News

New! Co-op Governance Workshops

| Education, Governance

BCCA is excited to announce our new Co-op Governance Workshops! Designed for intact co-op boards, these interactive 90 minute live virtual workshops focus on the following leadership elements:   Co-op Models Hallmarks of Effective Governance Board Decision-Making Board Responsibilities Board Challenges, Pitfalls and Mitigation  Ideal for board chairs, board committees and board directors, the sessions include pre-workshop consultation for customization and to identify key issues and questions and ensures time for … Continued

Improved capital raising for BC co-operatives

| Business, Government

On June 1, 2020, the BC Securities Commission made an important change to BC Instrument 45-530, which allows BC co-operatives to sell shares to members without issuing a prospectus. The lifetime limit had been $5,000 since this exemption was introduced in 2001.  The new maximum of $10,000 also applies to certain issuances of investment shares. … Continued

We are Co-ops: Braving COVID-19 in co-operation

| Business, We Are Co-ops

By Madelyn Read  Brave is a multi-stakeholder co-operative based in Vancouver whose mission is to reduce overdose deaths. They accomplish this by developing technologies that enable drug users to connect with support when they are at risk of an overdose:  Brave Button, an emergency alert button often placed in supportive housing units  Be Safe App, … Continued

Feedback requested: Future of Electronic Annual General Meetings

| Business, Governance, Government

Back in April, B.C.’s Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Order 116 to allow co-operative associations to hold their AGMs as fully electronic meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The Ministry is evaluating whether this should be a permanent option and we’re looking for your feedback to help inform this decision.  Please complete this short survey by … Continued

BCCA Board to work with FleishmanHillard HighRoad on government relations

| Business, Governance, Government

At their June 8 meeting, the BCCA Board of Directors approved establishing a relationship with FleishmanHillard HighRoad (FHR) to provide government relations (GR) support on key BCCA initiatives.    The FHR team has extensive experience providing strategic advice and support to organizations in a broad range of sectors seeking to influence government decision makers and to secure support … Continued

Co-ops 101 online re-design – Invitation to participate!

| Business, Education

Like many of our co-op members, the BCCA has had to shift some of our core offerings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we are having to re-imagine our popular in-person Co-ops 101 workshops.   The workshops highlight the co-op difference and the diversity of the co-op sector across BC, offering our members an … Continued

Co-op Meetup: Assessing Your Co-operative Strategy

| Business |

On May 28, BCCA was proud to host John Kay of Realize Strategies Co-op as he discussed measures co-ops can take to review their strategy to determine if it is functioning or if it is time to pivot. During his presentation, John provided insightful questions you can ask to assess your business, including thinking about … Continued

We are Co-ops: How focusing on their members made Modo more resilient during COVID-19

| Business, Community, We Are Co-ops |

By Samantha Lee In this week’s edition of “We Are Co-ops”, we are excited to share the story of how our member Modo put their membership at the front and centre during COVID-19 and made their co-op more resilient. We spoke with Selena McLachlan, Director of Marketing and Communications, to learn more about Modo’s story and … Continued

We are Co-ops: Filling community needs (and bellies)

| Business, Community, We Are Co-ops

By Madelyn Read Welcome to our newest series “We Are Co-ops” in which we profile our diverse membership and demonstrate the innovation the flexible co-op model supports and enables! This week’s edition features the East End Food Co-op and the initiatives that they have implemented to support their membership and community through the COVID-19 pandemic. … Continued

VALU CO-OP and Coming Together Vancouver announce mutual aid collaboration

| Arts & Entertainment, Business, Community, We Are Co-ops |

VALU CO-OP and Coming Together Vancouver have collaborated on an exciting set of artist-designed and artist-produced specialty items available for purchase online. Made by unionized co-operative workers in VALU Co-op’s Chinatown Studio, each item will be made with care and will contribute directly to mutual aid initiatives in the Vancouver community. This grassroots initiative was … Continued