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Co-operative delegates meet with Mike Schreiner at Queen’s Park on April 30, 2019. From left to right: David Cork (TREC), Michelle Vieira (Ag Energy Co-operative), Caroline Joly (Conseil de la Coopération de l’Ontario), Mike Schreiner (MPP, Guelph), Peter Cameron (Ontario Co-operative Association), and Chris Caners (SolarShare).
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Green Party Leader Joins Co-op Caucus
April 30th was an important day for Ontario co-operatives, as they gathered in Queen’s Park for the annual Reception to meet and greet Members of Provincial Parliament.
Earlier that day, OCA, CCO and members of their joint Government Relations Committee, met with various ministries to advocate for the modernization of the 44+ year old Co-operative Corporations Act to more accurately reflect the current economic climate of co-operatives in Ontario.
They also met with Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, who graciously accepted an invitation to join what is now officially, the first ever All four-Party Co-operative Caucus!
"Whether it's housing, clean energy, farming or finance, co-operatives make an essential contribution to building a healthy, fair and sustainable society. I am thrilled to be joining this All-Party Co-operative Caucus and to represent a community like Guelph, where co-operatives are at the forefront of positive change," said Schreiner.
We are thrilled to have him on board to help us meet our goals of creating more vibrant and sustainable communities across Ontario. Schreiner’s addition also reaffirms that co-operatives have the support of all four parties. Read the full release.
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Co-op Legislation Update
OCA recently received a letter from the Ministry of Finance in response to our request to continue moving forward in regards to modernizing the Co-operative Corporations Act. A meeting has been scheduled with Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) staff for mid-June to discuss next steps.
The main focus of this meeting will be to ensure the smooth transition of our offering statement process from the Financial Service Commission of Ontario to FSRA, and will allow sector representatives to highlight the key concerns or priorities to the new agency. We will also take this opportunity to discuss how we can continue to move our other key legislations changes forward. We will continue to keep the sector updated as the consultation process continues. You can also follow our updates online.
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Addressing the Need for Governance Training
On April 2 and May 23, directors and management with a responsibility for governance of small and medium-sized co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals, gathered at the Gay Lea Foods head office to learn some best practices in co-operative governance.
The interactive workshops were based on Gay Lea’s award winning Leadership in Governance Training Program, and focused on issues that reflect the real-life experiences of directors and boards. Gay Lea’s President and CEO, Michael Barrett, and their Director of Training Development and Capacity Resourcing, Quintin Fox, led the workshops, which included about 18 participants per session.
The smaller setting allowed for the group to be highly engaged and have some dynamic discussions, by sharing some of their unique challenges and experiences with one another and posing questions to the facilitators. The evaluations of the sessions were also very positive, with multiple takeaways and tools that participants could apply and share with their organizations.
OCA partnered with Gay Lea Foods Co-operative to organize the full-day workshops in response to a July 2018 survey, in which our membership revealed that governance training was a top priority and need for their organizations. We will work to continue addressing this need through various formats, in an effort to strengthen our co-operatives and the greater movement as a whole.
We’d like to thank Michael and Quintin for sharing their time and invaluable governance expertise with all our participants, and for Gay Lea's continued commitment in support of our educational programming!
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CYL Embracing Technology and Sustainability
Co-operative Young Leaders recognizes and understands that technology and social media are a very big part of our lives today. Therefore, we have made the decision to embrace technology and work towards helping youth participants manage and understand how to use it responsibility. CYL will be letting all participants know they are welcome to bring along their cell phones and tablets and use them throughout the day for exercises, surveys and their sponsor presentations.
Internally, we are working towards being more environmentally friendly by integrating more sustainable practices including moving our manuals, participant handouts and Power Point presentations to google docs. CYL has provided facilitators with links to the site for the weekly curriculum so they no longer have to print binders and bring paper with them. In addition, we have moved all evaluations online, which will also make it easier for participants and facilitators to provide feedback.
