W A S K A H E G E N C O R P O R A T I O N

ANNUAL REPORT2009

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Message from the President-Chief Executive Officer . . . . . 3

Message from the Executive Officer Assistant . . . . . . . . 4

Message from the President / Grand Chief of the Native Alliance of Quebec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Communities of the Native Alliance of Quebec . . . . . . . 5

Message from the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Message from the Senator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Message from the MP for Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean . . . . . 7

Message from the MNA for Roberval . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Message from the Director of housing operations . . . . . 8-9

Report on major projects in 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Labour market developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Contents

Cover page...From left to right: Carolle-Anne Gauthier, Martin Voisine (Waskahegen Corporation), Lise Paradis (Habitat Métis du Nord tenant), Marthe Savard (Habitat Métis du Nord tenant) and Mireille Mathieu (Waskahegen Corporation).

Kisis Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Polyformes Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Pourvoirie du lac Husky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Members of the Board of Waskahegen Corporation . . . . . 14

Contacts

Waskahegen Corporation112 avenue de l’Église, Suite 204

Dolbeau-Mistassini (Quebec) G8L 4W4

Telephone: 418-276-7551

Fax: 418-276-8302

Email: corpo@waskahegen.com

www.waskahegen.com

Copyright – Bibliothèque nationale du Québec and National Library of Canada, 2010

Native Alliance of Quebec21 Brodeur St.

Hull (Quebec) J8Y 2P6

Telephone: 819 770-7763

Fax: 819 770-6070

Email: info@aaqnaq.com

www.aaqnaq.com

Message from the President-Chief Executive Officer

It is also our intention to share our expertise in Polyformes Structures, a company manufacturing insulated concrete forms with special advantages in terms of construction and strength, even in case of earthquakes. When the problems in Haiti regar-ding reconstruction are resolved, it will be a fertile opportunity for discussions and sharing of experiences that will be both socially and economically beneficial. We believe that many poor or developing countries could also benefit from such advances in the construction field.

Our Partners

I continue to believe that the future of our corporation lies with public-private partnerships, provided that all parties involved understand the same thing by partnership. I consider that a win-win partnership is based on clear communication. We can then develop programs that will help Aboriginal people effecti-vely. We need to have confidence in ourselves.

In closing, I would like to thank our partners, our collaborators and my entire team for their loyalty and the excellence of the work.

Gilles BérubéPresident-Chief Executive Officer

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I have great pleasure in sharing with you today the 38th edition of Waskahegen Corporation’s annual report. As you will see, our Corporation is in constant evolution. I would even go so far as to say that the gene for excellence is prevalent among our people.

The determination of our organization to maintain high standards impels us to commit ourselves on a daily basis to progress first and foremost. And progress involves openness… openness to others and to the world.

We have a forceful and effective team in terms of management and housing and it is vital to offer this valuable expertise to the population at large and, of course, to all the Aboriginal peoples of the world who have known and still know misery and poverty. I assure you they too have things to teach us that can contribute to our own evolution.

We've all seen the terrible earthquake that struck the people of Haiti, people who already lived in great poverty... Imagine yourself right after the tremors. We must not remain indifferent. They need support and we have the tools and expertise to help them. In terms of housing management, Waskahegen Corpora-tion has acquired a level of excellence and could easily train any group wishing to start a housing cooperative or similar organi-zation in that field.

As part of the fundraising campaign for reconstruc-tion in Haiti, Waskahegen Corporation made a contri-bution of $25,000 that was used to build a medical clinic for children. This initiative was supported by the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) and I thank them most sincerely.

Through this action, we wanted to show our feelings and generosity for people who lost everything, who lost the roof that sheltered them and the loved ones they cherished.

Haiti: Thank-you to the SHQ

Dear Friends,

Another successful year has already passed and Waskahegen Corporation is maintaining its course by expanding its markets and reaching for new horizons. These venturesome initiatives demonstrate once again that Waskahegen Corporation is an innovator in the real estate and economic fields for Aboriginals.

