Future nurses being recruited abroad to fill the ranks of Quebec’s health network are struggling to find housing as they prepare to arrive in Quebec.
• Also read: Christian Dubé in an interview: In order to improve conditions in the public health network, the minister will withdraw a billion dollars from private agencies
“Nobody warned us that it would be so difficult when they picked us up. The government must have alternatives! I can’t afford to live in a hotel,” says a 33-year-old nurse from Marrakech. He asked that his identity be kept secret so as not to interfere with his search for housing in Quebec.
Since he got his work visa a month ago, he has been searching in vain for an apartment. The pressure is mounting as he packs his bags in Montreal on October 5th.
“Rents in Montreal are unbelievable! I see $1200 studios in deplorable condition. I’m preparing to fight a bit and maybe sleep with people in the meantime,” adds the man, who has been working as a nurse for more than ten years.
In Montreal, these future nurses, recruited abroad by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisization and Integration (MIFI), are among the latest cohorts to arrive in Quebec. Before joining the health network, they must complete a refresher program from the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ) to have their skills recognized and thus obtain their license to practice.
“I come to improve my skills and help Quebecers. I’m willing to work a lot for this. But given the housing shortage, I wonder whether I’m really making the right decision,” asks the 30-year-old Moroccan.
Big challenge
Alexendra Tremblay, director of the organization, is responsible for CITIM (Key for the Integration into Work of Immigrants) in helping future caregivers who follow this program find housing.
“For some it is possible to share accommodation, but we also have many families so we have to find different accommodation for everyone,” she explains.
“We expected it to be very difficult, but this is a much bigger challenge than we expected,” she continues.
Simon Lamoureux of Carrefour d’aide aux Newcomers (CANA) agrees.
“Time is running out for those who arrive in October,” he says.
Most often, owners turn away prospective nurses because they can’t do a credit check, like Mr. Lamoureux and Ms. Tremblay.
“We have a lot of cancellations because people are still abroad,” says Ms. Tremblay.
“Often we have to explain to the owners what the program is and sometimes that helps to clear the blockages a little,” adds Mr. Lamoureux, who nevertheless remains confident.
At the hotel
In particular, to prevent them from ending up on the streets upon arrival, CITIM seeks to partner with hotels to guarantee room rates while candidates can obtain accommodation.
“We are preparing for this eventuality and warning participants that they may need temporary accommodation, even if it is not ideal,” emphasizes Ms. Tremblay, who encourages future nurses to come alone first before bringing their families.