The Co-op Current
The latest news and information for and about Ontario's co-operatives!
Issue 8: September 24, 2021
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Get the latest information and updates on our strategic areas and check out our member profiles...
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OCA Reflects on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
(Submitted by Erin Morgan, Executive Director)
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This month we will observe a new day in the federal government calendar – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It responds to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls “upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
On this day at OCA, we will be spending the day reflecting on this tragic chapter of Canadian history. We stand in solidarity with the survivors and families affected by the Canadian residential school system. Our staff will also be participating in some of Guelph’s many different events to mark this important day including a film festival at our local independent theatre, a speaker series and reading our local Rotary club’s book selection, Towards Braiding, a book sponsored by the Musagetes Foundation.
By supporting Indigenous people, we strengthen our society overall. We look forward to a future when our provincial government will also mark this day of commemoration, learning and reflection. It is important to educate ourselves as allies and begin the work of reconciliation in Ontario.
The Ontario Co-operative Association is in Guelph, Ontario, situated on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabek Peoples, specifically the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Through Between the Lakes Purchase No. 3 Treaty (1792) the Mississaugas of the Credit ceded to the British Crown over 3 000 000 acres of land between Lakes Huron, Ontario and Erie.
OCA encourages all co-operatives to read and commit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Please also check out CHF Canada’s document Building Better Relationships: A reconciliation toolkit. It offers an explanation of what reconciliation is and why it is important, and outlines how the TRC guides us towards reconciliation (Principles of Reconciliation and Calls to Action).
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Co-op Identity More Important Now than Ever
(Submitted by Tom Ivey, Community Development Manager, Identity.coop)
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Over the last year, despite extreme adversity we have seen how co-operatives and their networks have been recognized for pulling their communities together, becoming more resilient in a world that has changed dramatically.
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This is the time to assert our identity as co-operatives and to be recognized as those leading this positive change in our own communities. Asserting our co-operative identity and embracing digital transformation is restoring and improving co-operatives’ communication and trusted interaction with their members. Adopting the identity tools and digital services are your first step to making this important digital transformation. Learn more about the co-operative identity tools and digital transformation at www.identity.coop. Watch the introduction video.
Considering the switch to a .coop domain? Register it with CECNB! They are a Canadian-based organization and can provide a good deal on .coop registrations. Also a great way to keep web development/tech services local - check them out!
As the International Co-operative Alliance’s Global Co-operative Congress 2021 draws near, let’s all put into practice this year’s theme of “Deepening Our Co-operative Identity.”
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Close to fifty delegates joined OCA for its second Virtual AGM on September 21, 2021! Our Board Chair, Jennifer Woodhouse, representing Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, opened the meeting by welcoming the membership and introducing the Board and staff. Erin Morgan then presented the Executive Director's Report, followed by Jennifer's Board Report - both of which highlighted
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the past year's accomplishments and some of the future initiatives for OCA. For a more comprehensive overview of the past year, check out our 2020-2021 Annual Report.
Following the Treasurer and Auditor's Reports, an election to the OCA Board took place. As there were no nominations from the floor, Hugh Nelson of Y's Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre and Kathy Stewart, representing Frontline Credit Union, were acclaimed as the two Directors-at-Large each for a three-year term, and Maya Linsley was acclaimed as Youth Director for another one-year term. The Designated seats were assigned to Wendy Carruthers, representing The Co-operators and Jackie Littlejohn of GROWMARK, Inc. Our Chair then thanked our retiring Directors, Maureen Gillespie (The Co-operators) and Terri Naylor (GROWMARK, Inc.) for their contribution and service to the organization.
The staff looks forward to working with the new Board in the coming year. We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all the delegates that attended the AGM this year and we hope to see you all in person next year!
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Our 2020-21 Annual Report is Here!
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Our latest Annual Report is now available! Click on the image to find out what we accomplished last year with our Members’ support. (All the words underlined in teal are hyperlinked to pages on our website – click on them to learn more about a specific area!)
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Recognizing Two Co-op Champions
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OCA was honored to present Sara Bertens and St. James Town Community Co-operative with Co-operative Spirit Awards on September 21, 2021.
Sara Bertens who received the Individual Co-operative Champion award, was recognized for her passion and support for the co-operative sector and her contributions to the Co-operative Young Leaders program. St. James Town Community Co-operative was recognized with the Organizational Co-operative Champion award for their swift implementation of various programs including their Emergency Food Relief program that was able to provide healthy and culturally appropriate fresh food and prepared meals to nearly 300 families and isolated people on a biweekly basis during the pandemic.
