Improvements to Atelier des copains co-op ltée will increase capacity and productivity
July 27, 2015 – Saint-François-de-Madawaska, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Atelier des copains co-op ltée received good news today as the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick announced investments of more than $400,000 to help the organization with infrastructure improvements.
Announcing the funding were the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche; the Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and the Minister responsible for La Francophonie, along with L’Atelier des copains officials.
The project involves equipment modifications and building improvements including the redesign of the sorting facility located in Saint-François-de-Madawaska. With this project, Atelier des copains will be able to increase its recycling capacity from 1,400 tonnes to 5,000 tonnes of recyclable materials. The improvements and changes to the existing facility will render the recycling process more efficient, improve daily activities, and help create new business opportunities.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is investing $281,350 towards the costs of the project while the Regional Development Corporation contributed $125,000.
Quick Facts:
- Established as a co-operative in 1978, the Atelier des copains offers the ADAPT Program. This program offers personal development and enrichment activities to encourage socialization and support for people with special needs. The activities of the Atelier target people with disabilities from North West New Brunswick.
- In 1985, the Atelier became a centre for training and employment support.
- In 1990, the organization launched its recycling and recovery project, naming it Concerned Planet. This name stresses the intention of the cooperative to protect our planet while offering its beneficiaries enriched life experiences.
- In 2010, the Atelier launched its heating pellet manufacturing project. The pellets are manufactured with recycled paper and cardboard.
Quotes:
“Our Government’s investment will assist the Atelier des copains to improve its sorting and recycling operations while enhancing the quality of the service it provides to its client base, and supporting the role it plays in offering training and employment to area residents with disabilities.”
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche
“Our government is very pleased to contribute to improvements to L’Atelier des copains in Saint-François-de-Madawaska through the Regional Development Corporation and the Northern and Miramichi Funds. This financial support will enable the organization to make leasehold improvements and purchase equipment to increase the efficiency and profitability of recycling operations while contributing to the province’s economic development.”
- The Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
“Today, it is with great excitement and pride that we look towards a very bright future for Atelier des copains. The work and vision of dedicated and generous individuals and support from our provincial and federal governments have made this dream into a reality. Thanks to you, we will transform our triage centre into a more efficient, productive and valued space for our employees. We would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere and massive thank you to each and every one of you. We are so grateful for the trust you place in us.”
- Paul Cyr, President, Atelier des copains
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Bruce Macfarlane
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4583
Paul Cyr
President
Atelier des Copains
506-992-2739
