PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR NEWCOMERS

2015 Edition

Town of Chapais

The following handbook was developed by:

in collaboration with:

This document is published on the website of Town of Chapais.

www.villedechapais.com/nouveaux-arrivants

2015 Edition

© Ville de Chapais

Cover page: the blue power winch, in the town hall’s foreground, was used to lift and lower materials and miners in the

mine, and represents the mining heritage of the municipality.

Cover page: for the four photos on the left © Joëlle Pichette

FRIENDLY REMINDERS IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE

CHAPAIS WELCOMES YOU !

Find accommodation 7

Take steps to acquire your driver’s license 10

Fill out a request for a health insurance card 11

Find a family doctor 11

Register your children to a school and/or childcare centre 14

Fill out a social insurance number request 14

Improve your French and/or English and/or Cree 14

Begin a job search 14

This handbook has been designed for newcomers. The Town of Chapais isn’t responsible for the accuracy, reliability or up-to-

date information posted herein. Furthermore, the lists provided may not be complete or represent but a sample of the available

resources. In order to simplify the text, the use of the masculine is often used to indicate women and men.

If you are aware of any mistakes made in this document, please inform us at:

Chapais Town hall

145 Boulevard Springer

Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0

(418)-745-2511 ext. 230

info@villedechapais.com

See Page

PAGE 2

Dear newcomers,

It is such a joy to welcome you to our region! On behalf of the municipal council and all of Chapais’ citizens, I insist on w ishing

you a warm welcome. We are proud that have chosen to settle in our beautiful community.

Family and citizens are at the heart of Chapais’ priorities and concerns. In fact, in our 2013-2023 strategic planning, the follo-

wing vision caught our attention: “Chapais 2023, an exciting and prosperous living environment with over 3000 people, proud

and engaged in their community.” Its warm and welcoming population,

its quick accessibility to health and education services of quality, its proxi-

mity to nature to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, its peaceful and

secure streets, the availability of its sports facilities, as well as the exceptio-

nal quality of its water; all contribute to make Chapais a great place to

live!

You will find many useful information in this handbook to facilitate your

integration and to enable you to familiarize yourself with your new living

environment. Do not hesitate to communicate with the available re-

sources to find whatever it is you need.

My dear friends, welcome to your new home and I am looking forward to

meeting you here!

The mayor of Chapais,

Steve Gamache

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPAIS

Portrait of Chapais & A Historical Review 4

Municipal Council & Town Hall 5

Important Phone Numbers 6

Computer Access 6

IMMIGRATION

Immigration 6

My Resources as an Immigrant 7

Legal Aspect- Canadian Human Rights Act 7

LOGEMENTS

Rent an Apartment, a Room or a House 7

Lease 8

Buying a House 8

CURRENT SERVICES

Spring Water 9

Heating 9

Telephone 9

Internet 9

Television 9

Post Office 9

TRANSPORTATION

Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Registration 10

Mandatory Driving Course 10

Insurance 10

Means of Transportation 10

Travelling Outside of the Region 11

HEALTH AND SECURITY

Health Insurance Card 11

Health and Social Services Centres 11

and Agencies

Family Doctors 11

Info-santé 12

Pharmacy and Essential Products 12

Insurance 12

Dentists 13

Optometrists 13

EDUCATION

Schools 13

Daycares and Child-Care Services 13

Language 14

EMPLOYMENT

Social Insurance Number (SIN) 14

Job Searching 14

Statutory Holidays in Quebec 14

Northern Residents Deductions 15

STARTING A BUSINESS IN CHAPAIS

Key Organizations to Consult 15

ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERING 15

RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY 15

SERVICES

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 16

PAGE 3

N orthern-Quebec, through its vast natural spaces and its proximity to a history-rich aboriginal community, constitutes

a unique and exceptional living environment. Chapais is a town located in the southern part of the Eeyou Istchee

James Bay territory near the 49th parallel. Found along the provincial road 113 which joins the Abitibi-

Temiscamingue region to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean one, its geographic position makes Chapais one of the gateways to

Northern-Quebec.

