July 19, 2019

Blueberry Country

By Gabriel Gauthier

A career in the forest products industry offers as many rewards and opportunities as it does challenges. That’s what participants in Forest Products Association of Canada’s (FPAC) Green Dream Internship Program are discovering on the job at Resolute.

We are pleased to share a series of blogposts written by the new interns on their work experience and adventures.

Two months ago, I left Quebec City to move to the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. My internship at Resolute Forest Products is taking place here, or to be more specific in Lac-Saint-Jean. Resolute has offered me an extraordinary work experience and I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to live and work in this beautiful region, which is known as blueberry country because of its abundance of the tasty little blue fruit.

Since the start of my internship, I’ve had the opportunity to visit, work and learn at several mills in the region. Even though I’m based in the Saint-Félicien administrative office, Maxim Ouellet, Human Resources Manager, Sawmills and Woodlands, has given me the opportunity to acquire new knowledge at several sawmills and in the woodlands. I’ve spent time at the Saint-Thomas, Saint-Félicien, La Doré, Normandin, Mistassini and Girardville mills. Working at these facilities, I’ve gained experienced in various aspects of industrial relations. To date, I’ve been able to participate in human resources management, labour relations, health and safety, and private and public policy.

This region offers an unmatched nature-oriented living environment. Forests and water are its main natural resources, so not only the wood products industry but all the people who live here can enjoy these natural spaces. You’re never more than a few minutes from a body of water, a forest or an activity that lets you enhance your wellbeing and take time for yourself.

For a more complete visit, you can also take the Véloroute des Bleuets (blueberry bike path), which goes all the way around the lake. People who want a more laid-back experience can sail the lake with the crew of La Tournée, a boat you’ll find in the marina at the Dam-en-Terre resort.

If you’d like to know more about the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and why it’s so enjoyable to live and work here, I suggest you visit these sites: Ose le pays des bleuets (oselepaysdesbleuts.com) and Destination Lac-Saint-Jean (lacsaintjean.com).