News
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's race to raise $12 million in support of international development continues. Launched in recognition of the International Year, the Build a Better World Campaign has raised some $3 million to date. Find out why you should pledge your support.
Emily Erhardt, second place winner in the International Co-operative Alliance's global arts competition Coop'Art, was recognized in the Ontario legislature by David Forbes, MLA for Saskatoon Centre. Erhardt was runner-up for the music category for her rap song, "Join a Co-op". Read the statement by Forbes here.
Results for the first year of the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) Build a Better World Campaign are in. Nearly $4 million has been contributed or pledged to the CDF campaign so far. Read More
Check out the December issue of 2012 Matters and learn how you can continue the legacy of IYC in 2013 and beyond. In this issue, we also take a look back at what happend during the International Year.
Co-operatives UK hosted Twitter interviews with several co-op organizations on December 12, 2012 (12-12-12) to reflect on achievements made during the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives. Tanya Gracie, manager of the International Year for CCA shares her insights and proudest moments of 2012.
Alterna Savings is the first Ontario credit union to make a commitment to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's Build a Better World Campaign. Over the next four years, Alterna Savings will contribute $60,000 to create lasting prosperity in the developing world. Click here for more information.
In honour of the International Year of Co-operatives, Ontario Natural Food Co-op created a video that highlights the value of its members. Check it out on YouTube!
Several Canadian co-ops will enjoy their share of $220,000 in prize money from The Co-operators. The winners of The National Co-op Challenge were announced on December 3. Your Local Market Co-op in Stratford, ON takes the grand prize. Click here for the full list of winners.
With contributions from youth around the world, the International Cooperative Youth Statement (PDF) that was presented to the United Nations on November 20 is now available. Click here to sign your name and pledge your support. People of all ages are welcome to do so!
Get the latest International Year of Co-operatives news from Canada. In the November issue of 2012 Matters, CCA brings you the scoop on how the United Nations closed IYC. For international news, check out the December issue of ICA eDigest.
Crossroads Credit Union and Wadena Co-op in Saskatchewan have made it their mission to celebrate the co-operative spirit all year long. Click here to find out how each organization has been marking the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives in 2012.
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) received two big pledges to its Build a Better World Campaign this month. Arctic Co-operatives Limited will increase its CDF donations from $5,000 to $10,000 over the next four years while Servus Credit Union has pledged $100,000 over a three year period.
The Calgary Herald put the spotlight on a number of well-known co-ops leading up to the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives on November 16-17. Read more about co-ops with a powerful past looking to their economic future.
Keep the IYC theme alive and visible next year with CCA's new 2013 calendar, entitled "CCA volunteers building a better world." Each calendar costs only $1. Order yours today!
With increasing and significant overlap between nonprofits and co-operatives, CharityVillage takes a look at the co-op movement, its activities that intersect with the charitable sector and some of the challenges that co-ops face. Click here for the article.
To connect the Co-operating To Build a Better Nova Scotia conference (November 22-24) with the larger co-op community, Ryakuga community radio will broadcast the event live. Those in Halifax can listen on 106.9 FM. If you're outside of the area, click here for the live webcast beginning at 11 am EST on November 22.
Monique Leroux presented the official Declaration of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives (PDF) to the United Nations on November 20. She delivered the declaration during the official closing ceremony of the International Year. Click here for more information.
The UN held a film competition to celebrate the theme of the International Year - Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World. The seven winning films, including one from the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada), will be screened at a special event at the UN Headquarters on November 20. Click here to view the films.
United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, backed co-operatives as an enterprise to empower people at the UN's official closing ceremony of the International Year of Co-operatives on November 20. Click here to read more.
Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance, declared a new era open for co-operatives during a panel discussion at UN Headquarters in New York on November 19. Click here for more information.
The official closing of the International Year of Co-operatives, "Promoting Co-operatives Beyond 2012" will take place at UN Headquarters in New York on November 19-20. The event is being steamed with reports and pictures by the Co-operative News. Click here to find out how to connect on Twitter and watch the live webcast.
In 1844, a group of working-class people from the town of Rochdale, UK came together to change the unfair society they were living in. The Rochdale Pioneers film tells their story. Check out this video of interviews with the cast and crew at the Rochdale Pioneers premiere.
Attendance numbers are now in from what many are calling the global co-operative sector's culminating event for the International Year of Co-operatives. Download this infographic for a breakdown of visitors, events and other interesting figures from Co-operatives United.
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) outlined an ambitious strategy to make co-operatives the fastest growing business model by the end of the decade. Click here to download the ICA's Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade.
At the opening ceremony of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Extraordinary General Assembly in Manchester, UK, Monique Leroux, president and CEO of Desjardins Group, presented the Declaration of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives to Dame Pauline Green, president of the ICA. Read more.
On November 5, the Hon. Peter Taptuna, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation for Nunavut, delivered a statement about co-ops to the legislative assembly. He encouraged members to be more active in their co-ops and said northern co-operatives are leaders in development. Click here to read the full statement.
An art installation in downtown Saskatoon is getting passersby to think about how they can build a better world together. Already hundreds of people have stopped to write a note on the idea lantern, which is made up of red and white cards with the IYC logo. Read more about it in this article by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) continues its adventures in co-operation at the global celebration of IYC - Co-operatives United in Manchester! Follow the CCA in Manchester blog for updates.
Thousands of co-operators from all parts of the world are heading to Manchester, UK to celebrate the global closing event for the International Year. For those who can't make it to Manchester, a virtual Co-operatives United is taking place at www.manchester2012.coop/live. Learn more about what's happening in Manchester and how you can get involved.
In Nova Scotia, a dozen IYC flags were mounted on the bridge connecting Halifax and Dartmouth. There was a flag raising at the Leglislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in Regina on October 15. Plus, the Prince Edward Island Co-operative Council released a new song about the spirit of co-operation. Listen now to So Go These Threads by Tanya Davis.
As a legacy of the International Year, the CCA National Young Co-operators launched a new mentorship program for young professionals in the co-op and credit union sectors during Co-op Week. Click here to learn more about the program and the mentors.
Voting is now open for the National Co-op Challenge! Twenty-four emerging co-ops have been chosen as finalists and are now vying for their share of $220,000. Head on over to The Co-operators Facebook page to see videos and vote for your favourites by November 21.
Affinity Credit Union pledged $80,000 to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) Build a Better World Campaign on October 19. Affinity's contribution will help CDF reach its goal of raising $12 million to help develop and strengthen co-ops and credit unions in marginalized communities.
In addition to the Prime Minister's message for Co-op Week, there were statements in the House of Commons from Conservative MP Blake Richards, chair of the Special Committee on Co-operatives, and Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger, his party's advocate for co-operatives. NDP MP Hélène LeBlanc also made a statement in the House during Co-op Week focusing on the International Summit of Cooperatives in Quebec City.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says credit unions play an important role in Canada's economic prosperity and advance the financial well-being of members while giving back to the community. Read the Prime Ministers message that celebrates International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) and Co-op Week. (PDF)
"Why is it that we produce enough food to feed the world and yet 870 million of its inhabitants still go hungry each day?" asks Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance, on the occasion of World Food Day. Click here to read more.
Coast Capital Savings Credit Union has helped the Co-operative Development Foundation move one step closer to its goal of raising $12 million for international development over four years. Coast Capital Savings pledged $75,000 to the Build a Better World Campaign. Read more.
Click here to read the latest issue of 2012 Matters, your online bulletin for all things IYC. If you haven't done so already, you can sign up to receive the newsletter in your mailbox at the middle of every month.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says co-ops are a "model of excellence" that encourage leadership & self-reliance and helped Canada withstand the economic crisis. Click here to read his message for Co-op Week.
A proposed Declaration of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives was presented in Quebec City on October 11. The declaration will be presented at Co-operatives United and to the United Nations later this year. But before that, you can weigh in with your hopes for the future of the co-op movement. Click here for more information.
Join the Canadian Co-operative Association on Facebook and Twitter as it celebrates 12 reasons why co-operative enterprises build a better world all week long. For more information on how to participate, go to s.coop/coopweekinvite.
CCA will be at the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives, and the pre-Summit conference, Imagine 2012. Click here to follow all the action on the CCA blog!
The Globe and Mail published a Special Report on the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives on October 5. Click here to download a .pdf version of the report. It may take a while to download, but it's worth it!
100 co-operators are putting their best feet forward as they relay race from Montreal to Quebec City to raise money for youth programs. Mountain Equipment Co-op, the co-operative bookstore COOPSCO ÉTS and Quebec's worker co-op network are all taking part.
Click here to read an article in the Guelph Mercury that explores the reason why the United Nations proclaimed 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives.
Co-operatives United is an inspiring global festival of events and exhibitions set in Manchester, UK at the end of 2012 - and you're invited! Click here to hear about what's in store from Dame Pauline Green, president of the International
Alongside the ICA's commemorative book for the International Year, Building a Better World: 100 stories of co-operation, there are at least 20 books set for release at at an autograph session during the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives in Quebec City next month. Click here for a list of titles and authors.
Click here for the latest issue of the International Co-operative Alliance's monthly e-newsletter about IYC activities around the world.
Theatre and art will spark new dialogue at the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives in Red Deer on November 16-17. A small group of co-operators are coming together to create a short play that will make its debut at the regional IYC conference.
The September edition of 2012 Matters is full of new activities for the International Year of Co-operatives. Click here to read a copy. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every month and stay posted on IYC activities in Canada and around the world.
Three Canadian co-operators took the International Year of Co-operatives flag to the top of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and raised $16,575 to date for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) in the process. Click here for more information about the climb and read blog posts by the climbers.
Or to improve your co-op skills, awareness and knowledge. Are you up for the challenge? Click here to learn more about the 30 day co-op challenge.
Tuesday, September 11 is your last chance to register for the "Co-ops Like Co-ops" contest, a friendly challenge to see who can gain the most likes in a month. The contest starts on September 12 and is a fun and easy way to raise the IYC profile on Facebook while gaining some new followers. Click here for details.
This new commemorative book from the International Co-operative Alliance highlights the strength, scale and impact of co-operatives around the world. Pre-order your copy today and share the success of the International Year well beyond 2012.
The East Vancouver co-op cluster is celebrating the International Year in some pretty creative ways. They're producing a map of housing co-ops and other co-op businesses in their neighbourhood. And they've hosted a 'roving potluck' to promote networking and co-op awareness in the community. Click here to learn more.
The Co-operators extended the deadline for entries in The National Co-op Challenge to September 14 at 5 p.m. EDT. Click here to find out how your co-op can win a share of $220,000.
There are three Canadian entries in the ICA's music, video and photography competition, Coop'Art. Emily Erhardt, a graduate of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program, is competing in the music category. Montreal-based photographer Jimmy Chicaiza is competing in the video category. Gavin Fraser and Stefano Dodardo from Antigonish, NS are also competing in the video category. Voting for the contest closes on September 30. Click here to choose your favourite.
CCA staff members Jo-Anne Ferguson, Lydia Phillips and Ingrid Fischer have reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro! Their climb has already raised nearly $15,000 for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) Build a Better World Campaign. Read about their journey to the summit at www.kili2012buildabetterworld.blogspot.ca.
Click here to check out this interview with Mark Sparrow of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council in the LOT Network blog. Learn how he's working to engage youth in co-ops with the upcoming Co-operating to Build a Better Nova Scotia conference.
Pour en savoir plus cliquez ici
The deadline is fast approaching for The National Co-op Challenge. Twelve regional prizes are up for grabs. If you're searching for support to help your co-op grow, apply by September 7. Click here for details.
Business leaders should model their perspective on that of co-operatives and credit unions, says Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators, who will present at the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives in October. Click here to read more.
If you haven't ordered your posters and leaflets for Co-op Week, you better hurry! August 24 is the deadline for sending in your orders and payments. Each of the items list 12 reasons why co-operative enterprises build a better world - and the poster is customized to lists 12 reasons why credit unions build a better world for International Credit Union Day. Click here for details.