With over 1600 inhabitants, Chapais is a municipality which offers a calm and secure lifestyle. This small town provides access

to a fair amount of products and services, as well as a variety of sports, cultural, and community infrastructures. Health care

facilities are numerous and easily accessible. Work, the grocery store, the schools, daycare and recreational activities are all

concentrated in a 1km radius, thus all accessible by foot.

Surrounded by forests and lakes, the town of Chapais is a leisure venue in which outdoor enthusiasts will be ecstatic: sport fish-

ing, snowmobile and ATV trails, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling trails, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The

natural environment makes it possible to host various outdoor activities, just a few minutes away from the residential area.

C hapais’ story begins with the discovery of copper, gold and silver deposits by Léo Springer in 1929. The town of Cha-

pais was established in 1955 based on the Mining Act, with the aim of improving the living conditions of the miners. It

was named after Sir Thomas Chapais, a French Canadian politician and historian. Opémiska Copper Mines, the main

employer at the time, was then responsible for the organisation of the municipality and financing of the municipal services.

Chapais was what is commonly called a “company town”. The drinking water distribution network, the streets, the houses, the

Opémiska hospital and the curling club were all amongst the company’s achievements.

It wasn’t until 1960 that Chapais, under the Loi sur les cités et villes (Towns and Cities Act), switched its mining town status for a

municipality status operated by a City Counsel elected by the people. During this period of prosperity, Chapais counted more

than 3500 inhabitants (permanent and temporary population), and the workforce directly linked to the mining industry

reached more than 750 workers.

In 1974, Chapais diversified its economic activities by opening up the Paradis & Fils sawmill, which later became Barrette-

Chapais Itée. This forestry company is amongst the most performing in Canada, and helped counter the exodus of part of the

population caused by the closure of the mine in 1991. These departures, along with the horrible1980 fire accident that killed

nearly 50 people from the community during the New Year’s festivities, had, in a way, created a sense of belonging, solidarity

and support amongst those that chose to stay in Chapais.

1995 saw the birth of Chapais Énergie, the first cogeneration plant in Quebec to produce electricity from residual forest bio-

mass, more specifically, from the bark left behind at sawmills in the region.

Today, the community of Chapais is still dependent on forestry and mining, but it is turning itself towards the future. It recently

launched its 2013-2023 strategic planing in order to ensure its growth and sustainability. In fact, many projects for economic

development around Chapais Énergie are being prepared, along with the development of agricultural land for the culture of,

amongst others, seed potatoes.

PORTRAIT OF CHAPAIS

A HISTOTICAL REVIEW

PAGE 4

TOWN HALL

145, boulevard Springer C.P. 380

Chapais, Québec G0W 1H0

Phone : 418-745-2511 Fax : 418-745-3871 Email: info@villedechapais.com

Website : www.villedechapais.com

Operating hours : Monday to Friday from 8:30 to12:00 and 1:30 to 4:30

People in charge:

General Manager: Mariève Bernier

Assistant Director: Mélanie Gagné

Treasurer: Mariève Bernier

Town Clerk : Mariève Bernier

Head/chief of the fire brigade : Steeve Forgues

Emergency Measures Coordinator : Mariève Bernier

Officer for issuing municipal certificates and licences : Jean-Philippe Lalancette

Municipal Inspector : Jean-Philippe Lalancette

Recreation Director : Sylvie Bédard

Head of Public Works : Steeve Forgues

Informations :

Désignation: Town

Demonym (name of inhabitants) Citizen of Chapais

Administrative Region : Northern-Quebec (10)

RCM : Outside of RCM (000)

Electoral Division - Quebec : Ungava (793)

Population : 1615

Area : 63,13km²

Constitution date : November 16th 1955

You can learn more about the councillors’ mandates by visiting our website under the tabs (in French only)

VIE MUNICIPALE CONSEIL MUNICIPAL www.villedechapais.com/vie-municipale/conseil-municipal

The council meetings usually take place on the third Tuesday of the month at 19:00: all citizens wanting to take part in

the city council meetings are welcomed to do so. You can take a look at the council meetings online under the tab (in French only) VIE MUNICIPALE CONSEIL MUNICIPAL www.villedechapais.com/vie-municipale/conseil-municipal

