Québec City, October 31, 2024—Cap Dauphin Fishermen’s Cooperative, a leading supplier of high-quality live lobsters across Canada and the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, is honoured to announce that it was among the finalists for the Sustainable Development category at Wednesday’s Gala du mouvement coopératif et mutualiste québécois. This esteemed recognition, awarded by the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM), celebrates the cooperative’s commitment to sustainable development and its pivotal role in strengthening its local economy and community.
Founded by 27 English-speaking fishermen from the Magdalen Islands, Cap Dauphin has grown to become Québec’s largest supplier of live lobsters and a vital economic pillar for its community. Now including approximately 100 members from both the English- and French-speaking communities, the cooperative is the community’s largest employer. Its team, which includes fishermen captains, helpers, factory workers and managerial staff, supports the local economy by preserving traditional fishing practices while integrating innovative approaches. In response to an ongoing HR shortage, the cooperative has adapted by hiring 15 to 20 temporary immigrant workers over the past two seasons, ensuring operational continuity and sustaining local livelihoods.
Through environmentally responsible practices including live well aquariums on each vessel and a sophisticated irrigation system to oxygenate and refrigerate their lobster pounds, Cap Dauphin sets a high standard for quality and sustainability in the industry. This commitment to innovation not only ensures product freshness but also embodies the cooperative’s dedication to preserving the marine environment for future generations.
“Receiving this nomination recognizes our dual mission of sustainability and community empowerment,” said General Manager Ruth Taker Thibodeau. “Our cooperative was built by and for our community, and this honour highlights the strength of our members’ hard work and our commitment to economic resilience and sustainable practices. We’d like to give special thanks to the Regional Development Network for nominating us for this award and to their SEEnet team for their support. Additionally, we offer our congratulations to the solidarity co-op, Retournzy, on its well-deserved win last night.”
The Sustainable Development Award is presented to cooperatives that excel in sustainable practices with tangible benefits for the community. Cap Dauphin’s nomination underscores its role as both a steward of the environment and a cornerstone of the local economy.
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About Cap Dauphin Fishermen’s Cooperative
Founded by fishermen from Grosse Île, Magdalen Islands, Cap Dauphin Fishermen’s Cooperative has supplied live lobsters for over 30 years. With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, the cooperative is dedicated to supporting the local economy while delivering the freshest products to its customers. capdauphincoop.ca
About the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM)
The CQCM represents Québec’s cooperative and mutual movement, promoting collaboration and supporting organizations dedicated to economic and social development. The annual Gala du mouvement coopératif et mutualiste québécois celebrates the passion, commitment, and impact of cooperatives across Québec. cqcm.coop
About RDN and SEEnet
The Regional Development Network (RDN) is a provincial nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing socio-economic development for English-speaking communities across the province of Québec. Supported by a network of regional English-language organizations, RDN collaborates with federal, provincial, and local governments as a way to represent needs and challenges and create projects and partnerships. regdevnet.ca
Launched in 2021, SEEnet is the social economy initiative of RDN. Its mission is to better integrate Québec’s English speakers into the social economy by mobilizing knowledge, leveraging resources, building capacity, strengthening connections, and developing partnerships. SEEnet is funded by the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise. see-net.ca
For further information or media inquiries:
Ruth Taker Thibodeau
General Manager
Cap Dauphin Fishermen’s Cooperative
[email protected]
418-937-8157
Helena Burke
Manager of Regional Development
Regional Development Network
[email protected]
418-937-6085
