The Conseil Québecois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM) celebrated their 75^th anniversay this year with their members, including Ilagiisaq, the Federation des cooperatives duNouveau-Quebec (FCNQ). A banquet was held March 12 honouring those individuals who have contributed to social and economic development through the cooperative movement in Quebec.

Among those who stood out in the cooperative movement of Quebec were both Ilagiisaq's former president Eli Elijassipaik and General Manager Heng Kun. Mr. Elijassiapik was posthumously awarded the Third Order of Merit, which his daughter Annie Elijassiapik proudly accepted on his behalf. Eli had been involved at first as a board member for the Inukjuak co-op in 1968 and continued his work in giving direction to the cooperatives and Ilagiisaq until his death last March 3.

Heng Kun was also awarded the Third Order of Merit. He first began working for Ilagiisaq in 1981 as a financial advisor to the co-ops and acted as controller from 1989 until he eventually took on the responsabilities of General Manager.  The CQCM's Third Order of Merit celebrates the many years of service contributing to the growth of the cooperative movement in the various regions of Quebec.

Congratulations to the family of Eli Elijassiapik and to Heng Kun!