Work will continue throughout 2019 as we move to embrace more technology and substantially reduce the amount of paper we use. View the full media release.
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CYL Kicks off with Facilitator Training Weekend
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With only a few weeks to go before the start of camp, Co-operative Young Leaders held their facilitation training weekend at the Gay Lea Community Education Centre (CEC) on May 31 and June 1. We welcomed 23 volunteer facilitators, as well as staff from both OCA and the CEC.
The training weekend kicked off with an Improv workshop on leadership facilitated by the Making Box. Although no one knew what to expect, it was not long before laughter rang out in the common room. Through Improv, we had fun learning how to improve our listening skills, the importance of eye contact and communication.
On Saturday we spent time talking about the direction of CYL for 2019 and our focus on the 7th Co-operative Principle, Concern for Community. Facilitators eagerly embraced our vision for CYL, and understood the importance and responsibility of caring for participants during their week at camp. We also recognize the commitment we have made to our sponsors to spread the co-operative message and engage youth in leadership, team-building and communication.
There are still spots available for CYL participants and registration is still open until June 15. Please check out our website or contact Carol Fleming, Program Director at cfleming@ontario.coop.
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Get your Nominations in for a Co-operative Spirit Award!
Nominations for the 2019 Spirit Awards are now open and we are looking to recognize organizations or individuals who have contributed to the co-operative movement in an impactful way. If you know someone who is worthy of nomination, please download and review the nomination package today!
To make a nomination, or for more information on the nomination criteria and process, please visit us online or review our Nomination package and be sure to submit the complete nomination form along with supporting documents by the July 31, 2019 deadline.
If you have any questions regarding the 2019 Spirit Awards, contact Jennifer Ross at jross@ontario.coop or 519-763-8271 x 22.
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The Ontario Co-operative Movement Needs YOU
We need your input, your expertise, your passion and your leadership. The government is listening, the business environment is changing, and the public is looking for what co-operatives have to offer their community. We need to continue to showcase our collective voice and strengthen the capacity for the co-operative sector.
If your co-operative isn’t a member of the Ontario Co-operative Association, now is the perfect time to join. We are working on your behalf and we want you at the table!
Not a co-operative? Support the sector by becoming a Friend or Associate of the Ontario Co-operative Association. We will help promote and connect your organization and the services you offer to our membership.
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Michelle Vieira, Vice-Chair
Director of Sales and Member Relations, Ag Energy Co-operative
1. Tell us a bit about yourself (i.e., your background (where you grew up, education, children, which co-operative you work for, your position, etc.)
I was born and raised in Galt, which is now known as Cambridge, with my parents and a younger brother. I attended school to obtain a Human Resources designation and then subsequently also obtained a Certified Association Executive designation.
2. How long have you been involved in the co-operative movement, and what do you love most about it?
I have been employed with a co-operative since 2001, however was their consultant for four years prior. I joined the co-operative sector due to the integrity and sense of belonging that the members of AEC, formally known as F & V Energy Co-operative, showed me during our business interaction. I wanted to belong and contribute to a worthwhile and collaborative business.
3. If there is one thing you would want people to know about co-ops, what would it be?
Co-ops are sophisticated, innovative and valuable entities with financial and social impact in the communities they participate.
4. Why is your co-operative a member of OCA?
OCA offers a “home” for like-minded business enterprises to join forces for the common good, as well as offer us education and training for our staff when required. We participate, when possible, on the Board of Directors, Queen’s Park days and any other request we receive, as their contribution to the co-op sector is extremely valuable.
5. What do you think are some of the benefits of being a member of OCA?
We have a voice that is stronger with the organization of the OCA team. OCA represents over 1,500 cooperatives that have over 57,000 employees and contribute close to $6B of annual revenue to the province.