Waskahegen Corporation is open to others and to the world, while carefully supervising its assets here, as part of a sound strategy for ensuring a healthy and stable balance sheet for itself and its partner companies.

Again this year, I wish to acknowledge the excellent cooperation that continues to exist between our two organizations. The Native Alliance of Quebec will continue to support Waskahegen Corpora- tion because what makes it grow, also aids the growth of the NAQ.

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Message from the Executive Officer Assistant

Waskahegen Corporation has definitely earned a reputation for housing and economic development. The Waskahegen team can hold its head high and take pride in everything it has accom-plished so far. Our team has developed its strengths and skills in the school of hard knocks. God alone knows how severely it was put to the test, but we're still here, standing tall, ready to carry on and expand our horizons.

Being open to others and to the world requires generosity and selflessness. Even though we come from different cultures, we all share the same spiritual, family and work values. While we are

working to improve our lives and those of our families, we also have a responsibility to help those who are in dire need around the world.

In terms of social housing or economic development, we urge governments to join us and continue supporting us in our mission. Aboriginals living off reserve, like all Aboriginal people of this world, need to be listened to, supported and encouraged. Let's join hands and open our heart for the betterment of one and all.

Marjolaine DoucetExecutive Officer Assistant

We often hear it said that the world is becoming smaller and smaller and I am glad to see Waskahegen Corporation position itself to take full advantage of the opportunities that are opening up.

I wish Waskahegen Corporation good luck and success in conque-ring foreign markets.

In peace and friendship,

Carl DubéPresident / Grand Chief of the Native Alliance of Quebec

Message from the President / Grand Chiefof the Native Alliance of Quebec

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Message from the Senator

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The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is proud to congratulate and join Waskahegen Corporation in celebrating its 38 years of exceptional contributions to the lives of the off-reserve Aborigi-nal Peoples of Quebec.

Waskahegen Corporation has a profound effect on the quality of life of the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples of Quebec each year through its tireless efforts in a variety of sectors including, but not limited to, Lodgings, Employment Assistance, Economic Development, Construction and Management Projects, Housing Subsidy Programs and Labour Market Development Programs.

Waskahegen Corporation, through its assiduous hard work and dedication, sets a positive example for the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples’ communities. We can all learn from their hard work

Message from the National Chiefof the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

and experience. The success and positive influence that Waska-hegen Corporation has on the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples in Quebec each year must be recognized.

At the Congress, we are focussing on stories of success, empower-ment and pride. Waskahegen Corporation is an organization that offers all of these things. A home, a chance to work, to learn and to grow, are opportunities that the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples need and deserve. I am proud to be witness to the wonderful work that Waskahegen does each year.

I look forward to many more generations of Aboriginal Peoples receiving the dedicated and empowering services offered by Corporation Waskahegen.

Betty Ann Lavallée, CD, (Ret)National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

I am pleased to offer my support and encouragement for the people at Waskahegen Corporation in their very important work with Quebec’s Aboriginal community.

Through their efforts, people achieve improved quality of life, a place to call home and the foundations for healthy thriving communities. So many have benefited from their programs – in housing development and improvement, infrastructure, econo-mic development and employment.

The continued vibrancy of Waskahegen Corporation will contribute to the sustained growth and success of Quebec’s Aboriginal peoples.

I am pleased and thankful that there is a body such as Waskahegen – and I wish them every success in their endeavours as they continue their noble efforts in service to the province’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Patrick BrazeauSenator

Message from the Member of Parliamentfor Roberval–Lac-Saint-Jean

generates renewal and hope. It's the kind of leadership that our economy needs and that it has cause to be proud of.

We speak of “empowerment and assertiveness for a better life” and that sums up Waskahegen’s story. To its great credit, it has always put people first.

