Nunavut francophones set up tourism co-op

Ottawa will give $30,000 to a new francophone organization in Iqaluit called the Carrefour Nunavut.

The non-profit group, which elected its first board of directors in January, is taking over all the economic projects formerly managed by the Association des francophones de Nunavut in Iqaluit.

Carrefour Nunavut will use this money to set up a tourism co-operative, says a recent news release from the department of state, which responsible for rural and co-operative development.

Carrefour Nunavut plans transform the AFN’s outfitting company, Odysséé Nunavut, into a co-operative association.

Former AFN executive director Daniel Cuerrier, now director of Carrefour Nunavut, said the new group also wants to work on setting up a multipurpose complex in Iqaluit.

Called Qaqqiq, this centre would have a conference centre, offices and other spaces, Cuerrier said in a recent interview.

The Carrefour Nunavut will also provide other services in French, such as information on business opportunities in Nunavut.