On October 30th, CCI France Western Canada hosted its first Sector Committee event under People, Leadership & Culture, gathering human resources leaders, business executives, global mobility specialists, and internationally trained professionals for a thoughtful discussion on France–Canada Talent Mobility and its role in shaping economic growth across Western Canada.
The hybrid panel brought together diverse perspectives from industry, immigration, and workforce strategy, and highlighted the unique opportunities bilingual and internationally mobile talent bring to organizations navigating growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
We extend our appreciation to our moderator and panelists:
Julie Dumenc (Aritzia) • Alexandra Veyet (BA Blacktop / VINCI Construction)
Franck Palomba (Zodiac Hurricane Technologies) • Sandrine Bunch (Cerise Immigration)
with opening remarks from Caroline Clark (Hungerford Properties), Committee Co-Chair, and closing insights from Isabelle Vigneault (Anywr Canada).
We also warmly thank Anywr Canada, Howard Employment Law, Terra Breads, and the Consul General of France in Vancouver for their partnership and support.
7 Key Takeaways
1. International mobility is a strategic asset — not a backup plan.
Companies increasingly rely on bilingual and cross-culturally adept talent to support innovation, operational agility, and global collaboration.
2. Bilingualism offers a unique advantage in Western Canada.
French-speaking professionals have access to immigration pathways that are more accessible and flexible, allowing employers to recruit and onboard talent more efficiently.
3. The VIE Program remains a powerful leadership pipeline.
Many organizations shared how VIE placements often lead to long-term employment and strong leadership growth, benefiting both the individual and the company.
4. Effective mobility requires alignment across HR, leadership, and immigration strategy.
When workforce planning, visa pathways, onboarding, and retention planning are coordinated from the start, organizations see stronger outcomes and less friction.
5. Retention begins long before arrival.
Housing support, logistical assistance, cultural adaptation, and workplace mentorship significantly improve integration and long-term engagement.
6. Cost of living in Vancouver remains a challenge — but community support matters.
Belonging, connection, and shared culture are key drivers of retention and well-being.
7. Mobility strengthens organizations — and strengthens people.
Cross-border experience builds resilience, adaptability, empathy, and international leadership capacity.
From Strategy to Human Experience
A particularly resonant moment came when the discussion shifted toward the emotional and human dimension of relocation.
As one panelist shared:
“Mobility is not just a professional transition — it is a human one. Support and empathy are what make the journey successful.”
This theme echoed throughout the conversation: practical planning matters, but belonging is what makes people stay.
Looking Ahead
This event marks the beginning of a deeper series of exchanges led by our Sector Committees:
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People, Leadership & Culture
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Hospitality, Wine & Art de Vivre
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Energy & Natural Resources
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Aerospace
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Tech & Innovation
Each committee aims to bring members together to learn, collaborate, and open new business opportunities across Western Canada and France.
We also launched our new Job Board, where members may post opportunities and candidate profiles during the trial period.
This is one of the many ways we are helping companies and professionals connect talent with opportunity.
Join the Community
Whether you are a business leader, a professional navigating your own international journey, or a company exploring growth across France and Western Canada — we invite you to take part.
Become a member
Join a Sector Committee
Share your voice, your experience, your leadership
Go West to Grow West.
Event slides: CCI France-Canada Talent Mobility 2025OCT30.pdf
