In a context where food security and essential services remain key priorities for northern communities, the Government of Canada is highlighting the completion of a transformative project aimed at improving access to fresh, affordable food and reducing costs in Nunavik.
While in Montréal, Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of the Honourable Mandy Gull‑Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, recognized the warehouse expansion work of the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau Québec (FCNQ) alongside Mark Blair, Chief Executive Officer of the FCNQ, and Chhoan Sokchiveneath, Senior Director of Socio Economic Development at the FCNQ. This project is supported by close to one million dollars in funding, including more than $966,000 provided by Indigenous Services Canada.
Located on the Island of Montréal, the warehouse now includes:
- 1,580 m² of additional refrigerated and freezer space;
- 6,500 m² of additional standard warehousing space; and
- 1,670 m² of additional space dedicated to offices and shared areas.
Thanks to these new facilities, the FCNQ has now increased logistics capacity, enabling it to supply its 14 Inuit member cooperatives across Nunavik more efficiently. The additional space will notably allow the FCNQ to:
- store essential goods and food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables;
- increase its ability to purchase in bulk, helping to reduce costs and maintain more stable prices for Inuit families; and
- reduce the risk of stock shortages in communities where deliveries can be disrupted by weather conditions.
By strengthening storage and distribution capacity within the northern supply chain, this investment directly contributes to improving food security, increasing the resilience of Inuit communities, and ensuring more reliable access to nutritious and affordable food throughout Nunavik.
