L & M Mercier Enterprises Ltd. - Yarmouth Canadian Tire
Mike Mercier, Owner/Operator

In May 2012, Yarmouth Canadian Tire approached West Nova Inclusive Employment Society with a plan to provide 28 participants with 15 weeks of entry-level work experience on a renovation project, later extended to 20 weeks. Mike Mercier organized an orientation barbeque to welcome the participants and to introduce them to his existing staff. Mike and his general manager, Mike Denomme, gave a talk to let the participants know what was expected of them, and urged them not to be afraid, but to have fun during the project. The clients learned teamwork, hands-on experience in retail and labour positions, completed sky lift and forklift training, and gained skills in customer service, WHMIS, Safety First, planograms, as well as job preparation and how to succeed in job interviews.

Each day began with a morning huddle, to maintain an open dialogue between management and the participants, provide positive reinforcement, identify issues and set priorities, and to educate the participants about the business. Mike Denomme contacted some participants to ensure they were able to arrive at work on time, and sometimes paid for taxi fare to bring people to the workplace. The company assigned five existing employees as team leads to oversee the participants and provide additional guidance, and held regular monitoring sessions. Nine of the participants were hired; they no longer require income support from the Department of Community Services. Two others have decided to return to school, and one has found employment in another workplace. Mike Mercier has said that as new positions open up at Yarmouth Canadian Tire, he will hire more of the project participants.