FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE CANADIAN COOPERATIVES ASSOCIATION - VISIT:   http://www.coopscanada.coop/en/coopdev/CoopDev

Co-operative News Briefs, an electronic newsletter of the Canadian Co-operative Association, is published every two weeks and distributed by e-mail. It is available free of charge to anyone with an e-mail address and an interest in co-operative developments in Canada and around the world. Click here for their current issue.

 

Committee report opens door for new dialogue between co-operatives and federal government

For immediate release

Ottawa, September 18, 2012 -- Canada's co-operative movement has called on the federal government to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee on Co-operatives, which tabled its report in the House of Commons on Monday.

Canada's two national co-operative associations said they were generally pleased with the report's recommendations and the committee's recognition of the important role co-operatives play in the Canadian economy.

In the committee's news release announcing the report, committee chair Blake Richards (CPC-Wild Rose) said:

"The sheer number and size of Canadian co-operatives make their impact on the economy indisputable. Co-operatives have proven remarkably resilient, and they are a key contributor to Canada's economic recovery."

The committee heard presentations from more than 60 witnesses during its hearings in July, as well as written submissions from co-operative organizations across the country.

"It is clear that the committee was listening carefully to our presentations, and we would like to thank them for all their hard work on this report. We are very pleased with the recommendations," said Denyse Guy, executive director of the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA). "We still have concerns about the need to find new ways to help with the development of new and emerging co-operatives, and look forward to working with the government on these issues." 
 

"We are very happy that the parliamentarians heard our call for a renewed dialogue between the government and co-operative enterprises," said Brigitte Gagné, executive director of the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM). "We hope the committee's recommendations will be implemented quickly, particularly during these uncertain economic times."

CCA and CCCM are particularly happy with a recommendation that the government consider consolidating federal responsibility for co-operatives under a suitable department, such as Industry Canada. Responsibility for non-financial co-operatives currently lies with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the co-operative movement has argued that Industry would be a better fit.

Other recommendations of the report included that the government explore the feasibility of allowing Canadians to invest RRSP funds in co-operatives; that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation continue to provide support for housing co-operatives; and that the government educate its employees and the public about the nature and benefits of the co-operative business model.

The Special Committee was created in recognition of the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives, which was proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the contribution co-operatives make to the social and economic development of communities around the world.

                                                                                             -30- 

For information, contact:

Donna Balkan, Communications Manager

Canadian Co-operative Association  

613-238-6711, ext. 206

Cell: 613-314-1032

communications@coopscanada.coop

  

The Canadian Co-operative Association is a national association for co-operatives in Canada, representing more than nine million co-operative and credit union members from over 2,000 organizations. CCA members come from many sectors of the economy, including finance, insurance, agri-food and supply, wholesale and retail, housing, health and the service sector.  CCA provides leadership to promote, develop, and unite co-operatives and credit unions for the benefit of people in Canada and around the world.

 

Visit our website at www.coopscanada.coop

---

GLOBE AND MAIL, MAY 15TH

 

---

A monthly newsletter with the latest information on activities of the ACCA and its members. The ACCA News and Views will be published on or near the first day of each month.

ACCA Web site YOUTH page: http://acca.coop/youth-program/programs-offered/

 

"New report demonstrates what co-ops can do together"

Alberta Report: STATS AND STORIES - from the ACCA

The Ontario Co-operative Association publishes a variety of brochures, documents and newsletters in print and electronic formats. On Co-op also promotes the news, events and activities of member organizations, co-op stakeholders and sector partners and friends. Click here to access on line information and archive publications. Click here for current issue.