From left to right: Guy Lafrenière, Jacques Fortin, Daniel Forgues, Steve Gamache, Lucie Tremblay, Denise

Larouche, Roxanne Tremblay

Mayor

Steve Gamache

Councillors

Roxanne Tremblay Civic Seat #1

Guy Lafrenière Civic Seat #2

Lucie Tremblay Civic Seat #3

Denise Larouche Civic Seat #4

Jacques Fortin Civic Seat #5

Daniel Forgues Civic Seat #6

PAGE 5

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

EMERGENCY Ambulance, fire department, police 911

INFO-SANTÉ (non-urgent health consultation) 811

Centre ANTIPOISON 1-800-463-5060

CLSC (Local Community Service Centre) 418-745-2591

HOSPITAL 418-748-2676

PHARMACY 418-748-2606

ALCOOLICS ANONYMUS 418-748-3966

LIGNE PARENTS 1-800-361-5085

TEL-JEUNE 1-800-263-2266

SUICIDE PREVENTION 1-800-463-9868

YOUTH PROTECTION 418-748-7604

CRIME STOPPERS (ÉCHEC AU CRIME) 1-800-711-1800

SOPFEU 1-800-463-3389

HYDRO-QUEBEC OUTAGES AND FAILURES 1-800-790-2524

POLICE (non-urgent) 310-4141

cellphone *4141

SEARCH AND RESCUES

BY AIR 1-800-267-7270

ON WATER 1-800-463-4393

SOS POACHING 1-800-463-2191

COMPUTER ACCESS Schedule :

Monday : 12:00 to 4:00

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday : 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00

Friday : 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00

Prices:

1hour - $3.00

5 minutes - $0.25

printed sheet - $0.29

Location :

Sports and Community Centre

188, Boulevard Springer C.P. 380

Chapais, Quebec

Phone : (418) 745-3289

Fax : (418) 745-2119

IMMIGRATION

Refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to get further information and learn about your rights and obligatio

on Canadian soil. : www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

For more information on immigrating to the province of Quebec, go to :

www.immigrationquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.php PAGE 6

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

IMMIGRATION

MY RESOURCES AS AN IMMIGRANT LA RUÉE VERS LE NORD (SERVICES FOR

FUTURE RESIDENTS) www.larueeverslenord.com

″Information

You want to know about the job offered in Jamésie? You want to learn more about the region? A team is available to

answer all your questions.

Help finding a job

You are looking for work and you are ready to discover a new region rich in possibilities? All you have to do is sign up on our

website to learn about the jobs currently available.

Job-Alert

Receive an email as soon as a new job offer corresponding to you profile is offered.

Job placement assistance for your spouse

You just moved into the region and your spouse is still looking for a job? Get in touch with us and we will help you through this

procedure.

Help looking for housing

You would like to settle in Jamésie? Since it isn’t always easy to find housing to your taste and needs, we offer you help to

find the housing for you.

Help searching for daycare, schools, etc.

In order to facilitate your integration to our region, we have various répertoires which could be of great use.″1

LEGAL ASPECT - CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACT The aim of the Canadian Human Rights Act is to promote equity and forbid discrimination

based on race, nationality, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, matrimonial status,

family status, deficiency or conviction for which a pardon has been granted.

Do not hesitate to contact the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms if you think

you might be a victim of discrimination : 1-800-361-6477

Visit the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission website for more information : www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/Pages/default.aspx

ACCOMMODATION

RENT AN APARTMENT, A ROOM OR A HOUSE

Where to look:

www.villedechapais.com/location-vente-immobilière

www.larueeverslenord.com

Classified ads in the local newspaper ″La Sentinelle ″www.lasentinelle.ca

Housing for rent and houses for sale (Chapais, Chibougamau)

Signs near apartments and houses

Billboards in convenient stores

____________________

1– La ruée vers le nord, ″Services aux citoyens″,dans La ruée vers le nord, [Online in French only], www.larueeverslenord.com/

apropos, (Accessed August 19, 2015)

PAGE 7

Housing Authority - The Régie du logement is a provincial organization that you can approach whether you are a land-

lord or a tenant. For more information : 1-800-683-2245 or http://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/accueil/accueil.asp

LEASE

″A lease is a contract.

A lease is a contract concluded between a landlord and a tenant that defines their re-

spective commitments concerning a dwelling.

The lease form of the Régie du logement is mandatory since September 1st 1996. It must be

used for any new residential lease whether it is a room, an apartment, a condominium, a house, etc.

Also the schedule Services for the Elderly must be completed whenever special services are offered to elderly or handi-

capped persons. ″2 Leases that include that schedule are sold in the following places:

Tabagie R.C. Dépanneur Mic Mac

123 Boul. Springer 180 Boul. Springer

For further information : www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/accueil/accueil.asp

BUYING A HOUSE

Where to look:

www.villedechapais.com/location-vente-

immobilière (the information is updated every

two weeks and includes houses sold by real es-

tate agents

www.larueeverslenord.com

Classified ads in the local newspaper «La

Sentinelle″ www.lasentinelle.ca

Facebook - Housing for rent and houses for

sale (Chapais, Chibougamau)

Signs near apartments and houses

Billboards in convenient stores

Chapais offers tax credits of 100% on the first year, 100% on the second year, and 50% on the third year for home

renovation and construction projects.

To buy land, contact:

Jean Philippe Lalancette, Building Inspector

Ville de Chapais – Urban Planning and Permits

418-745-2511 ext. 229

jplalancette@villedechapais.com

Land to build a residence is available for $12 per square metre.

____________________

2 - Government of Quebec, ″Lease″,in Régie du logement du Québec, [Online], www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/droits/ bail.asp,

(Accessed August 19, 2015)

PAGE 8

CURRENT SERVICES

SPRING WATER

The underground spring, from which the municipal water is drawn, is of exceptional quality: it is so

pure that it doesn’t even need to be chlorinated! For further information on Chapais’ esker water or

on our “Notre Or bleu” campaign, visit our website:

www.villedechapais.com/services-aux-citoyens/urbanisme-et-permis/notre-or-bleu

HEATING

Quebec winters are very cold. As soon as fall arrives, you must heat your home. Establishments are heated in different

ways in Chapais: with electricity, heating oil, traditional firewood or with pellets. Accordingly, here is a list of providers:

ELECTRICITY

Hydro-Québec provides electricity for houses in Quebec. For distribution and customer service, call toll free

1-888-385-7252 or go to www.hydroquebec.com (this website also provides information concerning energy savings).

HEATING OIL

Nutrinor 418-343-3363

Pétrole MJ ( Propane M M ) 418-748-6444

FIREWOOD

Construction D'Antan De Chibougamau 418-748-8051

*You can also find firewood in classified ads

PELLETS

BMR - Quincaillerie RD de Chapais 418-745-2517

TELEPHONE

Most people have a home phone, although cellphones are also very popular. To install a new residential line, call 1-888-

TELEBEC (1-888-835-3232).

INTERNET

To install a new residential connection, call 1-888-TELEBEC (1-888-835-3232)

TELEVISION

To install a new residential connection, get in touch with:

Bell satellite TV(dish) 1-888-759-3474

Shaw Direct (dish) 1– 888-554-7827

Télébec (cable) 1-888-835-3232

POST OFFICE

Mail is forwarded to your postal box at the post office at the following address: 124 Boul. Springer, Chapais.

To forward mail from your previous address, visit www.canadapost.ca under the “Managing Mail” tab.

PAGE 9

TRANSPORTATION

DRIVER’S LICENSE AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION

www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/driver_licence/index.php

SAAQ (Société d’assurance

automobile du Québec)

Place Le Chaînon, 466, 3e Rue,

Chibougamau, G8P 2X6

Phone: 418 748-4347

Driver's License

Driver's license renewal

Driver's license replacement or cancellation

Knowledge test

Learner's license renewal

Lost or stolen driver's license (replacement)

Picture-Taking

Other Services

Winter tires - exemption

Renewal of a health insurance card

Replacement of a health insurance card

MANDATORY DRIVING COURSE Since January of 2010, the government has put several measures in place to improve the road safety records of Quebecers,

including a new and more thorough mandatory driving course.

