Why Principle Two is More Important Now than Ever…
(Submitted by Jennifer Ross, Member Relations Manager, OCA)
One of the most frequently asked questions we get from the public is, what is the difference between a co-operative corporation and a business corporation? There are a number of differences of course, but possibly the most important is the democratic member control. This is not just one of the 7 International Principles of Co-operation, but also written into the legislation under which co-operatives must operate.
When you join a co-operative, you become a member-owner and each member has one vote. Decisions often come from a more balanced perspective and take into consideration the needs of the many, not the few. The members are responsible for making many key decisions such as electing the board that will govern the organization on their behalf, and approving changes to the By-laws - the rules the co-op must follow. Both the Board and the members are responsible for keeping the co-operative on track.
Because co-operatives are democratically controlled, engagement and transparency with members are essential. Developing a clear vision, mission and values statement for your co-operative and also creating By-laws that support its intended purpose, can help current and future members make informed decisions.
A co-operative can change over time, and they often do. Markets shift, membership grows, and when this happens, that engagement and transparency needs to increase, not decrease. This is more apparent now than ever, as we witnessed the recent sale of Canada’s largest retail co-operative, MEC, to an American, for-profit enterprise.
One learning from this scenario is that many members tend to exercise their democratic rights only when there is a contentious issue on the table. But being engaged during the “good times” can often prevent members from being blindsided by the bad.
All co-operatives need an engaged and informed membership and a board that is responsive to the members’ needs. You are a Member-Owner of the co-operatives you belong to. Don’t wait until it’s too late to participate.
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Government Relations Updates
PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION
OCA recently submitted a pre-budget submission to the Ministry of Finance, proposing innovative solutions to rebuilding the economy after the COVID crisis and a emphasizing a necessary change for co-operative capitalization. View the full document.
COVID INFORMATION UPDATE FROM THE PROVINCE
On October 2, 2020, the Government of Ontario made regulatory amendments under the Co-operative Corporations Act (CCA) that extend the temporary legislative amendments permitting corporations governed under the CCA to call and hold meetings virtually, as applicable, notwithstanding current requirements. These temporary legislative amendments have now been extended to end on May 31, 2021. View a plain language explanation here.
All co-operative corporations need to adhere to the protective measures that have been put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Providing corporations with the flexibility to host annual meetings and other meetings of significance virtually will help ensure Ontario corporations have choices and can meet their obligations under applicable statutes. You can review these changes here.
The ministry will continue to monitor COVID-19-related developments and will communicate any additional updates in future, as necessary. Visit us online for additional information.
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SSHRC Grant to Support Co-operative Business Conversions
Two projects involving business conversion to co-operatives have received funding through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. OCA is a partner on both projects and looks forward to developing some new co-operatives in Ontario.
The first project is a partnership between the Centre for Learning, Social Economy and Work (CLSEW) at the University of Toronto and OCA. The outcome of the project will be a diagnostic tool to support the decision making process of businesses evaluating whether they are suited for conversion to a co-operative. In the process, the project will conduct research that will contribute to business conversion to co-operative and community economic development knowledge, train graduate researchers and address the socio-economic ills of COVID-19 for Ontario’s at-risk economy.
The second project is in partnership with Professor Simon Berge at the University of Winnipeg. The goal is to develop curriculum resources (videos, case studies and process outlines) suited to employer-employee succession planning. These educational materials will be disseminated by OCA to the various Business Development Centres in Southwestern Ontario. This will address the growing challenges of small and medium enterprise ownership, the continued operations of these businesses during COVID-19 and business asset allocation within Ontario’s economy.
Both projects will be completed over the next twelve months with results to be shared next fall.
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CYL Announces New Names for Camp Weeks
The Co-operative Young Leaders program (CYL) has for many years, referred to the weeks of camp as Junior, Intermediate and Senior. We believe it was time for a change and to update our program by changing the names. It is important to ensure we communicate the age, co-operative spirit, and some of the fun participants will experience when attending CYL. Here are the new names for each week and the artwork that reflects the co-operative spirit…
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Explorers: Explore the wonder of co-operatives as we learn about the history of co-operatives and discover the CYL community that awaits! Explorers provides participants with a judgement free environment where everyone is welcome. They will have fun meeting new friends and enjoying traditional camp activities such as swimming and campfires. Open to participant’s ages 13-14, this program is a great introduction to the Co-operative Young Leaders program.
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Trailblazers: Blaze a trail towards co-operation as we focus on our CYL community, learn to overcome communication challenges, and lead the way towards building great teamwork and co-operative leadership skills. Participants will reunite with old friends and meet new friends in a safe and supportive environment. They will enjoy campfires, swimming and exploring the great outdoors. Open to participants ages 15-16, and/or participants that have completed Explorers.
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Visionaries: Implement the vision and imagination to shape the future of co-operatives, as we become innovative young leaders with the knowledge and skills to change the world! This week will help solidify basic knowledge of the co-operative business model, support and foster the young co-operative leaders of the future and provides participants with the opportunity to make friends that will last a life time. Open to participants ages 16-18, and/or participants that completed Trailblazers.
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The Ontario Co-operative Association would like to acknowledge Sarah Jensen for the countless hours spent developing the artwork for each week. Sarah’s vision, commitment and passion for the Co-operative Young Leaders Program is amazing and we are grateful for her support.
