The Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec (Ilagiisaq-FCNQ) welcomes with enthusiasm it’s new General Manager, Mr. Mark Blair, who has dedicated his professional career to the growth of the Nunavik cooperative movement for nearly 20 years.

“Mr. Blair has the full confidence of the Board of Directors. His devotion to our cooperatives is exemplary” highlights Mary Johannes, President of Ilagiisaq-FCNQ. Working for the federation since 2001, the new general manager is known for his involvement in the Co-op Management Support and Accounting Services Department which provides assistance to member cooperative managers and projects, all while looking to preserve their financial health. Mr. Blair started as an accounting coordinator, was later promoted to supervisor, assistant manager and, lastly, to manager of the department in 2016.

Amongst his major achievements is the management of many important projects, allowing for accelerated growth of the Inuit cooperatives over the last few years, such as the renovation and construction of new stores and hotels. “I am proud to have participated in this team work. I admire the commitment and solidarity which drives our movement” observes Mr. Blair.

2020, a challenging yet successful initiation for the new general management

This nomination comes at the end of a year of turmoil for Ilagiisaq-FCNQ. In March of 2020, the appearance of COVID-19 and the unexpected departure of the General Manager, plunged the federation into uncertainty. Mr. Blair was entrusted with the general management in the interim.

His priority is the health and safety of the 1100 employees of the movement, of which 800 are in the North. He prioritizes communication efforts in order to strengthen the capacity of Ilagiisaq-FCNQ to adapt, react and apply Santé publique (public health) directives. Given that the services of the cooperatives are considered as essential, Mr. Blair ensures that they remain supplied and supported, all while working to minimize the impact of the pandemic on certain federation subsidiaries such as construction and tourism.

Close to the ground and attentive to the needs of the co-ops, he utilizes his leadership to move ahead with important dossiers such as Tarquti, a project for renewable energy for communities in the North, or the increased sharing of surpluses with the cooperatives. 

“The last few months have been quite challenging, which we were able to overcome. Today, I can count on this enriching experience to carry out the mission of the federation” concludes Mr. Blair, who will be communicating soon concerning the main projects he intends to focus on for the benefit of the Inuit cooperatives.

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/

Or visit us online at www.fcnq.ca

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Information :

Caroline Mailloux
Communications and Public Relations
Ilagiisaq – Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec
caroline.mailloux@fcnq.ca
514 457-9371 ext. 436

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