To do so, contact:

Tecnic Chibougamau

918, 3e Rue

Chibougamau, QC

418-748-4101

INSURANCE

All vehicles driven on Quebec’s roads must be insured. To obtain insurance for your vehicles, ou must get in contact with an

insurance company (see the insurance rubric in the yellow pages to find one).

MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

Chapais Ligne verte : Public transit between Chapais and Chibougamau. To make a reservation, call at (418) 745-3535

Vehicle Registration

License your stored vehicle

Lost or stolen of vehicle registration

(replacement)

Ownership transfer

Vehicle registration issuance

Vehicle registration renewal

Vehicle storage and discarding

Issue of Permits

No service available

To learn more about laws and regulations:

www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/laws/index.php

PAGE 10

Taxis Chapais : 418-745-3600

Bicycles : Since most of the commuting in town is for less than 2 km, bicycles make the ideal means of transportation to use.

TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF THE REGION

Plane: The Chibougamau-Chapais Airport is located less than 20 minutes from Chapais and is serviced by Air Creebec. For

information concerning flights, prices and services, visit www.aircreebec.ca/en.

Aéroport de Chibougamau - Chapais Airport(YMT)

10, ch. de l'Aéroport, Chibougamau

Québec, Canada, G8P 2K5

418-748-2211

Autobus:

Intercar Inc. (Montreal - Quebec - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean - Côte-Nord) www.intercar.qc.ca 1-800-806-2167

Autobus Maheux LTÉE (Montreal - Abitibi-Témiscamingue) www.autobusmaheux.qc.ca/en 1-866-307-0002

Rideshare Community:

Kangaride (Amigoexpress in French) www.kangaride.com 1-855-KANGARIDE (1-855-526-4274)

HEALTH AND SECURITY

HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

«Persons arriving in Québec to take up residence must register for the Health Insurance Plan, even if they were registered for

the plan in the past. It is very important to call the Régie or visit an office of the Régie upon your arrival in Québec to obtain a

registration form and submit your application as soon as possible. »3

Service outlet:

René-Ricard Health Centre

32, 3e Avenue

Case postale 1300

Chapais (Québec)

G0W 1H0

418-745-2591

For more information visit www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 1-800-561-9749.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRES AND AGENCIES

René-Ricard Health Centre

32, 3e Avenue

Case postale 1300

Chapais (Québec)

G0W 1H0

418-745-2591

For more information visit www.crsssbaiejames.gouv.qc.ca

FAMILY DOCTORS In Chapais, it is usually possible to gain access to a family doctor in less than 3 months. To register with a family doctor, con-

tact the reception of the René-Ricard Health Centre at (418) 745-2591, extension 0.

____________________ 3- Government of Quebec, ″How to register″,in Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec, [Online], www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/

health-insurance/registration/Pages/how-to-register.aspx, (Accessed August 19, 2015)

Chibougamau Health Centre

51, 3e Rue

Chibougamau (Québec)

G8P 1N1

418-748-7658

PAGE 11

INFO-SANTÉ

″Info-Santé 8-1-1 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service.

8-1-1 is the only telephone number for this service. Dialling 8-1-1 promptly puts

you in contact with a nurse in case of a non-urgent health issue. The service is

available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All people living in Quebec can

call Info-Santé 8-1-1 for themselves or their close family.

Info-Santé 8-1-1 nurses give advice and may answer health-related questions.

When necessary, they may also direct you to a resource in the health net-

work. Calling Info-Santé 8-1-1 often helps avoid going to a medical clinic or emergency room. However, in the event of a

serious problem or emergency, it is important to dial 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room. ″4

PHARMACY AND ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

You will find nonprescription essential products at the BONICHOIX grocery store. For prescription drugs, you must contact

UNIPRIX*:

503, 3e Rue

Chibougamau G8P 1N8

tel. 418 748-2606

fax. 418 748-2263

*prescription drugs can be delivered to your home for free.

INSURANCE

″In Québec, everyone must be covered by prescription drug insurance.

