Canada’s national co-op associations are asking co-ops and their members across the country to join the campaign to renew the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI), a federal program that helps promote and develop new and emerging co-ops. CDI is a unique partnership program between the federal government, the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil canadien … Continued
New BALTA report explores formation of social co-ops BCCA is pleased to announce a new report by John Restakis, Enabling Policy for Health and Social Co-ops. The report examines obstacles and opportunities to the formation of social co-ops with respect to health care and access to training and the labour market by individuals on social … Continued
La Siembra Wins Worldwide Award for Democracy in the Workplace Ottawa-Gatineau’s La Siembra Co-operative is thrilled to announce that it is one of four Canadian companies to win WorldBlu’s “Worldwide Award for the Most Democratic Workplaces”. WorldBlu, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in organizational democracy and awards companies such as La Siembra a spot … Continued
BCCA was proud to host its annual co-op week luncheon event at the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden. This year close to 80 individuals attended representing a broad spectrum of cooperatives from around the province. Many of the attendees were also alumnae of the BCCA’s Bologna Summer Program; offered in the co-operative rich region of Emilia … Continued
Through support from the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI), a federally funded program to promote the development of new co-operatives across Canada, the BCCA has initiated a co-op development advisory service pilot project. In conjunction with highly experienced and skilled co-op development professionals in B.C., the BCCA provides expert assistance to groups who want to start … Continued
With 4 million Canadians in need of housing and 40,000 sleeping in shelters every night, Canada’s affordable housing shortage is not a problem that is too big to fix; it’s a problem that is too big not to fix, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada said today. Speaking at a meeting with provincial and territorial … Continued
When The Phone Co-op entered the Enterprising Solutions Awards two years ago it watched someone else walk off with the top prize. However, just being shortlisted spurred it on to enter again and this time it was successful. Vivian Woodell, the chief executive and founder of the Chipping Norton-based operation, had a background in the … Continued
A joint venture by five First Nations in partnership with Conexus Credit Union and other financial institutions will help urban band members access affordable housing and become homeowners. Prairie Lodge Urban Housing Inc., which is jointly owned by the Pasqua and Cowessess First Nations, has expanded its program to include the White Bear, George Gordon … Continued
OTTAWA – The NDP announcement of a comprehensive plan to create new affordable housing is welcome news for the four million Canadians in core housing need, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada said today. "We are particularly pleased that the NDP’s housing plan includes specific targets to help the most vulnerable, including Aboriginal people, seniors … Continued
When police started ticketing homeless people camped out in Vancouver’s Oppenheimer Park last summer, Kathy Walker and her neighbours decided to take action. They started going to the park early in the morning, when police usually arrived, and they stood in solidarity with the campers. One evening, Walker, a resident of the Jackson Avenue housing … Continued