6. Why did you decide to join the OCA board as a Director?
Ag Energy has been a co-operative for over 30 years, however we did not embrace our co-operative roots in the first 15 years of existence. OCA was key in assisting us understand the requirements of co-operatives, their benefits and provided training for our staff. That involvement and dedication to our organization’s success was paramount in our desire to give back with our participation on the Board. We have encouraged our employees to apply for the Youth Director position when we have younger staff. Youth are the future and by supporting OCA with our youth, we are securing the future of co-operatives. We feel we often take more away from the Board position than we give.
7. How has your past experience helped you in this role?
I have been an employee of Ag Energy for over 18 years, energy related, and prior to my AEC career I was a Human Resource professional. I sit on OCA’s HR Committee as well as the GR Committee, as energy is government intensive. My current and previous work experience allows me to contribute to areas on the Board, giving me a relevant subject matter in addition to the co-operative sector. The Board is a diverse group of professionals creating a dynamic team.
8. What do you think are some of the opportunities and challenges facing OCA in the next 3 - 5 years?
OCA is a great organization, however does have challenges. The political climate will pose issues as OCA gains momentum on GR issues, to then navigate with a new government. The other challenge would be expertise within staff and Board. As OCA relies on the expertise of staff and volunteer Board members, ensuring the skills matrix is sound will always be a challenge. The team is posed and positioned to face this challenge.
9. What is your vision for OCA?
Wow, tough question! OCA has the potential for even bigger and better achievements than they already have accomplished. My vision is to have OCA represent every co-operative in the province, assist with all new starts and be the ONLY choice as a co-operative resource.
10. Share a fun/silly thing that not many people know about you!
When I was in high school, I was the Co-President of the Student Council. We took a trip to Queen’s Park when a natural gas vehicle was being highlighted. As a 15-year-old, I was delighted to be on TV and drive in the car with some government representative. Afterwards I was told by the teacher that I was driving with the Minister of Transportation. To this day I do not know who it was, and a teenager impressing her friends, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The funny thing is that I always remember that day when I travel to Queen’s Park to support OCA. Funny how life prepares you without you even knowing!
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Welcome Our Newest Members
Member-Owner
Local Food and Farm Co-operative
The Local Food and Farm Co-ops network (LFFC) is an incorporated not-for-profit co-operative that specializes in organizing and development support for food and farming co-ops in Ontario. They provide training, online and in-person capacity-building, and coordinate peer-to-peer support among our 75+ member co-ops across the province. Learn more.
Associate
Germania Mutual Insurance
For more than 140 years, Germania Mutual has been protecting area residents by providing for their insurance needs. Whether you're a farmer, homeowner, tenant or small business owner, they’re right there in your community to serve you as your friends and neighbours. They are an all Canadian company, owned by their policyholders. Learn more.
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Check out the latest news on Ontario co-operatives and credit unions below!
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Co-op Congress - 360° of Co-operation. Two days of innovative exchanges and workshops in the dynamic Canadian co-operative network, as well as an optional day of co-operative visits. June 18 – 20, 2019 at the Hotel Château Laurier, Quebec. Learn more.
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EconoUs - Communities Leading Innovation. Join 500 leaders from across Canada’s social innovation landscape to connect, learn and share ideas on how to create inclusive communities, sustainable environments and local prosperity. September 16 – 18, 2019 at the London Convention Centre in London, ON. Learn more.
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35th Annual Directors’ Forum - Good Governance: The Future of Ontario’s Credit Unions. A professional development and networking conference for directors, by directors. October 3 – 5, 2019 at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga ON. Learn more.
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The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada has an opening for a Government Relations Co-ordinator. This is a six month contract based in Toronto, ON. Apply by 4pm, June 7, 2019.
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Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada has an opening for a full-time Executive Assistant, based in their Ottawa office. Apply by Monday, June 10th.
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The Co-operative Development Foundation has many volunteer opportunities available. To learn more about them, visit our Job Postings page online.
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Check out the following articles…
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