I would like to take the opportunity of this annual report to pay my respects to the entire team at Waskahegen Corporation for its dedication and expertise. It is an important asset for our society and for Aboriginals living off reserve.

The Honourable Denis LebelMP for Roberval – Lac-Saint-JeanMinister of State, Economic Development Agencyof Canada for the Regions of Quebec

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In terms of housing, all the advances made by Aboriginal people living off reserve in the last 38 years are largely attributable to the unceasing work of Waskahegen Corporation. The devotion of the management team and employees helped to provide these people with decent accommodation in a welcoming environ- ment. In this regard, Waskahegen Corporation is an example of empowerment that deserves close attention.

It is also a pleasure for me to draw attention to Waskahegen Corporation’s economic and social activities. Its spirit of initiative has led to the development of a model that in itself

I welcome this opportunity as MNA for the constituency of Rober-val and official opposition spokesman for forestry and mining, to acknowledge the work of Waskahegen Corporation in providing quality services to Aboriginal people living off reserve.

I would like to stress the dynamism and determination of the Corporation. These qualities have enabled it to plan its growth across Quebec and to provide attractive accommodation both for its aging clientele and its large youth population.

I urge Waskahegen Corporation and all its members to continue to pay special attention to maximizing the use of wood in their construction projects. This resource has been the main engine for the economic development of our region. We must fully exploit its value and together build our local economic future.

Finally, I wish to express my appreciation to the directors for having established and maintained the company head office in the region, which disproves the popular assumption that you must be in a major centre to manage a business. Hopefully others will follow your example.

Denis TrottierMNA for Roberval Official opposition spokesperson for forestry and mining

Message from the Member ofthe National Assembly for Roberval

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$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Comparison from 1999 to 2009

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Message from the Director of housing operations

Intranet

During the year, we initiated a process to implement a new computer tool called Intranet that is designed to support all Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord employees in their daily jobs, with a goal of standardizing the quality of our services. In tandem with this exercise, we began a complete revision of our manual procedures, the updating of which should be completed in 2010.

The year 2009 has enabled the new housing management team to coordinate and consolidate its activities, with a goal of continuous improvement. The services covered by our interven-tions were:

• Maintenance and building repair services;

• Selection, rental and recovery services;

• Social intervention and community services;

• Secretarial services;

• Administrative and legal services.

Accounts receivable

Sustained effort by all staff at Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord has yielded excellent results, as key performance indicators demonstrate. Among these, we note that accounts receivable have decreased by 20% over the previous year to a level never previously achieved of $69,595.

Bad Debts

Bad debts are also an important issue at annual report time. Once again, they have improved and posted a decrease of 13% compared to 2008 and stand at $102,951.

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$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Comparison from 1999 to 2009

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Tenants’ Guide

We have also revised the tenants’ guide to update information. This guide serves as a list of regulations for our clients. There is also a wealth of information for assisting tenants in our housing and it is an indispen-sable tool for our clients.

Sustainability

Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord has always been a trendset-ter in the housing field. Our organization has always been alert to opportunities and open to others, with a goal of improving the quality of life of Aboriginals living off reserve. Because of our beliefs and our deep indigenous roots, we have a special concern for sustainability. This is why we have started up a pilot project for improved energy efficiency with various partners (Société d’habitation du Québec, Agence de l’efficacité énergétique and Hydro-Québec). We are most optimistic about the project and are confident we shall be expanding our activities in this area.

My Home, my Pride and PAICS

Again this year, 26 community projects in the program My Home, my Pride have been completed in collaboration with employees of Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord and the tenants of buildings. These projects improve and enhance not only the general appearance of our housing stock, but also the quality of life for tenants.

Tenants, on a voluntary basis and in a spirit of sharing, enjoy the opportunity to set up community gardens and organize lands-cape-tidying days that open them up to their environment.

Overall, these projects help to create and maintain a sense of pride among tenants toward their living environment. This

awareness has proven to be a major asset for cooperation and communication between Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord and its clients.

The Programme d’aide à l’initiative communautaire et sociale (PAICS) has also continued to grow this year. The clear success of the last two applications had a real ripple effect on tenants in the targeted sector. In addition to those committed from the start, many new tenants participated enthusiastically in various activities and some even took the initiative of organizing their own events that attracted a large attendance.

In collaboration with various Aboriginal organizations, this year we have tried to respond to the needs and requests of our clients. In addition to the more festive activities and community kitchens already in place, we have put on other events for tenants, such as presentations on various topics and workshops on violence prevention.

The participation of numerous employees of Waskahegen / Habitat Métis du Nord and outside stakeholders have helped create an openness that frequently enables communication and removes barriers between the various communities, so that everyone comes out a winner.

Objectives for 2010

For next year, we want to maintain key performance indicators at levels that demonstrate our healthy management practices. However, we remain aware of the realities and needs of our clients and therefore we will continue to maintain human contacts and the openness to others that characterize native culture.

We will continue our work of revising the procedures manual and the implementation of our Intranet. Our pilot project in sustainable development will also be one of our priorities for the coming year.

In closing, we wish to sincerely thank all our employees and all organizations and individuals who contributed in one way or another to the improvement of living conditions of Aboriginal people living off reserve.

Martin VoisineDirector of housing operations

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Report on major projects in 2009

Branches Number of Units Cost of work completed % by region Val d'Or 120 $678 445,23 30 % Rouyn-Noranda 197 $790 333,29 Mansfield 250 $422 459,05 21 % Maniwaki 241 $583 843,39 Québec 255 $663 021,22 16 % Montréal 108 $80 447,12 Dolbeau-Mistassini 306 $704 835,14 14 % Baie-Comeau 155 $275 024,02 13 % Sept-Îles 145 $339 929,32 Mont-Joli 98 $322 606,92 6 % Total 1875 $4 860 944,70 100 %

Allocation of costs of major work completed by region

Programs

Regarding housing assistance programs, we believe we have handled a record sixty or so, including eight (8) for the Residen-tial Adaptation Assistance Program (RAAP). This program aims to assist those with disabilities by removing architectural barriers they may face every day in their apartment or residence. Finan-cial assistance of between $16,000 and $33,000 may be paid to owners of homes concerned to make necessary adaptations.

Two (2) files were also submitted for the Emergency Repair Program (ERP). This program provides financial assistance to low-income occupant-homeowners in rural areas. Assistance varies between $6,000 and $11,000, depending on geographic location.

Finally, the remaining projects were related to the RénoVillage program. This program provides financial assistance of up to $10,000 depending on income and household size and is designed to assist rural homeowners to make their homes safe and healthy. Unfortunately, many client requests for the RénoVillage program were ineligible. We hope that the criteria for this program can be modified to meet the needs and realities of our clients.

The year 2009 set a record in terms of the major repairs budget and $4,860,944 was invested. This would not have been possible without the tremendous work undertaken by a dedicated team concerned about the welfare of their clients.

Specifically, these projects have resulted in the renovation of roofs, sheds, porches and parking lots, and the replacement of flooring, doors, windows, air exchange systems, drinking water supply, etc. In addition to maintaining our housing stock, we aim to enhance our tenants’ pride and sense of belonging.

Building systems and components assesment

To maintain and improve our housing stock, in collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ), we have imple-mented a tool for inventorizing needs, namely the Building systems and components assesment. This feeds a database that is used to create a profile of our stock.

Gestion de Projets en Architecture, the architectural firm associated with Waskahegen Corporation, is carrying out inspec-tions and providing technical services for Building systems and components assesment, which are scheduled for completion for the end of December 2010.

Labour market developments

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For 2009-2010, we received a total budget of $202,244 from the Congress of Aboriginal peoples. The budget enabled us to assist twenty-eight (28) Aboriginals living off reserve, spread over the five (5) labour market development programs.