'' Le mouvement coopératif et mutualiste est encore méconnu malgré le fait que ses réalisations, dans les pays du Nord et du Sud, sont très importantes ''. C'est ce qu'a affirmé M. Réjean Lantagne, directeur général de la Société de coopération pour le développement international - SOCODEVI. Pour lire l'article complet, cliquez ici
UFA is the latest organization to donate to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) $12 million Build a Better World Campaign. The co-op has pledged $100,000 over the next four years to support international co-operative development. Learn more
Click here to read the latest issue of 2012 Matters. What's new this month? The Co-operators launched The National Co-op Challenge, graduates head to Ghana for a new youth program, nominations open for the Ontario IYC Spirit Awards, and lots more!
"Working Together - The Co-operative Influence" is running August 15 to 18 at the Museum of Inuit Art in Toronto. The exhibit is part of a special event series commemorating the International Year of Co-operatives and featuring artist Jaco Ishulutaq of Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Also part of this special event will be the release of a commemorative IYC publication, featuring Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. and its division, Canadian Arctic Producers.
For more information on the exhibit click here.
Co-op Week (October 14-20) is just around the corner. Celebrate by ordering the 12 reasons why co-operative enterprises build a better world poster and leaflet from CCA. Credit union posters are also available. The deadline to order is August 24. Click here fore more information.
Co-operation made it happen! After submitting over 100 Twitter messages with the hashtag #ilovecoopsutd, an exclusive clip of the new film The Rochdale Pioneers was released on July 21. Click here for a sneak peek.
Click here to download the latest free eBook from the Co-operative News. Co-operatives Build a Better World Through Finance shares stories of how co-ops and credit unions empower communities in different parts of the world.
The Ontario Co-operative Association (ON Co-op) Co-operative Spirit Recognition Awards are extra-special this year to recognize IYC. You can nominate an individual, small organization or large organization for one of the three award categories. Deadline is September 21. Click here for more information.
Click here to read this issue of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) eDigest.
The 2012 Summit will be co-hosted by Desjardins Group, the International Co-operative Alliance and Saint Mary's University. It takes place from October 8-11 in Quebec City. 115 speakers have been confirmed so far. Click here to see who will be at the event this fall.
Want to know more about the history of the Canadian co-op movement? BCCA's John Restakis talks about the origins of Canadian co-ops in this new video. Click here to watch.
Check out the latest issue of 2012 Matters: Co-operators unite on July 7, Kilimanjaro climb to honour IYC, the Red Box Road Trip and material for Co-op Week now on sale. Click here to read all that news and more. Sign up for your e-copy here.
Four career co-operators with over 100 years of combined co-op experience are getting ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this fall. The climbers are hoping to make a special contribution to international co-op development in the International Year of Co-operatives. Click here to follow their journey.
On this 7th day in July, we celebrate the seven principles that help Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World! Learn more about the International Day of Co-operatives with this video from Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance.
Westoba Credit Union has made a $40,000 pledge to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's Build a Better World Campaign. Click here for details.
Canadian co-operatives are now able to access useful funding information quickly with the new iapp for the Guide to Government Programs Available to Co-operatives that is being launched today. Click here to download the free iapp from the iTunes store.
The Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité invite you to join a live webcast of our 2012 Congress on June 28, beginning at 8:30 am EDT. Click here for more information.
On May 26, the CQCH officially launched its corporate video that aims to promote the co-operative housing formula. Click here to view the video that was produced at the occasion of the International Year of Co-operatives (available only in French). The CQCH also organised a contest to highlight the remarkable involvement of housing co-ops across Quebec. Click here to read the news release (available only in French).
MP Mauril Bélanger made a statement in the House of Commons on June 13 about the International Year and the fact that three co-ops topped the Corporate Knights list of Canada's 50 best corporate citizens. Click here to read the statement and find out who made the top three.
Assiniboine Credit Union in Manitoba is the latest organization to pledge their support to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) $12 million Build a Better World Campaign for international development. Read more.
On May 30, Parliament unanimously adopted a motion by Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger to establish a special Parliamentary committee on co-operatives. Click here to read a transcript of the debate.
New Liberal advocate for co-operatives, MP Mauril Bélanger, is sharing the news about a recent survey on co-ops. Based on the results, Bélanger said that Canadians have a clear interest in the co-op model, but more advocacy work is needed. Check out this article in iPolitics about some of the survey results.
The Canadian Co-operative Association recently released the results of a public opinion survey measuring Canadian awareness and attitudes of co-operatives. Results show that Canadians are not only aware that co-ops exist - but that they prefer the model to other types of businesses for several factors. Click here to read an article in iPolitics about these findings or read the report.
Check out this eight-page special report on co-operatives and the International Year, published in the Globe and Mail on May 15. Download the .pdf version by clicking here (large file).
This year's joint Congress of the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM) will celebrate how Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World. Click here for the highlights.
Co-ops get a new representative in Parliament, make their way to the White House and get profiled in the Globe and Mail. All that and more in this month's issue of 2012 Matters. Click here to read it online and sign up for your copy here.
In recognition of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, MP for Ottawa-Vanier, was appointed Liberal Advocate for Co-operatives by the Honourable Bob Rae, Liberal Interim Leader. Read this press release for more information.
Two large donations are helping the Co-operative Development Foundation (CDF) of Canada reach its $12 million fundraising goal. In April, Vancity pledged $250,000 to CDF's Better World Campaign and on May 3, First West Credit Union made a pledge of $150,000. Both generous gifts will help CDF reduce global poverty through co-op development abroad.
The "Show Us Your Co-op!" photo contest ended on April 30, 2012. Congratulations to our winner, Kootenay Co-op Radio, and to the Caisse populaire Desjardins de Hauterive who wins the second prize! Click here to view the photos of the winners, the honourable mentions, and all the participants.
On April 25, volunteers from The Co-operators, Conexus Credit Union and North Central Family Centre spent their afternoon picking up trash in Regina as part of the International Year of Co-operatives. Learn more by reading this article in the Regina Leader-Post.
Registration is now open for the 2012 CCA/CCCM Congress, taking place at Le Centre Sheraton in downtown Montreal, June 27-29. Click here to register now. For more information, visit our Congress page.
On April 12 a new Facebook and Twitter badge was released, allowing you to show your support for the global co-operative movement and the International Year of Co-operatives. Learn more and then get your twibbon today!
Check out the latest issue of 2012 Matters for news about the International Year of Co-operatives in Canada. In our 12th issue: Congress registration now open, Cirque du Soleil at the 2012 Summit, Gay Lea spreading the word about IYC and more! Click here.
Cirque du Soleil is creating a special performance for the International Summit of Cooperatives in Quebec City. The world-renowned dance troupe will perform their unique show at the conference gala dinner on October 10. Click here to read more.
Take a look at this article in The Western Producer to learn about one of the many ways Co-operative enterprises build a better world.
In our first online contest for the International Year, we're asking co-operators across the country to take a picture of their co-op and display their IYC pride with window decals from The Flag Shop. The contest closes on April 30. Click here to learn more.
L'Année internationale des coopératives constitue un moment privilégié pour se remémorer la philosophie d'Alphonse Desjardins. Dans un livre construit autour de citations choisies, Monique F. Leroux nous fait plonger dans la philosophie du fondateur du Mouvement Desjardins et montre à quel point le modèle coopératif est pertinent pour relever les défis de 2012. Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus et pour visionner la vidéo.
L'Année internationale des coopératives (AIC) a été saluée par le gouvernement du Québec non seulement en réaffirmant l'importance des coopératives dans la société québécoise, mais aussi en annonçant une série de mesures en soutien au développement du mouvement coopératif.
2012, l'Année internationale des coopératives, est une occassion de mieux faire connaître le modèle d'affaires coopératif. Ce modèle aurait mieux résisté à la crise financière que les entreprises privées et peut constituer une solution au manque de relève dans les PME québécoises.
