The Estrie region at a glance

Territory and main cities
Economy and employment
Portrait of immigration
Services to immigrants offered by the Ministère
Resources and interesting links

Territory and main cities

There is no lack of attractions in the Estrie region. Situated among lakes and mountains, the region offers sports and cultural activities enjoyed by a growing number of visitors. The beauty of its landscape and the diversity of services make it a good place to live. A focal point of learning with its two universities, four colleges and more than 50 research centres, Estrie is developing at the pace of its discoveries. The Université de Sherbrooke, for example, is one of the most prestigious universities in Québec.

Information on the territory and its subregions

• Association touristique régionale des Cantons-de-l'Est
• Conférence régionale des élus de l'Estrie
• Portail régional de l'Estrie du gouvernement du Québec
• Ville de Sherbrooke

Economy and employment

The Estrie region is very active in the agricultural sector, especially in dairy production. Mining also occupies an important part of the economy thanks to the extraction of asbestos and magnesium for example. Several firms in both traditional and non-traditional areas are also active here. Hence companies in microelectronics, precision tools, information technology and biomedical techniques operate alongside those in transportation equipment, textiles, and the processing of rubber, wood and paper.

The Estrie offers many jobs in most major sectors of the economy and enjoys an unemployment rate that is below the Québec average. The vitality of its small and medium sized businesses, the quality of its business infrastructure and the proximity of North American markets, make the Estrie the top exporting region of Québec.

Information on the economy, employment, services and cultural life

• Emploi-Québec
• Ministère des Finances

Business start-up support

• Maison régionale de l'industrie
• Pro-gestion Estrie
• Sherbrooke Innopole (CLD)

Portrait of immigration

Through different organizations, Estrie offers a range of services to help new immigrants integrate and find employment. Several communities are already represented in the region. They come from a variety of countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Colombia, Argentina and China.

Services to immigrants offered by the Ministère

• Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec
• Directory of services offered by community partners
• French courses for non-francophones
• Information sessions for immigrants

Resources and interesting links

• Actions interculturelles de développement et d'éducation (AIDE)
• Bishop's University
• Centre interculturel peuplestrie optimum (CIPO)
• Centre Saint-Michel
• Collège de Sherbrooke
• Fédération des communautés culturelles de l'Estrie
• Festival des traditions du monde
• Heading for Success
• International social security agreements
• Regional reports: profiles of regions and MRCs (county regional municipalities)
• Rencontres Interculturelles des Familles de l'Estrie (RIFE)
• Service d'aide aux Néo-Canadiens (SANC)
• Université de Sherbrooke
• Ville de Coaticook
• Ville de Lac-Mégantic
• Ville de Magog
• Ville de Sherbrooke

To learn more Contact the Centre de contacts clientèle or consult the directory of services offered by the Ministry’s partners.