2026 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

Ludovic Feulefack Kemmanang had a successful career as a director with consulting company, specializing in property and land rights, where he travelled a lot. Wanting a more stable environment for him and his wife to raise their five children, he happily accepted the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in December 2025 through the express entry program.

He is well on his way to finding employment thanks to the support of Sylvie Thivierge, a training consultant with a background in psychology and administration.  

“I met Sylvie through La Cité’s Employment Market Integration Programs (EMIP),” remembers Ludovic. Sylvie explained how the program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, would help with his settlement and success in Ottawa.

The five-week program helps newcomers to integrate in Canada. “It’s an intense engagement with a signed contract, language testing in English and French and about three hours of daily workshops, in additional to extra homework,” explains Sylvie.

“At the beginning of the cohort, Ludovic contacted me right away,” adds Sylvie. “So I knew he was very motivated. I always think of him when an opportunity arises. He’s the type of person who will succeed.”

Her help has extended beyond the job search. She directed him to a free tax clinic and stores that sell reasonably priced children’s clothing; helped him to find a family doctor and childcare; and found a program to subsidize his son’s dental care.

He appreciates her thoroughness, efficiency, ability to multitask and avoidance of playing telephone tag. “She almost always answers the phone, and when she can’t, she calls back as soon as she’s available,” explains Ludovic. “She listens attentively, without rushing, and does everything she can to find solutions before the end of the call.”

“Occasionally since arriving in Canada, I have felt undermined or under valued, but she values me. Sylvie makes you feel like the most important person in the world. Her advice is invaluable, and when you come to her with a problem, you always leave with a great sense of satisfaction.”

She admires his ability to easily connect. “Ludovic has a way to describe things I’ve never seen before,” she explains. “Everyone listens when he speaks and he is very calm. It’s pleasure to continue to work with him.”

“Meeting newcomers and responding to their needs is so fulfilling,” says Sylvie. “It’s so satisfying to see my clients reach their full potential.”

“I am convinced that my current difficulty settling in, particularly regarding my job search, remains unresolved simply because it’s beyond Sylvie’s control,” explains Ludovic. “Three to four times a week, she sends me job postings and checks in monthly to encourage me. She is available to review my resume and help me apply for jobs.”

They both know the current challenges of the tight job market, but Sylvie won’t be satisfied until Ludovic finds employment. And when he does, she will be his number one reference.