Four major industries in Sept-Îles, Port-Cartier and Fermont, on the North Shore, have come together to contribute to the COVID-19 vaccination operation.
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A nurse at the Alouette Smelter for 16 years, René-Louis Doyon is therefore ready to give time to immunize his fellow citizens against COVID-19.
«[Selon] the needs of public health, we will participate, that will make us happy. As much as a vaccinator, injector or [pour] give resources to support, we are available, we are ready, ”he said on Friday.
The Alouette Smelter as well as the mining companies Rio Tinto IOC, ArcelorMittal and Minerai de fer Québec have therefore joined forces to support the vaccination effort.
However, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord is not yet in a position to indicate precisely what the role of these large industries will be, but at first glance, the opening of a new in-company vaccination center is not forthcoming. the plans.
“They prefer that we join their existing vaccination center and increase its capacity,” said Benoit Méthot, Rio Tinto IOC. “It remains to be defined by how much we will increase the capacity. We’re going to work on that this week with them. But everything is going to happen in the same place. It will be easier for the population. ”
The 450 or so companies in the province that raised their hands to participate in the vaccination effort must lend a hand to the public network and then committed to respecting the order of priority provided for the vaccination campaign, without favoring their employees.
“It’s a collective effort. The idea is that it is a good outpouring of solidarity on the part of local industries, ”said Annie Paré, Director of Communications at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada. “We are happy to take part. It’s a great collaboration from the players involved. The important thing is to protect the population, we do it free of charge. We offer resources, whether our nurses or other staff members, to help set up the vaccination pole. “
An opinion shared by the vice-president of human resources and general affairs of Aluminerie Alouette, Michel Lussier.
“Public interests come before the interests of big business. We are going to contribute in that direction, ”he added.
The government’s objective is to vaccinate 500,000 Quebecers thanks to the contribution of businesses.
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