Collective enterprises: a model of sustainable development

These cooperative enterprises are deeply rooted in their communities. They work tirelessly to develop their regions and improve the quality of life and living conditions for their residents. Extremely environmentally conscious, they operate within a framework of sustainable development to give back to future generations.

Holidays and leisure activities with a social impact

As a consumer, you may not be aware that you are purchasing services from a collective enterprise. However, choosing them is an excellent way to generate a positive impact during your next trip to Quebec. To help you identify and support these enterprises, the Social Economy Hubs have created a very practical interactive map, allowing you to make informed choices among eight categories of products and services: agri-food, tourist attractions, outdoor activities and recreation, food and drink, transportation, accommodation and camping, arts and culture, and finally, shopping. When you consume from collective enterprises, you are also making a beneficial choice; not only are you supporting committed and visionary entrepreneurs, but you are also contributing to local jobs, the long-term and sustainable development of the region, and the protection of resources and the social environment. You are investing in and participating in Quebec's future through an inspiring model that is forging profound change in the business world.

A particularly thriving activity in tourism and leisure

In Quebec alone, there are nearly 300 cooperatives in the tourism and leisure sector. These include tourist attractions, restaurants and accommodations, public markets, transportation services, and travel agencies, such as Voyages Coste, which offers tours of the North Shore, or Wiinipaakw Tours in the Cree territory of Eeyou Istchee. Others, like BivouaQ , are dedicated to making travel accessible to people with disabilities.

Significant support from the CDRQ

Thanks to the support of the Quebec Regional Development Cooperative (CDRQ), several collaborative businesses have managed to carve out a prominent place for themselves in a competitive landscape, while respecting the intrinsic values ​​of sustainability and mutual support. Voile Mercator and Vallée Bras du Nord are two compelling examples of success for collective enterprises in the tourism and recreation sector. Their secret lies first and foremost in their desire to get involved in their community and work towards its prosperity. Étienne Beaumont, Vice-President of Vallée Bras du Nord, explains that he returned to his native region of Saint-Raymond-de-Portneuf following the collapse of the forestry and pulp and paper industries. “I wanted to do something to revitalize my region. We had to devise a sustainable lever, one that would create jobs and revitalize Saint-Raymond.” As for Voile Mercator, this cooperative, located in Anse-St-Jean, is the result of a collective takeover by sailing instructors and passionate sailboat owners. They offer sailing courses for all levels as well as dream-worthy expeditions.

Sustainable tourism

In a changing world, the values ​​and governance of collective enterprises make them a wonderful tool for empowerment and innovation, particularly well-suited to developing sustainable tourism and leisure offerings. As such, Andrée Pelletier, Tourism and Leisure Coordinator at the CDRQ, will participate in the 2023 Quebec Sustainable Tourism Symposium . She will present resources to support both new and established entrepreneurs in their projects.