Two types of insurance plans offer this coverage:

The Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan is administered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec and is intend-

ed for persons who are not eligible for a private group insurance plan covering prescription drugs, for persons age 65 or

over, and for recipients of last-resort financial assistance and other holders of a claim slip (carnet de réclamation). Chil-

dren of persons registered for the public plan are also covered by that plan, that is, the one administered by the Régie

de l'assurance maladie du Québec;

Private plans are usually available in the form of group insurance or employee benefit plans. Persons may be eligible for a

private plan through employment, through membership in a professional order or association, or through their spouse or

parents. Persons who are eligible for a private plan are required to join that plan (group insurance or employee benefit

plans).

Only those persons who are not eligible for a private plan may register for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan. The

Plan was set up in 1997 to cover all Quebecers who are not eligible for a private plan.

If you are eligible for a private plan, you must join that plan and provide coverage for your spouse and children.″5

If you have a public coverage plan when starting a new job which offers private coverage, you must contact the Régie to

inform them of those changes.

For more information visit www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 1-800-561-9749.

____________________ 4- Government of Quebec, ″Info-santé 8-1-1″,in Portail santé mieux être, [Online], http://sante.gouv.qc.ca/en/systeme-sante-en-bref/info-

sante-8-1-1, (Accessed August 19, 2015) 5- Government of Quebec, ″Prescription drug insurance″,in Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec, [Online], www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/

citizens/prescription-drug-insurance/Pages/description.aspx, (Accessed August 19, 2015)

PAGE 12

DENTISTS OPTOMETRISTS Julie Poirier Dental Clinic Claude Marcil Dental Clinic Iris Optométristes-Opticiens

443, 3e Rue, Chibougamau 443, 3e Rue, Chibougamau Place Le Chaînon

Phone: 418-748-2398 Phone: 418-748-4354 466, 3e Rue, Chibougamau

Phone: 418-748-2611

EDUCATION SCHOOLS St-Dominique Savio School Le Filon School

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 Secondary 1- 5 32, 5e Avenue , C.P. 220 45, 5eAvenue, C.P. 30

Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0 Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0

Annie Beaupré, School Principal Annie Beaupré, School Principal

Phone: 418-745-2571 Phone: 418-745-2531

www.csbj.qc.ca www.csbj.qc.ca

MacLean Memorial School Baie-James Vocational Training Centre

(Elementary & Secondary English School) 265, rue Lancôt

159, 5e avenue Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 1C

Chibou(Québec) G8P 2E6 Phone: 418-745-7621 1

Phone: (418) 748-2038 www.csbj.qc.ca

www.cqsb.qc.ca

Baie-James Adult Education Centre Chibougamau’s Centre of College Studies

179, 5e Avenue 110, rue Obalski

Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 3A7 Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2E9

Phone: 418-748-2966 Phone: 418-748-7637

www.csbj.qc.ca www.cec-chibougamau.qc.ca

Centre of University Studies

110, rue Obalski

Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2E9

Phone: 418-748-6155

www.uqat.ca/chibougamau

DAYCARE AND CHILD-CARE SERVICES

Early childhood Centre Coordinating Office for Child-Care Services

Peluches et Balluchons 899, rue O'Connell Suite 2

21, 2e avenue, C.P. 940 Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2N3

Chapais, Québec, G0W1H0 Phone: 418-748-7766 extension 224

Phone: 418-745-2722

Daycare

École Saint-Dominique-Savio

32, 5e Avenue, C.P. 220

Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0

Phone: 418-745-2571

Did you know…

In Quebec, it is illegal for children under 12 years of

age to stay alone at home.

?? PAGE 13

LANGUAGE

French language and customs classes are offered in these two establishments:

Baie-James Adult Education Centre *Regroupement «Bouche à oreilles»

179, 5e Avenue 317, rue Lactot, app. 1

Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 3A7 Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2P5

Phone: 418-748-2966 poste 1 Phone: 418-748-2239

www.csbj.qc.ca

*Regroupement «Bouche à oreilles″(Word of Mouth Gathering)

″Regroupement Bouche à Oreilles (RBO) is a regional community training center whose mission is to improve the well-being,

autonomy and social inclusion of people with low educational attainment. As it is recognized by the Ministère de l'Éduca-

tion du Québec, RBO developed workshops for French and Mathematics to meet the needs of people who wish to go

back to school, to update their knowledge, or even to learn to read, write or count. RBO training is free. Different courses

adapted to each and everyone’s needs are offered by qualified teachers. »6

For further information on the subject, visit www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en

EMPLOYMENT

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)

WHY?

