MANITOBA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
CO-OP CONNECTIONS
DECEMBER 2017 EDITION
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Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays on behalf of the Manitoba Cooperative Association. We hope that you have a healthy, peaceful and joyous holiday season and may 2018 bring much hope, optimism, and good fortune.
The Manitoba Cooperative Association office will be closed until January 3. We look forward to working with you in the New Year!
Participate now in the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy Consultations
The Federal Government wants to hear our stories of social innovation and social finance. This is the cooperative community's opportunity to get out and tell our story of what we have been doing for decades. Mike Toye of the Canadian CED Network has written a great blog post about the consultations, be sure to check it out to learn more. Or if you are ready to participate, visit the Government website to submit your story.
We know that co-ops have been leaders in social innovation - it is the reason we exist! So, please be sure to tell the Government so that they understand the important role that co-ops play in Canada's social and economic fabric.
National Housing Strategy
In November the Federal Government launched its National Housing Strategy. In its news release, CHF Canada welcomed the Strategy which includes provisions to protect low-income members of housing cooperatives and to build new affordable housing for Canadians in need. The imminent end of subsidies for low-income households threatened over 20,000 low-income co-op households across Canada, consisting mostly of seniors, single-parent families, new and Indigenous Canadians, and those living with disabilities. The strategy announced detailed plans to protect long term affordability for 385,000 low-income residents of community housing, including cooperatives.
We are happy to see that the innovation of Manitoba's own Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-op being highlighted! Be sure the check out their profile on the National Housing Strategy website.
The 2017 World Co-operative Monitor is Now Available
The 2017 World Co-operative Monitor is now available. 2017 marks the sixth edition of the annual research report produced by the International Co-operative Alliance (the Alliance) with the scientific and technical support of the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (Euricse). In this edition of the Monitor, 5-year trend analysis on the top cooperatives and mutuals by sector of activity are included in the sector snapshots. The research on the capital structure of cooperatives continues this year with a report on the Top 300 as well as an analysis on a sample of smaller cooperatives and mutuals. There are 8 co-ops from Canada in the top 300 which speaks to the strength of the Canadian cooperative community!
3-day Strategy Course for Cooperative and Credit Union Professionals
Enhancing Business Performance through Cooperative Management Practices: How to Strengthen Identity, Loyalty and Participation
The Co-operative Management Education Programs (Sobey School of Business) at Saint Mary’s University is offering an interactive professional development opportunity focused on strategy and leading thinking in cooperative management coupled with tangible examples of how to translate knowledge into action. We encourage CEOs, senior managers, board members and keen staff from credit unions and non-financial cooperatives alike to join us for this learning and networking event.
Seats are limited, so register soon – More information
- January 16-18, 2018: Winnipeg, hosted by Arctic Co-operatives Limited
Alternative options:
- March 5-7, 2018: London, UK, offered in partnership with the Co-operative College
- May 15-17, 2018: Nelson, BC, hosted by the Upper Columbia Co-op Council
You may contact Erin Hancock at cme@smu.ca or (902)802-7897 with any questions.
Finance Basics for Non-Profits, Social Enterprises and Cooperatives Workshop
On January 18 in Winnipeg, the Canadian CED Network is offering this workshop for those in the early stages of non-profit, social enterprise or cooperative development. It will review critical financial terms you need to know and understand, outline financial systems and approaches and provide examples of financial tools and programs that can be helpful when launching or expanding a business or project. For more information or to register click here.
Job Opportunities
CoopZone is hiring a part-time Executive Director. The work location is flexible and the position is advertised for 10 hours a week with the hope of growing to 20 hours per week in the future. More information can be found here.
The Canadian CED Network is looking for a full-time National Conference and Member Engagement Co-ordinator. More information on the position can be found here.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada is looking for volunteers for a variety of opportunities internationally and at home. If you are interested in assisting in the development and growth of co-ops around the world, be sure to check out the opportunities here.
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