Ilagiisaq-FCNQ has been awarded 10.5M$ in federal funding from Transport Canada to prevent environmental risks associated with petroleum management in Northern communities. Thanks to the support of the Kativik Regional Government, the Nunavik co-op federation was able to qualify to the federal program and submit various project proposals that would increase the safety and efficiency of petroleum resupply operations. Project proposals were developed with the knowledge and expertise of Petro-Nav.

“Petroleum resupply operations are an essential service in Nunavik that generates a certain level of risk. Ilagiisaq-FCNQ recognizes the importance in reducing the risk associated with these operations and continually strives to do so, along with its partner Petro-Nav” explains M. Mark Blair, Ilagiisaq’s Interim General Manager. Through the Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities Initiative of the Oceans Protection Plan, approved projects include upgrades to various existing, as well as the installation of new infrastructures, pending the authorization of local organizations.

Specifically, each community will see an upgrade to their existing shore manifolds, which will include installation of proper lighting to increase the safety of the operations, which run 24-hours a day, as well as securing the manifold site with a concrete structure. New infrastructure will include the installation of bollards for ship mooring in Umiujaq, Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq. The new bollard installations will allow ships to use a method of mooring that will increase ship stability, leading to fewer disruptions to operations and the need for emergency maneuvers.

“We take our responsibility for the sustainable development of Nunavik very seriously” says Ms. Mary Johannes, Ilagiisaq-FCNQ President while reminding the socioeconomic leadership of the co-op movement in the region. Certain new infrastructures developed as part of this program will benefit all maritime carriers and each of the communities will gain directly as the safety of the operations is increased.

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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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