“Once again, our activities have generated surpluses that will benefit the members of our cooperatives through rebates and improved services” happily explains Ms. Mary Johannes, president of the federation. Reports from all Ilagiisaq divisions providing services to member cooperatives and subsidiaries showed continued growth in 2019. The General Assembly unanimously approved a return of $10.5M to the member cooperatives.
While these rebates are usually handed in earlier in the year, COVID-19 has disturbed Ilagiisaq's agenda. However, although with some delay, the annual general meeting was able to be held in person in compliance with public health rules. Over the past few months, the cooperatives and their federation mobilized to ensure the safety of Nunavimmiut and quickly integrated new health standards.
Recognizing the success of collective Inuit entrepreneurship
The Assembly awards two trophies annually to the member cooperatives with the best financial indicators. The Peter Murdoch Trophy for Best Performance Co-op for 2019 was awarded to the Kangiqsualujjuaq cooperative. The Most Improved Co-op Trophy for 2019 was awarded to the Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoostui cooperative.
For Ms. Johannes, these recognition initiatives are important. “It’s in our values to highlight successes in order to encourage the movement to grow” and then reminds us how humbly honoured Ilagiisaq members were that their federation received the award for Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada’s 2020 Large Co-op of the Year, awarded a few months ago.
In closing, the Board of Directors held a meeting for the election of the Executive Committee at the end of the General Assembly. Mary Johannes, from Kuujjuaq, was elected by acclamation as President. The following members were elected following a vote or by acclamation: Charlie Tukkiapik, from Quaqtaq, as Vice-President for Ungava; Sarollie Weetaluktuk, from Inukjuak, as Vice-President for Hudson Bay. And the two Executive members are Jessie Baron, from Kangiqsualujjuaq, and Maggie Saviakjuk, from Salluit.
About Ilagiisaq-FCNQ
Founded and managed by Nunavimmiut, the 14 cooperatives of Nunavik offer a multitude of services to the community: general store, hotel, cable TV distribution, gas station, fuel distribution, etc.
Created in 1967 to supply the Nunavik cooperative movement with effective means of ensuring its growth, the federation, Ilagiisaq, supports its member cooperative through: purchasing, training, mechanical maintenance, technical and management support. It is also active in various economic sectors such as marketing of Inuit art, energy and transport.
Ilagiisaq’s subsidiaries include Nunavik Petro Inc., Schefferville Petro Inc., FCNQ Construction Inc., Taqramut Transport Inc., Transport Katinniq Inc., Transport Padlayat Inc., Voyages FCNQ Inc., Piqutivut Rentals Inc., Tarquti Energy Inc. – and its limited partnership Pétroles Naskinnuk LP, located in Schefferville.
To get an overview of the Nunavik cooperative movement:
https://www.facebook.com/455534244475061/videos/2618838078382271/
- 30 -
Information :
Caroline Mailloux Communications and Public Relations Ilagiisaq – Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec caroline.mailloux@fcnq.ca 514 457-9371 ext. 436
PDF
© 2018 - Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec
