Earlier this year, the BC Co-op Association re-focused on engaging with agriculture and food co-ops after research was conducted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2019. Pairing the sharing of the research findings with celebrating Co-op Week, we hosted two “pulse check” consultation sessions with BC’s agriculture and food co-operatives to identify opportunities and challenges for … Continued
Do you know someone who is looking to launch a co-op in BC? Co-operate Now is a virtual co-op development bootcamp for entrepreneurs or community members interested in building a co-op enterprise. This iteration of Co-operate Now is for co-operators- who have their collective sleeves already rolled up- and who are looking to gain some co-op … Continued
We believe that, with a few strategic investments, B.C. could become the best jurisdiction in the world for co-ops to be established and grow, potentially unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to help fuel the economic recovery. To make this happen, the BCCA is proposing that the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and … Continued
Join us for these (free) Co-op webinars in October During Co-op Week! Pulse Check Part I: Consultation with Small & Start-Up Agriculture & Food Cooperatives Monday, October 18, 3:00 – 4:30 (PST) Register here Description: The BC Cooperative Association would like to reconnect with agriculture and food co-ops (large and small) after Kwantlen Polytech … Continued
The BCCA office will be closed on Thursday, September 30 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Previously observed as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities that continue to be impacted by the ongoing legacy of … Continued
Join us Wednesday, September 29 as we discuss Indigenous Co-operatives with Co-operatives First Indigenous Relations Lead Trista Pewapisconias. This session is timely, as Orange Shirt Day and both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are recognized in September. Trista will be discussing her work, and Co-operatives First mandate “to help build co-ops in Indigenous … Continued
Through BCCA Government Relations efforts, BC co-ops are gaining traction with government decision-makers. On behalf of our members, we’ve secured several meetings over the last number of months with high-ranking elected officials and other policymakers to discuss how to create a legislative and social environment that allows co-operatives to thrive. Here are the areas that … Continued
The three-day Co-operate Now: Co-op Development Bootcamp spring session wraps up with great results. Designed for entrepreneurs or community members interested in building a co-operative enterprise took place online on May 7, 8, and 9th. This cohort saw 22 participants from eight proposed co-ops, ranging in location from Golden to Gold River, Nelson, Vancouver and … Continued
It’s AGM time again! Looking forward to connecting with our membership at the upcoming virtual annual general meeting – AGM 2021 – set for June 4th. To provide some greater insight, we have prepared an impact report for your review – see below. Please note this meeting will be held virtually using Zoom. You will … Continued
BCCA is scaling up government relations and looking to our members for direction! Over the next few months, we are establishing a formal process to ensure our GR work is driven by the priorities of our member co-operatives. The purpose of this communication is to introduce you to this new process, why it is important … Continued