View the media release – or you can watch the Spirit Awards Ceremony on You Tube!
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CYL Announces March Break Camp
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We are very excited to announce that the Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) program will be holding a winter camp for the first time in its history!
CYL is a week-long overnight camp that is one part traditional camp experience and one part experiential education. This program takes youth out of the classroom environment and lets them lead. Participants learn about the history of co-operatives and practice communication, team building and leadership skills using the co-operative principles. They will also have fun meeting new friends and hanging out in a non-judgemental space that lets youth be themselves! A variety of outdoor activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, riding Fat Bikes through the trails and wonderful winter campfires will all be part of the experience.
CYL camps are led by experienced volunteers and educators from the co-operative sector who guide our youth to be change makers in the co-operative sector. Being a CYL Facilitator is an incredible professional development experience – a chance for volunteers to strengthen their own leadership skills, by engaging the hearts and minds of the next generation of co-operative leaders.
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CYL Explorers Week:
Date: March 13 to March 18, 2022
Ages: 13 and 14
Location: Albion Hills Conversation Area, Caledon, ON
Registration opens: Friday October 1, 2021
Website: ontario.coop/co-operative-young-leaders
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Our CYL Alumni virtual hangout is taking place on Saturday, September 25, from 8 - 10pm EST. We are looking forward to a fun filled evening with an improv troop from The
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Making Box, Cartooning with Kerr and a virtual campfire. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, so don’t forget to register – we can’t wait to see you there! Register here.
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Youth Reflecting on What Matters to Them
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There is so much we can learn by talking to youth and really listening to what they have to say. And that is exactly what Co-operative Young Leaders embarked on when they decided to do the Youth Experience Podcast this past summer.
Every Thursday starting August 12 up until September 16, a new Podcast was released that examines a different topic such as “Black Youth Empowerment,”
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“Your Early Twenties” and “Perspective,” to name a few. Listen on as six incredible youth share their unique perspectives and experiences, including our very own Board Youth Director, Maya Linsley! Click here to access the podcasts!
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This year’s Co-op Week theme is “Embracing the Future with Co-operation”.
During Co-op Week (October 17 to 22), we invite you and your co-operative to find ways to embrace Principle Six, and take the time to learn about the other co-ops in your network, sector and community. Here are some simple suggestions you may consider...
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- Browse our Membership List and see who else is supporting the movement.
- Reach out to another OCA Member and introduce yourself or ask about their organization, product or services.
- Do a “Shout out” of another co-op or credit union by promoting them or tagging them on social media.
- Search our Find a Co-op listing and learn about some of the other co-ops in your geographic location or sector.
And speaking of Co-op Week...please consider supporting an awesome worker co-operative by participating in their P6 Box Program! Learn more.
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We would like to welcome Green Burial Ottawa Valley Co-op to our membership – please take a moment to learn more about them!
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OCA Member Profile
(Submitted by Melissa Bowman,
Member Engagement, Union Co-operative)
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Tell us a bit about your co-operative – its origins, purpose and what needs/value your organization provides to the community.
Union Co-operative is working to buy residential and commercial properties in the Waterloo Region for permanent
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affordability through community ownership.
The Co-operative was founded in response to rising rental rates in Waterloo Region that are becoming unaffordable for a growing share of residents and local businesses. Increasing rents and risk of displacement are making life harder for residents of Waterloo Region. Properties purchased by Union Co-operative will be held for long-term affordability. We will work to renovate the properties over time, increasing comfort and sustainability, without displacing current tenants.
Investments will be used to acquire, renovate, and manage an existing multi-unit residential building. This approach reduces the risk and complexity of building new, and preserves existing housing stock that often have below market rents.
Union Co-operative will lease a portion of the units in each of its properties to charities. The charities will then be able to sub-lease those units to people in need. Existing tenants will never be displaced to create vacancies for a charity. In our first property, Union Co-operative will lease a portion of units to Reception House for the purpose of sub-leasing the units to arriving government-assisted refugees. We are excited by the opportunity to support the important work of Reception House. Learn more.
How is your co-operative responding to the current needs of your community (members, clients, community as a whole)?
Average residential rents increased by 41% between 2009 and 2019. Inflation increased by 19% during this same 10-year period. The City of Kitchener reports that on average rents are increased by $250 between tenants. Community organizations report that increasingly unaffordable housing amplifies existing challenges (e.g., homelessness, drug addiction, food insecurity). We believe we must take action now to ensure a more affordable Waterloo Region.
Older properties with long-term tenants often have rents that are more affordable than the market average. Purchasing these properties when they become available will permanently preserve rents and ensure existing tenants are not displaced.
Union Co-operative knows that membership matters. People who live, work, or have a connection to Waterloo Region can become members. This maintains community ownership. Members are not just investors, they make important decisions about the vision of the co-op, the types of properties we invest in, and Union’s strategic direction. Our members are the force behind our mission of creating permanent affordability through community ownership!
Members are invited to participate in governance decisions. There are also volunteer opportunities for members who would like to support community and member engagement, research, marketing, and other organizational activities. There are two membership groups: Community Members and Tenant Members. A Community Member may become a Tenant Member upon becoming a tenant of the co-operative, and a Tenant Member may become a Community Member if they decide to move. Please let us know if you would like to be actively involved and we can find an opportunity that is enjoyable for you and valuable to the continued development of Union Co-operative!
What is your vision for co-operatives in rebuilding the economy post-pandemic?
Entrepreneurs and workers will see co-operatives as a viable alternative to the status quo, and retiring business owners will look to sell their businesses to employees in a worker co-operative. We will see greater portions of the economy rooted in community ownership, with the social and environmental concerns prioritized alongside the financial.
What does the future of the co-operative sector in Ontario look like to you?
Ontario’s co-operative sector will continue to grow thanks to the hard work of the Ontario Co-operative Association and the tens of thousands of co-operative members across Ontario. There is exciting momentum across the co-operative movement, with new financial models allowing co-operatives to enter capital intensive industries while remaining rooted in the 7 Principles and the needs of local communities.
What aspect of OCA’s mission/strategic programs do you think is most important as a way to rebuild a more co-operative economy?
The Ontario Co-operative Association supports Union Co-operative by connecting us with experts and leaders in the co-operative sector, advocating for continued improvements to the regulatory framework, and sharing educational resources.
Anything else you would like to add?
We appreciate the ongoing support and leadership of the Ontario Co-operative Association in building a co-operative economy.
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Stay current on the latest news and information on co-operatives in Ontario...
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CO-OP CORNER
Explore upcoming events and current jobs in the co-operative sector, as well as co-op research and consultations, readworthy articles and videos...
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EVENTS, COURSES & WEBINARS
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September 30. Local Food and Farm Co-operative “Build Back Better” webinar series. Learn more.
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October 15. “Transformation on our own terms” webinar series. Episode 2: Co-ops for Liberations: The role of co-ops in the fight for justice. Hosted by the Freedom Dreams Co-operative Education Program. Learn more.
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October 19. “How Co-ops are Building a Better Ontario.” Hosted by the Business Centre of Guelph-Wellington. Learn more.
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November 16 – 18. “Building Better Together Conference”. Hosted by the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation. Learn more.
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November 25 – 27. “37th Annual Directors' Forum: The Board’s Role in Societal Transformation”. Hosted by the Directors’ Forum Co-operative. Learn more.
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Our event calendar is loaded with some amazing sector events happening over the next few months. Click here to view the list of upcoming events from OCA as well as our member organizations like CWCF, CHF Canada, Local Food and Farm Co-ops, Directors’ Forum Co-operative and more! If you have an event you would like us to promote, please get in touch.
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CMC Extends Survey Deadline
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Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is conducting a study to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the co-operative and mutual sector in Canada. The results will be used to assist CMC in its mission to support
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and represent co-operatives and mutual businesses by working with key players in the co-op sector and government. They are inviting all non-financial and financial co-operatives, mutuals, co-operative federations and associations to participate in a survey. The newly extended deadline to respond to the survey is October 1, 2021.
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Is Your Co-operative Information Up-to-Date?
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As a member of CMC, OCA is partnering with them to update the national database of Canadian co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals. The database powers a searchable, interactive map featuring each co-op’s name, street address, sector, type and date of incorporation. It is used by the
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public to locate co-operatives in their regions, co-ops looking to partner with other co-ops, and by researchers, academics and government departments to learn about the various aspects of co-operatives. Check out your listing here! CMC has been contacting co-ops, credit unions and mutuals directly by email and sending a nine-item “Snapshot” of basic information unique to each organization. To receive your Snapshot email, send your name and co-op name to Mark Ventry, CMC Project Manager, at mventry@canada.coop.