All newcomers and temporary residents need a social insurance number to work

or receive benefits and services from government programs.

HOW?

You are eligible as soon as you arrive. Fill out a SIN application and provide a primary document and a supporting

document to prove your identity and status in Canada.

Visit the Service Canada website (www.servicecanada.gc.ca) to refer to the list of accepted primary and supporting

documents.

FEES

Free

JOB-SEARCHING

Come face challenges that measure up to your ambitions! The work available is diversified and will meet and exceed your

needs. Here are a few useful links that could help you during your search.

Information concerning the job market: www.imt.emploiquebec.net

Emploi-Québec: www.emploiquebec.net/en

Carrefour jeunesse emploi de la Jamésie (French only): www.cjejamesie.ca

La ruée vers le Nord (French only): www.larueeverslenord.com

Did you know that a great proportion of available jobs are never publicly displayed? It is thus important to inquire among

friends and acquaintances to know if they personally know of employers looking for employees.

You may find it useful to consult Your Complet Job Search Guide to facilitate your job search process:

www.emploiquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/fichiers/pdf/Publications/00_emp_guide-recherche-emploi_en.pdf

____________________

6– Ville de Chibougamau, ″Regroupement «Bouche à oreilles″», in Répertoire des organismes [Online in French only],

www.ville.chibougamau.qc.ca/loisirs/repertoire-des-organismes/r/regroupement-bouche-a-oreilles, (Accessed August 19,

2015)

PAGE 14

STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN QUEBEC

The majority of Québec employees are entitled to an indemnity or a compensatory leave for each of the following statutory

holidays: (source: commission des normes du travail du Québec):

January 1st (New Year’s Day) Good Friday or Easter Monday at the employer’s choice The Monday preceding May 25th (National Patriots’ Day) June 24th (National Holiday) July 1st. If this date falls on a Sunday: July 2nd The 1st Monday in September (Labour Day) The 2nd Monday in October (Thanksgiving) December 25th (Christmas Day)

Employees are entitled to an indemnity or a compensatory leave at the employer’s choice.

You would like to learn more about the minimum wage and labour standards in Quebec? Visit the Commission des normes

du travail website: www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca/en

NORTHERN RESIDENTS DEDUCTIONS

Residents of Chapais are entitled to tax deductions since they are recognized both at the federal and provincial level as resi-

dents of designated remote areas.

Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca (Line 255, Form T2222)

Revenu Québec : www.revenuquebec.ca/en (Line 236, Form TP-350.1)

STARTING A BUSINESS IN CHAPAIS

KEY ORGANIZATIONS TO CONJSULT

Economic Developpement Community Futures Development Corporation

Corporation of Chapais Operating hours: Wednesdays from 9:00 to 4:00

145 Boul. Springer, C.P. 128 145 Boul. Springer

Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0 Chapais, Québec, G0W 1H0

Geneviève Gleeton Phone: 418-745-3530

Phone: 418-745-2355 www.sadccc.ca

ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERING Volunteering in organizations can be very helpful for newcomers in order to enhance their

networking, meet people, develop relationships, acquire experience and to feel that they are

part of the community. Since volunteering is usually done within organizations, you will find a

list of organizations in which you could get involved on the Chapais website.

www.villedechapais.com/artistes-et-organismes (French only)

RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Sports and Community Centre

188, boulevard Springer C.P. 380 Phone: 418-745-3289 Fax : 418-745-2119

Recreation Director : Sylvie Bédard Email : sbedard@villedechapais.com

Trained Lifeguard : Christianne Lacasse Email: clacasse@villedechapais.com

Service des loisirs de Chapais

PAGE 15

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARENA POOL COMMUNITY CENTRE

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS ATV TRAILS ADVENTURE TRAIL

HICKING TRAILS 3 CURLING RINKS CYCLING TRAIL

GYMNASIUM TENNIS COURTS ARCHERY FIELD

BASEBALL FIELD PARCS

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT

WWW.VILLEDECHAPAIS.COM

PAGE 16

The translation of this guide has

been possible thanks to the

financial participation of: