Lévis, September 15, 2026 | Canada has secured a seat on the Board of Directors of the world’s largest co-operative and mutual organization.
Marie-Josée Paquette, representing Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), ranking among the top candidates selected to fill the 15 positions contested in the election.
Founded in 1895, the ICA represents the interests of more than one billion co-operative and mutual members around the world. Its governance structure includes 15 directors elected by their peers, as well as the President, Vice-Presidents, representatives of global sectoral organizations, youth representatives, and representatives from the Gender Equality Committee.
“In today’s geopolitical and socioeconomic environment, enterprises that are rooted in their communities and developed by and for local people play an essential role in strengthening economic self-reliance. By coordinating this strength at the global level, we can build stronger and more stable economies while contributing to a more humane, equitable, and united future. For Canada, this provides an additional opportunity to expand international partnerships and accelerate the diversification of our markets,” said Marie-Josée Paquette, newly elected board member an Chief Executive Officer of the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM), as well as Director of Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada.
Canada has long demonstrated leadership within the global co-operative and mutual movement. This representation is both recognition of Canadian leadership and expertise and a practical opportunity to:
- Strengthen international business relationships;
- Support the development of impactful projects for co-operatives and mutuals;
- Contribute to the modernization of the movement; and
- Showcase Québec and Canadian expertise on the world stage.
“The ICA is one of the world’s oldest international associations. Organized by region and sector, it contributes to the work of major institutions, including the United Nations, and participates in leading global economic forums. This election provides Québec’s and Canada’s co-operative and mutual movement with a unique opportunity to influence international priorities and directions related to co-operation and mutuality,” concluded Marie-Josée Paquette.
– 30 –
Source :
Isabelle Gagné
Directrice de communications et de la vie associative
Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité
isabelle.gagne@cqcm.coop
Lisa Zentner
Director of Communications
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada
lzentner@canada.coop