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Co-op Advocacy Tips & Tricks
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Having your voice heard, particularly during current circumstances of few in-person meetings, can be challenging. Learn more about resources and helpful tips to make your advocacy as effective as possible.
Given our unique model, co-operatives face a series of opportunities and challenges, both internally and collectively. We rely on advocacy efforts to raise awareness about what sets us apart, create a level playing field and advance our co-operative priorities.
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Advocacy entails generating attention and public support for a particular cause or policy. It can take many different forms, including being a member of the Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA), speaking to others about the importance of co-operatives and promoting your co-operative:
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Lobbying is one specific form of advocacy. In general terms, it attempts to influence a public official on a matter of policy, such as OCA’s successful work to modernize the Co-operative Corporations Act. It’s important to note that lobbying is heavily regulated and requires public reporting and compliance if you and/or your organization conduct 50 hours or more of lobbying activity annually in Ontario. Detailed information on these requirements can be found on the integrity commissioner’s website. While much of your lobbying may take place through OCA, we remind you that it is your own co-operative that is responsible for tracking and reporting this activity, not OCA.
We consider lobbying one aspect of a government relations advocacy strategy. Government relations is not a one-way, one-off response to a government policy; it’s a clearly defined and focused strategy to establish a long-term working relationship with government that enhances and contributes to your overall objectives.
OCA has an outstanding government relations program that has achieved significant success for all members. We’d like to highlight a few key advocacy approaches that contribute to this effective strategy and can be implemented by members in their own advocacy:
- Identify and collaborate with champions: By establishing the All-Party Co-operative Caucus, OCA now has MPPs at Queen’s Park dedicated to the co-operative movement. This is an ongoing collaborative process—it’s important to keep in touch with these co-op champions, provide them with resources and leverage the relationships to effect change. Your co-operative can build champions by developing and maintaining relationships with your local MPPs, meeting with them on a regular basis, hosting them for a (virtual) tour and inviting them personally to OCA’s events—knowing they have a constituent in attendance motivates them to attend!
- Be clear and concise in your advocacy goals: We all have a laundry list of things we wish government would do to support our co-operatives and our sector. However, presenting them all at the same time leaves little opportunity for the details, prioritization and win-win analysis that politicians rely on when proposing policy changes. In advocating for amendments to the Co-operative Corporations Act, OCA narrowed its recommendations to three key asks, focusing the government’s attention. In your own advocacy, we recommend choosing a select number of goals to allow you the opportunity to pursue them effectively, and never shying away from working towards smaller, easier to achieve goals—“low-hanging fruit”—which have the benefit of developing and strengthening your relationships with those officials whose support you will need to accomplish your longer-term objectives.
- Collaborate: Through our advocacy, we can give life to our principle of co-operation among co-operatives. OCA’s Government Relations Committee is an effective way for members to come together and leverage their advocacy efforts. We can also borrow from one another’s experience and expertise by utilizing the advocacy resources compiled by OCA.
As we all navigate the realities of the pandemic and what is hopefully an upcoming transition to a more stable path forward, our advocacy has been impacted. Through this, we’ve learned a few key lessons:
- Be proactive in your outreach: Physical distancing has prevented in-person meetings, receptions and casual run-ins. It’s also highlighted the importance of communication. No matter what the circumstance, relationship development with public officials is invaluable, and we must be proactive in our communication. You don’t need to restrict your outreach to formal asks – send a check-in email, arrange a quick call or put together a deck that can be shared interactively over a conference platform. Anything to position yourself as a key stakeholder and demonstrate your willingness to collaborate.
- Give consideration to the framing of your priorities: Whether it’s in response to this pandemic or a more normal situation like a change in government, consider the impact to how you’re framing and presenting your advocacy pitch. The goals themselves often do not need to change, rather, how you connect them to the government’s priorities and demonstrate the “win” must be tailored to meet the needs of the day.
- Advocacy best practices apply no matter the circumstances: Being engaged, interacting positively with public officials and following through will always be key to success. Check out our one-pager on best practices to maintain effectiveness in your own advocacy!
Effective advocacy is integral to achieving success for your co-op and our broader co-operative sector. If you’d like to arrange a personalized advocacy information session, please contact The Co-operators AVP of Government Relations, Maya Milardovic. For more information about OCA’s advocacy and resources, contact Executive Director, Erin Morgan.
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Other articles of interest…
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