Description of the various programs

Labour Market Partnership Enables a participant who is facing difficulties integrating into the world of work to gain work experience in community projects. Labour market development programs reimburse the employer $9.50 per hour of the wage paid to the participant.

Self-employed workers Encourages company start-ups in order to create one’s own job, aided by a wage subsidy. Funding is allocated based on the minimum wage, 40 hours per week.

Targeted Wage SubsidyEnables integration into the workplace in order to give participants the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain experience with a view to achieving permanent employment. Labour market development programs reimburse the employer 60% of gross wages paid to participants.

Summer Work Experience Provides students with practical work experience over the summer to prepare them for work and assist them to finance and pursue their studies. Labour market development programs reimburse the employer $9.50 per hour of the wage paid to the participant.

Skills Development Enables individuals to pursue studies in their chosen field with a view to achieving permanent employment. Financial assistance provided covers the costs associated with training.

68 % 7 %

14 %

7 %

4 %Labour Market Partnership

Self-employed workers

Targeted Wage Subsidy

Summer Work Experience

Skills Development

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At Kisis Technologies, openness to the world is an essential value for our development. Working every day in the context of the threats and, most of all, the opportunities inherent in globaliza-tion, we had an opportunity during 2009 to participate in two international exhibitions, one in Germany in May and the other in Paris in October. We learned about global trends in construc-tion and technical innovations in production. I can assure you that Kisis Technologies and its products are in the mainstream of global and European trends.

We also had the chance to develop a closer relationship with our French clients, enabling us to develop a new range of garden components, which were marketed throughout France as of spring 2010. We have great performance expectations for this range in future years.

Martin OuelletExecutive DirectorKisis Technologies

Kisis Technologies

By means of an exclusive process using polycyanurate panels reinforced with a wire grill and a T-shaped steel form, Polyformes Structures manufactures high-strength, easy-to-use, permanent reinforced concrete insulated forms.

Polyformes Structures panels get their strength from the fact that they are inserted into each other and secured with metal assem-bly rods in a perforated steel T-shaped form.

Original, the product of Polyformes Structures is suitable for all interior and exterior cladding, and for all building models, whether arched or columns or beams. Its many advantages include: • High thermal efficiency• High sound insulation• High fire resistance• Proven sustainability

Further details available at www.polyformesstructures.com.

Polyformes Structures

Pourvoirie du lac Husky

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Pourvoirie du lac Husky, improved customer service!

Pourvoirie du lac Husky [Husky Lake Outfitters] is located in the heart of the boreal forest, a fascinating landscape of hundreds of square kilometres of northern forest, offering a natural resource of countless lakes and virgin wilderness.

This year, in addition to continuing to develop activities for lovers of hunting, fishing, outdoors and motorsports, the Pourvoirie will upgrade facilities to provide customers with a superior comfort level, assisted by a subsidy from Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife under the program “Amélioration de la qualité des installations d’hébergement” [improving the quality of accommodation facilities]. The Pourvoirie’s goal is to always provide superior service and better respond to the needs and requests of its guests.

The Pourvoirie du lac Husky is located at the 50th parallel, 200 km north of Dolbeau-Mistassini, Lac-Saint-Jean. Travel directions are available at www.lachusky.com/localisation (in French only).

Pourvoirie du lac Husky, a company formed by Waskahegen Corporation and inspired by Aboriginal culture, places great emphasis on respecting this territory. We should be proud of this asset and enjoy it!

For more information, visit www.lachusky.com.

Pourvoirie du lac Husky, for an unforgettable stay!

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Board of Directors

Gilles BérubéPresident-Chief Executive Officer

Fernand ChalifouxVice-president

Jean JolicœurClerk-treasurer

Hélène GagnonDirector

Earl KearneyDirector

France CloutierDirector

Roland NormandeauDirector

Raymond BouchardDirector