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Maya Linsley, Youth Director
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Maya was recently acclaimed to the position of Youth Director on the OCA Board of DIrectors, at the Annual General Meeting on September 22, 2020. Learn more about her below...
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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 hail from Kitchener Ontario, and I graduated high school at Eastwood CI. Currently, I’m living and studying at the University of Victoria BC, and my concentration is on English. I’m a CYL graduate as well as a recent intern facilitator.
How long have you been involved in the co-operative movement, and what do you love most about it?
I’ve been involved in the co-op movement for as long as I can remember, because of my family’s involvement with various businesses. Around when I started attending CYL, my mother was leading the formation of Arise Architects Co-operative, so I’ve definitely become more co-op-aware within the last four years. My favourite thing about co-op - if I have to name one! - is the sense of community it creates. People in co-ops genuinely care about their fellow members, and a sense of goodwill pervades everything. Co-ops eliminate the barrier between consumer and provider, instead emphasizing a system of mutual benefit.
If there is one thing you would want people to know about co-ops, what would it be?
They are genuinely a better option to traditional business models, in both economic and interpersonal terms. A lot of common complaints about capitalism can be answered by implementing the co-operative model. I think a lot of people see problems within traditional structures, but remain inactive because they believe it is the only way - when in fact, co-op is the perfect, tried-and-true alternative.
What do you think are some of the benefits of being a member of OCA?
OCA unifies hundreds of co-operatives in Ontario. Each co-op is a community in itself, but participation in a greater community opens more doors and will ultimately enhance an individual community’s performance. Co-ops are about co-operation, and what better way to uplift each one than to create a unifying system of co-operation between all?
Why did you decide to join the OCA board as a Director?
My time at CYL allowed me to realize that I have a real passion for co-operatives, something I’d previously taken for granted in a few different areas of my life. CYL sparked an urge to get more involved and to give back to the communities that benefitted me so much growing up. When I was offered the opportunity of Youth Director, I could hardly say no; it was the perfect next step to further my knowledge and contributions.
How has your past experience helped you in this role?
CYL provides comprehensive co-operative education, so what I learned there has allowed me to go into this with a strong fundamental knowledge of the various types of work done at OCA.
What do you think are some of the opportunities and challenges facing OCA in the next 3 - 5 years?
We’re in a period of great economic upheaval, and now more than ever it is important to spread awareness of the co-operative movement. Co-op has the ability to support Canada’s recovery from the pandemic. This is both an opportunity and a challenge for OCA; we need to seize the moment, but also proceed with care. If we can band together and be successful, we can come out of this stronger than ever, and with an even bigger co-operative presence in Ontario.
What is your vision for OCA?
To promote the well-being and outreach of co-operatives in Ontario and create a network of support and development for their communities - especially within the context of Covid-19.
Share a fun/silly thing that not many people know about you!
I studied ballet for 12 years!
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Russ Christianson, the founding President of Rhythm Communications, is a long-time co-op developer. He has worked with hundreds of groups to investigate the potential for starting a co-op, and has helped launch over two hundred co-operatives. One of Russ’ fortes is creating attainable financial forecasts for co-op enterprises and evaluating organizational success using a triple-bottom line: integrating financial, social, and ecological practices and metrics. To that end, he created the Co-operative Sustainability Scorecard, a do-it-yourself tool for co-ops of any size.
Russ is a pioneer in helping to create organic food and agriculture co-ops, worker co-ops, renewable energy co-ops, and community-based co-operatives. In his own community, he is the founding President of the Aron Theatre Co-operative Inc., and has recently become its General Manager, helping to navigate a path to success during and after the pandemic.
As a committed co-operator, Russ has consistently provided his volunteer energy and ideas to the Ontario Co-operative Association, the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation, CoopZone, renewable energy co-operatives, food policy councils, and community foundations. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Northumberland County Food Policy Council, the Finance Chair of the Campbellford/Seymour Community Foundation, and the Treasurer of CoopZone.
Russ graduated from Queen’s Commerce in 1981 and received a Masters of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto in 1983. He can be reached at russ.c@xplornet.com or 705-653-0527.
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CO-OP CORNER: News, Events and Jobs
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Check out the following articles as they pertain to Ontario co-operatives...
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The International Centre for Co-operative Management: The Co-op Advantage with Dr. Daniel Côté. This free session will highlight the nuances of the co-operative model that are overlooked, misunderstood, or not well executed, and more. November 3 at 1pm EST. LEARN MORE.
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Directors’ Forum virtual session: Before Technology: The Importance of Open Banking. This governance session is designed specifically for all Ontario credit union and caisses populaires Board Directors. November 10 from 12 – 1pm EST. LEARN MORE.
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Fair Finance Fund Loan Information session. Provides insight into becoming a loan client, loan offerings, and the newly launched REAL Assist program. Join us to learn more about our affordable loan offerings for the local food and farm sector! November 17 from 12 – 1pm EST. LEARN MORE.
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The Conseil de la coopération de l’Ontario is seeking a full-time Co-operative Development Agent based in Toronto. Apply by October 27. Learn more.
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Check out these articles on co-operatives in a national landscape...
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