At this event, Collège Boréal unveiled its new North Bay location to community members and attending government dignitaries, announced a new French-language immigration partnership with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs.
In the presence of North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico, representatives from the office of Nipissing-Timiskaming MPP Pauline Rochefort, and community members, Collège Boréal officially opened its new offices today at 222 McIntyre Street West in North Bay. The event also marked the announcement of a new partnership with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs that will provide French-speaking newcomers in the region with an expanded range of services, from settlement support to employment integration.
These services for newcomers to Canada include:
- Welcome and orientation support to help them take their first steps in Canada
- Individual and family support tailored to their specific needs and settlement process
- An assessment of their strengths and needs, referrals, and the development of a personalized settlement plan to guide them throughout their integration journey in Canada
- Workshops and information sessions to help them build the practical skills needed to integrate into Canadian society
- Referrals to essential services and resources in the Nipissing region
- Opportunities for community involvement to help expand their social and professional networks
Quotes
Guided by the commitments set out in its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, Collège Boréal is pleased to mark the opening of a new location in North Bay, in partnership with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs. This event is a concrete example of a vision that recognizes the vital role of community partnerships in delivering meaningful projects and activities that support economic development and social progress.
Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal
Our partnership with Collège Boréal is built on a shared vision: supporting newcomers in a way that is both human and coordinated. Through our settlement worker in schools and our community services, we create meaningful connections between school, culture and community. From matching initiatives to cultural activities, everything is designed to support natural, lasting integration in the Nipissing region.
Arnaud Claude, Executive Director, Les Compagnons des francs loisirs
The opening of this new Collège Boréal location in North Bay reflects our commitment to serving French-speaking communities across the vast territory we cover in Ontario. With the support of Les Compagnons des francs loisirs, Boréal is further advancing its mission by bringing together complementary expertise that helps strengthen communities and support their growth.
Carole Nkoa, Vice-President, Provincial Presence and Outreach, Collège Boréal
The socioeconomic integration of newcomers to Canada requires smooth access to the full range of services that support their inclusion in our society. By partnering with Les Compagnons des francs loisirs, Boréal is pleased to offer French-speaking newcomers the combined expertise they need to support their settlement, orientation and future contributions to our country.
Frédéric Boulanger, Director, Immigration Programs and Services, Collège Boréal
Quick facts
- Collège Boréal now has 34 locations in Ontario across 27 communities, from Ottawa to Hearst, including Timmins, Toronto, London, Windsor and now North Bay.
- Collège Boréal's Immigration Programs and Services are supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Last year, nearly 5,000 people across the province benefited from these services delivered by Boréal.
- The Collège Boréal delegation included Daniel Giroux, President; Carole Nkoa, Vice-President of Provincial Presence and Outreach; Frédéric Boulanger, Director of Immigration Programs and Services; Rachel Quesnel, Director of Boréal Nipissing; and Inès Bouguerra, Manager of Immigration Programs and Services in North Bay.
