The year 2022-2023 brought together several remarkable collective entrepreneurship projects in the region, along with promising collaborations.
Another year has passed with the privilege of supporting cooperatives and collective projects in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec. The previous report mentioned the prospect of creating an additional position within CDRQ to support projects in Northern Quebec and the northern part of Abitibi-Témiscamingue more closely; unfortunately, this project did not materialize.
The project isn’t entirely scrapped; we will see if better opportunities arise in the future. In the meantime, you all know where to reach me for your cooperative needs!
We had the opportunity to support a total of 7 cooperatives with personalized assistance, particularly for startups, strategic planning, capitalization planning, and governance support. Additionally, we had the chance to welcome and guide 11 cooperative projects across various sectors, including agriculture, dental health, education, housing, and more.
Finally, we conducted 14 proactive development activities in the area. These included fruitful collaborations with regional teams, participation in a social economy event specifically organized for Indigenous peoples, involvement in activities of the Jamésien Social Economy Pole, among others. We also had the privilege of attending the Défi Osentreprendre Gala in the region to present an award to the winner.
The year was marked by the establishment of a cooperative involving members of Inuit communities and non-Inuit members. This is the Ikajurtigiit Cooperative de solidarité. We are proud of the support we provided to them, entirely in English, both virtually and in person.
All this was made possible through close collaboration with the Kativik Regional Government. The construction company received exceptional media coverage in metropolitan media and made a significant difference for worker members and supporting members.
Finally, the end of the year was focused on preparing a joint event with Espace Entrepreneurship Collectif for Abitibi-Témiscamingue. A hybrid event for participants from the region and across Quebec. The theme centered on business continuity in a risk management context. A collaboration of which I am very proud!
Evan Murray, Regional Director, Abitibi-Témiscamingue/Northern Quebec
