BCCA and BC Registries and Online Services Partnership
The BCCA is excited to have engaged with BC Registries and Online Services (Ministry of Citizens’ Services) who have just started a multi-phase Modernization Initiative to replace and improve all BC Registry online applications for co-ops, so that it will be easier to complete filings and transactions, manage accounts and pay for services.
In the near future, we will be reaching out to co-operatives in BC to solicit participation in various research projects regarding co-operatives’ business processes in general, and Registries filings specifically, and then eventually engage participants for sessions to review and test prototypes for the new online application.
Updates with the Ministry of Agriculture
Educational Development and Engagement:
In late November, Vancity hosted a group of Italian co-operators in Vancouver and a educational session between the visiting delegates, the Ministry of Agriculture staff, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) researchers. Between November and February, BCCA member Chris Bodnar of Glenn Valley Organic Farm Co-op delivered workshops on agricultural co-ops in Nelson, Fort St John and Williams Lake with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture through the Young Agrarians.
Survey of Agricultural Co-operatives:
The Ministry of Agriculture has contracted KPU Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) to conduct a survey of agricultural co-operatives in BC which would provide data on the state of existing agricultural co-ops, information concerning their needs, as well as insight into how the Ministry may support co-op start ups within the sector going forward. We will keep you posted when the final report by ISFS staff is published.
Co-operative Training for Ministry of Agriculture Staff:
In late February, Elvy Del Bianco (Vancity) and Chris Bodnar delivered co-op development workshops to over 50 Ministry of Agriculture staff, including regional agrologists, policy analysts. These workshops covered the history and structure of co-ops and took a deeper dive into agricultural sector value-chain co-ops.
Motion M-100 Consultations and Report
Last month, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, released What We Heard: M-100 Consultations Report, based on Motion M-100, which received unanimous support in the House in 2017. The motion called for the Government of Canada to recognize the important role co-operatives play in the economy, and Minister Bains also highlighted the need to take further steps and remove barriers to help them thrive.
We the BCCA and Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) are proud to endorse and fully agree with the statement that “Canada is home to an innovative and growth-oriented co-operative business sector that has great potential for the Canadian economy.”
Visit CMC’s website to read the full report along with the press releases from CMC and the Government of Canada.