Rio Tinto Supports the Local Economy During the Summer Season

Rio Tinto has invested more than $200,000 in local recreational and tourism businesses The move was part of an initiative to help stimulate the regional economy and thank employees for their efforts since the start of the pandemic to comply with health guidelines.

Rio Tinto’s 4,000 employees in the region were able to choose a package worth $50 from among some 50 activities offered by Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, such as a visit to the Édouard-les-bains Nordic spa, the Trou de la Fée Cavern park, or the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh. In collaboration with Rio Tinto, Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean has set up an exclusive platform to facilitate package selection.

Sébastien Ross, Managing Director of Quebec Operations for Rio Tinto, said, “We are pleased to offer all Rio Tinto employees in the region a Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean discovery package, as a way to thank them for their commitment over the past few months. These packages will allow employees to make the most of summer by exploring our beautiful region.”

Julie Dubord, General Manager of Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, added, “Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is very proud to contribute to an initiative as promising as the one initiated by Rio Tinto for its employees. We believe very strongly in this project’s potential leverage and our members’ strong participation is proof of that. Through the sometimes-exclusive experiences offered, Rio Tinto employees are sure to make exciting discoveries that will reassert their valuable role as ambassadors of our beautiful region.”

The discovery packages are in addition to the $400,000 that Rio Tinto injected into the regional economy in the form of gift cards given to employees on the eve of the 2020 holiday season. These cards could be used at a dozen regional partner businesses, therefore helping to boost local purchasing.