
Agnico Eagle Mines – Welcoming new employees to AEM and to Northern Ontario winters
Services
Agnico Eagle Mines
The Challenge
Moving north for a mining career comes with challenges, and for many Agnico Eagle Mining employees, the first winter in Northern Ontario is the most daunting. Snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures are unfamiliar to workers and their families relocating from warmer climates. AEM wanted to provide them not only with practical advice but also a warm welcome to the region.
The Solution
The company had already created a winter survival guide, but it was very text-heavy, lacked visuals, and was difficult for some employees who spoke mostly Spanish. AEM turned to Olive + Soy to reshape the resource into something approachable, bilingual, and engaging — a guide that would help newcomers not just endure winter, but feel at home in it. At its heart, the guide was also designed to reflect AEM’s values: reminding employees that they weren’t just joining a workplace, but becoming part of a family.
The new Winter Survival Guide uses simple, friendly language and custom illustrations to make important tips easy to follow — from dressing for the cold to preparing vehicles and homes. Published in both English and Spanish, it ensures every employee and their family feel included and supported.
More than just a handbook, the guide reflects AEM’s belief that every new hire is joining a community. By turning a dense manual into a clear and welcoming resource, AEM shows care for its people — helping them step into Northern Ontario winters with confidence and a sense of belonging.