On March 20 the Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) helds its annual Queen's Park Reception at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. An impressive four MPPs made statements to welcome On Co-op and encourage celebration of the International Year and the contribution of co-ops to Ontario communities! Click here to read the statements.
Dans le contexte de l'année 2012, Année internationale des coopératives, vingt-neuf personnalités du milieu des affaires ont signé une déclaration commune reconnaissant l'apport des coopératives et des mutuelles dans le développement d'un Québec économiquement viable, socialement équitable et écologiquement durable. Cliquez ici pour lire la déclaration.
Melvin Doiron, directeur général de la Coopérative de développement régional de l'Acadie, était reçu à l'émission de Radio-Canada Luc et Luc, le dimanche 18 mars dernier, pour parler de l'impact des coopératives en Acadie. Cliquer ici pour en savoir plus.
En cette année 2012, déclarée année des coopératives par les Nations Unies, l’École des sciences de la gestion de l’UQAM lance son nouveau programme court au deuxième cycle en gestion des entreprises sociales et collectives. Ce programme répond à une demande croissante du secteur de l’économie sociale et vise à former des entrepreneurs et des gestionnaires capables de conjuguer une mission sociale et des activités économiques au sein de leurs organisations. Les premiers étudiants sont attendus dès septembre 2012. Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus.
Congratulations to La Siembra for their success on CBC's new reality show, The Big Decision. La Siembra, a workers co-op best known for its line of Camino products, won the advice and investment of Arlene Dickinson, a well-known Canadian entrepreneur. If you caught the show you can send your feedback. Click here for details.
Click here to download an interview with La Siembra on CBC's Ottawa Morning radio show.
Starting in April and for the rest of 2012, Gay Lea Foods, the largest dairy co-op in the province of Ontario, will feature the IYC logo on its tubs of spreadable butter, Nordica cottage cheese and sour cream! Gay Lea is the first major Canadian producer co-op to include a message about the International Year on its products. Click here to read more.
Co-op grocery stores are finding new life in British Columbia's eat-local movement, just in time for the International Year of Co-operatives. Find out more with this article from BCBusiness magazine.
On March 13, Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador, made a statement in the House of Assembly recognizing co-operatives as integral to community and economic development. He encouraged all ministers to celebrate the value of co-ops. Click here to read the statement.
On March 6, Nunavut MLA Louis Tapardjuk, a former president of Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., made a statement to his fellow provincial leaders about the value of co-ops and the International Year. "It seems obvious that many of us would not be in our situation if we had not been taught about entrepreneurship through the co-op system," he told the Assembly. Read more here.
What's the difference between a bank and a credit union? Credit unions provide financial services the co-operative way. Find out more with this article from the Calgary Herald, which also discusses why many dissatisfied bank customers are unaware of the credit union difference.
Did you know that many co-ops offered women the right to vote before the government did? Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance, pays tribute to a variety of co-op women, including Dorimène Desjardins (who helped husband Alphonse Desjardins found Desjardins Group). Click here to see the video.
To celebrate International Women's Day, the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has announced a list of influential, inspiring and accomplished women ambassadors who will speak at the event in October. Click here for more information.
Click here to listen to a segment about co-operatives and co-op research on CBC Radio's Information Morning show in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Professor Catherine Leviten-Reid explains how co-operatives benefit their members in a number of ways.
Les Affaires, a popular business newspaper from Quebec, presented a series of articles on co-operatives and the new face of the co-operative movement in January. Click here to read the article. (PDF, in French only)
MP Ed Komarnicki made a statement in the House of Commons on March 2, 2012 about the International Year and the significant contribution that co-ops make to Canada's economy. Click here to read the statement. Click here to watch the video.
This Montreal Gazette article talks about the value of co-ops and how they are gaining attention thanks to the International Year of Co-operatives. Read it here and visit our media page for more IYC coverage.
In celebration of the International Year of Co-operatives, Quebec's National Assembly adopted a motion that highlights the contribution of co-ops on February 21. Following the ceremony, Sam Hamad, Quebec's Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, signed a declaration to mark the International Year. Click here to read more.
Click here to view the newest item to be added to the downloadable tools section of our website: A pamphlet that features information about the International Year and fun ways to get involved in 2012.
