Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ mark their 20th anniversary: $76.5 Million invested in northwestern Québec
Chibougamau, September 28, 2016 – Established almost 25 years ago, Équipement de bureau Ungava is well known in Nord-du-Québec. The company specializes in the sale, maintenance and after-sale service of office equipment, as well as the sale of stationery, school materials and office supplies. Owner Yvon Godbout, who acquired the company in 2008, recently renovated an adjacent building in order to expand his operations and better serve his customers.
The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ (FRS) Nord-du-Québec invested $550,000 to support this expansion, marking its second investment in the Chibougamau-based company, which provides employment for some 15 people.
“The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ are here to support the growth and sustainability of companies in all sectors of the economy, be it natural resources or the supply of goods and services. Companies like Équipement de bureau Ungava are key actors that create jobs in the local economy,” said Raymond Grenier, General Manager of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ Nord-du-Québec and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Twenty years of investments in Nord-Ouest du Québec
The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ network was created in 1996 to provide Québec regions with a development tool. To date, the FRS in northwestern Québec have invested $76.5 million in 150 projects, helping to create, maintain or protect 4,250 quality jobs in the region.
“These figures attest to the relevance of the regional funds and make us optimistic and enthusiastic about the next 20 years in Nord-du-Québec,” added Luc Pinard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ.
Quality jobs and concrete spinoffs for northwestern Québec
A recent study by KPMG shows that the average salary at partner companies of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and the Fonds régionaux is 78% higher than the regional average in Abitibi-Témiscamingue ($75,593 versus $42,516) and 42% higher than in Nord-du-Québec ($53,936 versus $37,951).
A summary of the KPMG study for Abitibi-Témiscamingue is available here, and for Nord-du-Québec here.
About the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ have been helping to further regional economic development in Québec for 20 years. An integral part of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ network, the Fonds régionaux have invested $635 million in 1,040 projects since 1996, helping to create, maintain or protect close to 37,000 jobs. www.fondsreg.com
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Press contact:
Patrick McQuilken
Senior Advisor, Press Relations and Communications
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Telephone: 514 850-4835
Mobile: 514 703-5587
Email: pmcquilken@fondsftq.com
Fonds de solidarité FTQ shareholders:
Shareholder Services
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Montréal: 514 383-3663
Québec City: 418 628-3663
Toll free: 1 800 567-3663