO_EN_798415.jpg

(media inquiries only): Annie Josiane Bujold, Public Relations, Desjardins Group, 514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 5557646, [email protected]; Karine Fauvel, Public Relations, Place aux jeunes en région, 418-932-1117 or 1-888-966-6725, [email protected]