With summer in full swing, I’m excited to share a few updates from the BC Co-operative Association—and to thank you for your continued support.
People Make the Co-operative Difference
Co-operatives are all about people, and I want to take a moment to recognize a few who have made a big impact.
Heartfelt thanks to our outgoing directors—Chris Galloway, Naveed Nadri, and Jo Ha—for their dedication and service to BCCA. We also warmly welcome back returning board members Maureen Young and Susanna Collins, and we’re excited to welcome our newest Board member, Priti Tahilramani.
We’re also thrilled to have Iva Jankovic join our team for the summer. Many of you will remember Iva from her previous work with BCCA, including leading our successful Co-op Connect Trade Show earlier this year. It’s great to have her back!
Co-op Film Screenings in Victoria, Nanaimo & Vancouver
Our 2025 Co-op Tour is off to a strong start! Screenings in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Vancouver brought together co-operators and community members to celebrate the co-operative model. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these events a success.
AGM & Special Resolution Passed
At our June 4th AGM, members approved a special resolution to update BCCA’s Rules. These changes modernize our governance and help ensure we’re well-positioned to grow and serve an evolving membership.
Strategic Plan Progress
The execution of our 3-year strategic plan is well underway. We look forward to reporting back on our four strategic priorities:
- Build a strong foundation
- Enhance member value
- Strengthen co-op connections
- Become leaders in advancing BC’s co-op sector
Annual Member Dues
Invoices for the 2025–26 membership year have gone out. If you’ve already paid—thank you! If not, please do so soon. Your continued support sustains our work.
Why Membership Growth Matters
Membership growth is a key focus this year. Every new member strengthens our collective voice and enhances our ability to advocate for co-ops across BC. A growing network means more opportunities for collaboration, learning, and joint action. Membership also fuels BCCA’s work—supporting education, legal tools, and sector promotion. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient co-operative ecosystem. If you know a co-op that isn’t a member, please encourage them to connect with us—we’d love to welcome them.
A Note from the Field
On a recent visit to Bear Mountain Wind Park near Dawson Creek, I was thrilled to learn that it all began with a visionary group of community members who formed Peace Energy Co-operative—a renewable energy co-op and BCCA member. Their commitment to clean energy and community ownership led to the development of BC’s first commercial wind project, showing what’s possible when people come together around shared values and a common goal.
Standing beneath those towering turbines, I was reminded that co-operatives aren’t just businesses—they’re vehicles for long-term, community-led solutions. From energy to housing, food security to finance, co-ops across BC are helping to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
It’s moments like these that reinforce why our work matters—and why growing, connecting, and supporting our members is so important.
Here’s to a summer of connection, progress, and the co-operative spirit that moves us all forward.