Online registration is now open for the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives, taking place from October 8 to 11, 2012 in Quebec City. Click here to register for the 2012 Summit and the pre-event conference, Imagine 2012.
On February 15, David Ramsay, the minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Government of the Northwest Territories made a statement in support of small business and included a recognition of the International Year of Co-operatives. Click here to read his statement.
MP Ray Boughen pronounced a statement in the House of Commons on February 6, 2012 encouraging his colleagues to celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives. Click here to read the statement.
Click here for more details.
January 12, 2012, was Canada's launch of the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives! Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a special greeting to kick off the launch. Read it here.
If you weren't in one of the 14 launch cities, you could join the celebrations with a live webcast, sponsored by the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives. Attendance online exceeded our expectations and www.canada2012.coop went down temporarily, but for those who couldn't log on in advance, an archive of the webcast is available here.
2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives and starting January 1, co-operatives across Canada and around the world have 366 days to raise the co-operative profile and celebrate the success of the co-op movement. The International Year will be launched in Canada in a truly Canadian fashion. On January 12, 14 simultaneous events will be hosted in 14 cities and a live Internet broadcast will be streamed from Ottawa - Canada's capital. What a great way to mark the start of our year!
The Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat, the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité are pleased to launch the first of a series of IYC contests. Display your IYC sticker and you could win two free registrations to the Annual Congress planned for June 2012 in Montreal. Click here for more details and click here to view the sticker.
Wondering what the connection between co-operatives and the Occupy movement is? Click here to read an article written by John Restakis, executive director of the British Columbia Co-operative Association, to answer your questions.
And read this article by the Inter Press Service, an international news service that focuses on human rights, development, and social movements.
Click here to read an article in the Winnipeg Free Press about the success of Pollock's Hardware co-op, a community owned hardware store in Winnipeg's North End. The popular do-it-yourself hardware co-operative also plans to open a new building supplies store and social enterprise centre in 2012!
Denyse Guy, who will serve as CCA's new executive director beginning January 2, was interviewed by Axiom News about her hopes and goals for IYC 2012. Click here to read the article.
And click here to read about how co-ops provide services from "cradle to grave."
Toronto hasn't seen any new food co-ops for 28 years. But this is about to change! The West End Food Co-op is planning to open a small grocery store next spring. Click here to read more about their efforts in this column from the Toronto Star.
Click here to read an article in the Huffington Post that discusses why co-ops should be getting more attention in light of recent Occupy protests.
Wednesday November 16, 2011 was a day of great celebration and success for the global co-operative movement as the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) launched the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives at its general assembly in Cancun. Click here to watch live videos of the event or visit the ICA 2012 website for more information.
Australia is the first nation in the world to get a commemorative IYC 2012 coin. It features the logo for the International Year of Co-operatives and will be presented to Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance, at the general assembly in Cancun on November 18. Click here to read Australia's press release.
Listen to the interview that Dame Pauline Green, President of the International Co-operative Alliance, did with The Current in reaction to the Occupy Wall Street movement. She presents the co-operative model as being part of the solution.
Monday October 31, 2011, will be a historic day in the history of the United Nations and the global co-operative movement, as the UN General Assembly officially launches the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives. Click here to read more about the Canadians who will be attending and the schedule for the day or click here to watch live webcasts of the day's proceedings.
To launch the International Year in Canada, 12 events will take place throughout the country in 12 regions, all on Thursday January 12, 2012. Through web technology all 12 locations will be connected. Stay tuned as more information will be coming soon.
In conjunction with the launch of the United Nations' International Year of Co-operatives, the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has unveiled its program covering topics of interest to the co-operative and mutual community. Read the complete announcement and the October Summit newsletter.
In conjunction with the launch of the United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives, the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has unveiled its program covering topics of interest to the co-operative and mutual community. Read the complete announcement here.
Launched in September 2011, the Global News Hub is a multi-lingual website - created by the UK-based Co-operative Press - shares news information on co-operative enterprises and initiatives from around the world. Click here to connect to the Global News Hub
