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