The team is growing – April 2023

Cédric Saint-Aimé, Web Developer

With 20 years of experience in web development under his belt, Cédric knows his job inside out, even if he’s just starting out in the port industry. "The marine industry is really something new for me. The technologies are the same, but they’re not used the same way. I’m learning a lot, especially about the Marine Act and the history of the Port."

Good thing Cédric’s thirst for learning is bottomless. Technology, biology, geology, astronomy, finance, geopolitics... "I’m interested in every possible subject.” In addition to his full-time job, he is also a certified financial security advisor with the Autorité des marchés financiers and an Uber driver in his spare time. When there’s free time left over, he likes to play video games. What’s his favourite? Call of Duty and FIFA, he said. A bit hyperactive? ”Yes! I do lots of things.”

Yet behind this hyperactivity, Cédric told us that he’s always calm. As he put it, “I don’t experience much stress, even in high-pressure situations. There’s a solution to every problem! You just have to look for it and find it.” In fact, he told us that he has one fear, that of emptiness. His solution? He decided to try bungee jumping! "I had the fright of my life... but I don’t regret it! It was liberating, and I even wanted to do it again.” What next? Skydiving!

Maude Campagna, Manager, Talent and Culture

Maude brought 18 years of experience in human resources when she came to us from Loto-Québec. What appeals to her about her vocation? "I like being in the field, being available and attentive," she tells us. "People often see the bad role of human resources... but human is there in human resources! There’s a lot more positive than negative." Her favourite times? "Announcing good news like a promotion or an appointment or job re-evaluation. I’m so happy for the person!"

She told us that her favourite sport is downhill skiing, which she’s been doing “as long as I can remember.” She fully intends to pass on this passion to her daughters. Since her first job was as a downhill ski instructor, let’s just say she’s well qualified to do so!

Maude is also an avid traveller and history buff. She fell in love with Austria, and as a young girl, adored the film Sissi Empress of Austria. "I named my daughter Simone, so I could call her Sissi," she said, laughing, and as for books, she loved the Jeanne fille du roi series about the history of Quebec and colonization. “By the way, my other daughter’s name is Jeanne!” Talk about following through!  

Maka Diakhate, Manager, Project and Operations Support

Maka joined the MPA in 2019 as Manager, Control Estimating but recently switched jobs to become Manager, Project and Operations Support. What prompted him to make this leap? "The opportunity to have additional responsibilities, professional development and to act as a team leader with more impact within the MPA," he told us. Trained as a civil engineer with a MEng in construction, he is now in charge of supporting the Port’s engineers and GDI supervisors by managing the administrative leg of infrastructure projects, "so they can stay focused on the technical aspects."

His passion for cooking is one way he spends his spare time. "For me, cooking is an art! It has its own specificities and subtleties, just like estimating," he told us. His specialties? Traditional Senegalese dishes such as mafé and thiéboudienne, as well as North African specialties such as couscous and tagine. But above all, he loves spicy food... a tendency he has learned to temper when inviting his less accustomed work colleagues to dinner! Maka is also an ardent reader, with a penchant for historical books and biographies. When asked if he had a favourite to recommend, he immediately named Mbougar Sarr’s 2021 Prix Goncourt winner La plus secrète mémoire des hommes as "an absolutely excellent book."

And what is his greatest source of pride? That of "having studied hard," he shared. "My father, before he died, wanted me to become an engineer. There were ten children in the family, and he sacrificed a lot so that I could, and I did even if he wasn't here to see it." Bravo Maka, the MPA is lucky to have you on the team!

Moussa Lamah, Advisor, Occupational Health and Safety

A mining engineer by training, Moussa's first taste of Quebec came when he was employed by Rio Tinto in his native Guinea. Entrusted with providing OHS training to employees, he came to Quebec on a business trip... A trip that inspired him to return and stay! Since his arrival, Moussa has had a number of interesting professional experiences, including working for REM, for Hydro-Québec at Romaine 4, and for eight months in Nunavik. "It was a great experience to discover the Far North," he said, "even though we were completely isolated!"

At the Port, his role is to assist the occupational health and safety manager on all the different worksites, ensuring that they are safe and up to standard. You could say he has OHS tattooed on his heart! "For me, a good day's work is when I come home at night and all the workers are safe and no one's been hurt. I spend my days wanting to save lives and avoid injuries." It's a job that requires constant refresher training, given the frequent changes in laws and the need to be up to speed on new standards at all times.

Asked about his personal passions, Moussa replied right away: soccer! An active player from an early age, he continues to play on a team with friends, and admits to being a huge supporter of CF Montréal. It's a pleasure for him to adopt Quebec customs and culture, and he told us that he recently made some iconic discoveries: poutine and the film Elvis Gratton! Welcome to the MPA, Moussa!