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Re-establishing and Resourcing a Co-operatives Secretariat or Dedicated Centre

CMC wishes to see the Government of Canada re-establish and resource a Co-operatives Secretariat, or a dedicated Co-operative Centre, under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).  

This entity would advise the Government on, and coordinate the implementation of, policies, strategies and solutions that involve co-operatives, and act as a knowledge hub between the many federal departments and agencies that they engage with. The Centre for Rural Economic Development at ISED is a good example of what a Co-operative Centre could be, and is the successor of the former Rural Secretariat, which was also disbanded in 2013. 

The former Co-operatives Secretariat was established and successfully operated for 26 years under Agriculture Canada / Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada between 1987 and 2013. It merged with the larger Rural Secretariat in 2012 to become that Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat. At its peak, during the Co-operative Development Initiative (2003-2013), the Co-operatives Secretariat had approximately twelve staff, with an operational budget, not including grants and contributions, between $1.1 and $1.5M per year. When it was disbanded in 2013, the responsibility for the co-operatives file, as well as the two remaining employees, were transferred to ISED.  

CMC recommends that the entity coordinate a Government of Canada-wide approach that: 

  • Works with other federal departments and agencies to ensure that the needs and realities of co-operatives and mutuals are considered early in the development of policies, and ensure that co-operatives are eligible for new and existing programs and supports; 
  • Provides co-operative stakeholders with information, tools, and advice about federal supports that may be available to them; and  
  • Consults and engages with co-operative enterprises and sector leaders, academia, industry groups and other community stakeholders to improve the way that the Government of Canada delivers programs and services to create a more enabling environment across the country.