The third-annual Festivale des sports activities et des cultures had one other profitable day showcasing Cornwall to potential residents and staff.

“We had a lot of people come here together and meeting each other,” stated organizer Fred Ngoundjo, who represents the Saint Mary Association and can be a Cornwall metropolis councillor.

The day featured a aggressive soccer event that drew two groups from Cornwall and 6 from outdoors town, together with no less than one composed of gamers who got here to Canada from Côte d’Ivoire.

During the night, a gala on the Best Western Parkway Inn attracted many dozens extra to listen to dignitaries Sen. Bernadette Clement, Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale and ACFO-SDG president Jasmine Bernier.

Ngoundjo stated he’s already seeing the outcomes from his endeavour to draw newcomers to his new dwelling, the place he gained a lot acceptance, he was elected to council final 12 months.

“One of the Cornwall teams is made up of players who have moved here,” he stated.

Not solely is the sports activities/tradition outing getting new guests to town, it’s a venue for networking between employers and potential staff. On hand had been the Cornwall Police Service and Walmart Logistics.

“We are helping newcomers to find new positions in Cornwall,” Ngoundjo stated.

It has been lengthy acknowledged by metropolis leaders Cornwall’s inhabitants wants immigration to develop and to fill vacant work positions.

Ngoundjo additionally acknowledges town wants a horse in entrance of the cart first to greatest tackle employment necessities.

“Before they can get a job post they need training,” he stated.

Moving forward, he stated he desires to interact employers about their very own wants.

“I plan to have a discussion with employers to understand what are the skills they are looking for.”

From there, he hopes to advocate for extra programming at St. Lawrence College and different post-secondary shops that particularly tackle any instructional shortfalls.

Ngoundjo believes his sports activities/tradition occasion has been profitable since 2021, claiming greater than 50 households have moved to Cornwall after collaborating.

Espérantine Desardouin was available representing ACFO-SDG, a number one francophone group within the area that helps to fund varied actions.

“I think this is a very good event, because we appreciate this is important for real diversity and inter-joining of everyone,” Desardouin stated. “It is very important for the community, that we can work together.”

She stated she is completely happy to explain Cornwall to newcomers as nice at welcoming newcomers with many alternatives.