Co-operatives Recognized in UN World Social Summit Draft Political Declaration
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is proud to share an important advocacy milestone for our sector on the international stage. This week, the Draft Political Declaration for the upcoming UN World Social Summit (Doha, 4-5 November 2025) was released, and for the first time it explicitly recognizes co-operatives as key partners in sustainable and inclusive development. Read the Agreed text of the Draft Political Declaration and other related information here.
This follows Canadian advocacy led by Desjardins, Co-operators, and CMC, with strong support from other co-operatives, urging the federal government to champion supportive language on co-operatives in the Declaration. At the same time, through CM50—the global leadership forum of the world’s largest co-operative and mutual enterprises—Canadian leaders have worked with international peers to ensure co-operatives and mutuals are recognized as proven, people-centred delivery partners.
The Declaration highlights co-operatives’ unique role in addressing some of today’s greatest challenges—inequality, unemployment, and climate change—and reinforces the model’s importance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a clear validation of the co-operative difference, both internationally and here in Canada.
CMC will continue to work with CM50 partners and the Government of Canada in the lead-up to the World Social Summit in Doha to advocate for this recognition to translate into concrete commitments, both globally and domestically.
CWCF and CMC Advocacy on Capital Gains Exemption for Worker Co-ops
CMC recently made a submission to the Department of Finance in support of the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF)’s response to the federal consultation on draft legislation regarding the $10 million capital gains exemption for qualifying business successions to employee ownership trusts (EOTs) and worker co-operatives.
In our submission, CMC endorsed CWCF’s two key recommendations:
- Ensure worker co-operatives are included on equal footing with EOTs in the $10 million exemption.
- Make the provisions permanent beyond 2026, to provide certainty for sellers and support the long timelines often required for co-op conversions.
Why this matters:
- Business succession: Worker co-ops and EOTs keep viable firms locally owned, preserving jobs and supply chains—especially in rural and smaller markets.
- Parity: Equal treatment avoids bias among employee-ownership models and empowers owners to choose the best fit for their workforce and sector.
- Certainty: Permanence allows for long-term transition planning, encouraging more Small-Medium Enterprise owners to consider worker co-ops.
This submission, alongside CWCF’s leadership, is a step to ensure that co-operatives remain firmly at the policy table as Canada implements new employee-ownership measures.
Need Help Engaging with Government?
CMC has developed a free Advocacy Guide to support individuals and organizations looking to engage with Parliamentarians and Public Service employees. Designed especially for those new to government relations or operating with limited resources, this guide provides practical tips and strategies for sharing your story and advancing shared goals.
Download the Advocacy Guide (PDF)
For more information, please contact Nancy Wanye, Manager, Government Relations with your questions or suggestions at nwanye@canada.coop.