Western Producer staff
The main theme for the the second triennial congress of the Canadian Co-operative Association, held last week in Toronto, was linkages among co-ops. Two of the main priorities were organizational renewal and strategic alliances.
Out of the three days of meetings came a sense of urgency about the need to succeed in a competitive business environment, and also the need to embrace core values and principles as the co-operative movement seeks to renew itself.
The discussions were as diverse as the types and sizes of co-ops represented, which included the pools, Federated Co-op, credit unions, and housing, daycare, workers, organic food and dairy co-ops.
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In small group sessions, in the hallways during coffee breaks, and in the restaurants and hotel lobby there were intense discussions on what is happening to co-ops and what the future will bring.
The main message was that renewal is both necessary and urgent.
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool emerged as one of the most active since the first congress in Calgary three years ago in its efforts for renewal through such pursuits as strategic alliances, attracting youth through initiatives like the Adventurer’s Club, and examining the issue of equity shares. The last move in particular is being carefully scrutinized by other co-ops, who say they may consider similar restructuring in the near future.
Before the next congress, co-ops will continue to face some of their biggest challenges in an ever-changing world.
The challenge will be to attract and protect the financial well-being of their members but still retain fundamental co-operative principles as a foundation. Their survival depends on this.
