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You probably don’t even notice them — unobtrusive, quiet, and meticulous. They are the reasons why the shelves of a city library are dust-free and the floors are polished, why the items in your favourite store are neatly stocked, and why your office garbage can is empty first thing in the morning. They are a skilled team of workers from Placement Potentiel, keeping our retail and public building spaces in tip-top shape.

Placement Potentiel was founded in 1980 in response to community organizations and parents concerned about the lack of employment opportunities on the West Island for people with disabilities. At that time, Michael Arsenault was working as an educator for West Island Readaptation Centre (WIRC), helping people with disabilities integrate into work and community settings. Placement Potentiel was created by the WIRC team as an alternative to the sheltered workshop models of the day, an integrated employment program partnering with the community to create real job opportunities. Arsenault went on to be the executive director of WIRC for 12 years before going into private business in North and South America.

Placement Potentiel was developed into a successful business by a dedicated team led by John Dirlik for over 40 years. Now celebrating 45 years in Pointe-Claire, Placement Potentiel is a proud member of the Conseil québécois des entreprises adaptées (CQEA). This non-profit agency’s team of dedicated professionals helps employers find reliable workers while ensuring that their participants find meaningful employment.

Two years ago, after 30 years in multinational and private business ventures, Arsenault returned as executive director. The Placement Potentiel team currently supports over 100 individuals on their employment roster. He emphasizes that the organization isn’t just an employment service — it’s “a social enterprise” focused on integrating people into their community.

With two divisions, one in building maintenance and an individual job placement division, Placement Potentiel has personnel working in libraries, big box stores, and government buildings across the Island of Montreal in both full- and part-time roles.

Workers are referred through Emploi Québec's Services spécialisés de main-d'œuvre (SSMO) network. Placement Potentiel connects with individuals who are capable workers, often overlooked because of their disabilities. Job opportunities are found by bidding on maintenance contracts through Quebec's electronic tender system, approaching companies with job postings, or when socially minded business leaders approach them directly. Arsenault and his team carefully match workers to the right positions, then offer training, support, and supervision — all within the community.

For over 45 years, Quebec's Adapted Enterprise network has created quality jobs in workplaces adapted for people with disabilities. More than 5,000 people work within this network of 35 companies, with nearly 4,000 positions specifically dedicated to these people.

A 2020 report by the Conseil québécois des entreprises adaptées found that the Programme de subvention aux entreprises adaptées generated $274 million in economic benefits and $175 million in payroll. By supporting the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce, the program also reduced reliance on social assistance, saving an estimated $23 million per year.

Without organizations like Placement Potentiel, these individuals get caught up in financial assistance programs that are not focused on creating employment opportunities. Employment programs such as those offered by Placement Potentiel reduce social isolation and create a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Michael Arsenault and his team are always looking for more opportunities for new building maintenance contracts and job placements in local businesses. Summing up their mission, he explains, “We’re not a placement service. We’re a potential service.” Hiring through Placement Potentiel not only ensures high-quality service and strong teamwork, but it also strengthens the community by creating stability, embracing diversity, and opening doors for workers of all abilities.

To learn more about Placement Potentiel and how they can help meet the needs of your workplace, please visit their website at https://www.placementpotentiel.com, email them at info@placementpotentiel.com, or call (514) 694-0315.