This program is more than a linguistic initiative; it’s a powerful tool for inclusion and economic participation. Through one-on-one mentorship sessions and dynamic networking events, Circonflexe helps participants build confidence, strengthen professional communication skills, and unlock new opportunities in Québec’s labour market. At Mentor Canada, we believe mentorship is a catalyst for change. PERT’s mission to address employment barriers for minority English-speaking communities aligns closely with our commitment to closing the mentoring gap for youth and equity-deserving groups nationwide. Together, we are proving that mentorship is not just about guidance, it’s about creating belonging, breaking down barriers, and building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.” 

-Heather Ancliffe, Workplace Mentoring Lead at Mentor Canada 

Heather works closely with organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to develop inclusive mentoring initiatives that address employment barriers and close the mentoring gap for youth and equity-deserving groups across the country.  

The Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the employment challenges faced by Québec’s English-speaking communities. Since its founding in September 2020, PERT has worked closely with regional and community organizations, educational institutions, employment service providers, employers, and government stakeholders to build stronger employment networks and support inclusion in Québec’s labour market. 

Through research, policy work, program development, and community engagement, PERT has published more than 40 reports and 8 briefs examining the economic and employment realities of English speakers across all 17 regions of Québec. These studies reveal critical insights into labour market trends, employment profiles, and access to French-language learning infrastructure. 

One of the key findings of our research is that a lack of French proficiency remains a leading barrier to employment for English speakers in Québec. This barrier, combined with limited access to targeted employment services, contributes to persistent gaps in employment, income, and economic participation. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for the English-speaking community but also for the province’s broader economic growth. 

Learn more about PERT

Building on this research, PERT launched the Circonflexe Mentorship Program on November 14, 2024. The program is designed to pair English-speaking Quebecers seeking to improve their French for the job market with French-proficient professionals from similar industries and regions. 

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The program has three primary objectives: 

1. Foster links and linguistic exchanges between English-speaking Quebecers and francophones in the job market. 

2. Build confidence and language skills for professional communication in French-speaking workplaces. 

3. Strengthen community organizations’ capacity to meet local French-language learning needs.

The Circonflexe Program includes two main components: 

1. One-on-One Mentorship in French 

• 9–10 mentor-mentee sessions over one year, in-person or online via a secure online platform. 

• Sessions are conducted primarily in French to encourage real-life language practice. 

• Mentors are French-proficient professionals from a variety of industries. 

2. Professional Networking Events 

• Brings together French-speaking employers and professionals with English-speaking Quebecers. 

• Offers opportunities to expand professional networks, identify mentorship pairings, and explore employment opportunities. 

• Hosted in partnership with 26 local community organizations and employment service providers. 

Program Impact 

• Over 180 participants across 15 regions in the first cohort 

• 17 networking events held in 10 regions 

• Partnerships with the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines et en relations Industrielles agréés du Québec (CRHA), McGill University, and Concordia University 

The Circonflexe Mentorship Program is more than a language initiative—it’s a bridge to opportunity. By combining mentorship and networking, it empowers English-speaking Quebecers to overcome language barriers, build professional confidence, and fully participate in Québec’s labour market. 

Learn more about the Circonflexe Mentorship Program

On October 22-23, 2025, PERT hosted the Unlocking Potential Conference 2025 (UP25), a two-day conference bringing together leaders and stakeholders to tackle the future of work in Québec. Grounded in research and real-world impact, this conference focused on strategies to unlock talent across all communities. 

Québec’s workforce faces critical gaps—skills shortages, economic pressure from a U.S. administration antagonistic to Canada, and persistent disparities for English-speaking Quebecers. UP25 provided evidence-based insights and practical strategies to close labour-market gaps, increase productivity where it is most needed, and strengthen Québec’s economy. 

Participants engaged in hands-on panels, workshops, and consultations to develop real-world solutions. Of particular focus was how industry-specific French-language training and inclusive employment strategies could unlock thousands of additional workers for Québec’s labour force. 

In the context of this conference, PERT hosted a mentorship-focused panel moderated by Benoît Dubreuil, Commissaire à la langue française, with panellists: 

• Catherine Légaré, Co-founder and President, Elo Mentorat 

• Heather Ancliffe, Workplace Mentoring Lead, Mentor Canada 

• Jennifer Petrela, Directrice Générale, Mentorat Québec 

Following the panel, PERT hosted a Circonflexe Networking Event, bringing together francophone professionals, French-language learners, and community leaders. The event offered participants the chance to grow their networks, celebrate inspiring mentorship stories, and see how they could be part of the Circonflexe journey.