On September 24, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada welcomed parliamentarians, policy advisors, and co-operative sector leaders to Parliament Hill for a Parliamentary Breakfast Reception focused on the role co-operatives can play in building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy.
The event was co-hosted by MPs Ryan Turnbull (Whitby), Scott Aitchison (Parry Sound-Muskoka), Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East), and Yves Perron (Berthier-Maskinongé), reflecting growing interest across party lines in the contribution co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals make to Canada’s economy and communities.
The event also welcomed special guest Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough in the United Kingdom, who shared insights into the UK’s commitment to doubling the size of its co-operative economy and the growing international recognition of co-operatives as practical solutions to economic and social challenges.
Throughout the morning, participants explored how co-operatives are helping address many of the challenges Canadians care about most, including affordability, housing, local ownership, community resilience, economic stability, and trust in institutions.
As part of the event, attendees received an exclusive preview of Power the Economy Report 2026: Canada’s
Co-operative Advantage and viewed its companion video ahead of their public release on October 11 as part of Co-op Week.
Drawing on economic impact analysis, public opinion research, sector data, case studies, and other research from across the country, the report highlights the scale, impact, and future potential of co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals.
The findings demonstrate that Canada’s co-operative economy is not a niche part of the marketplace. It:
- contributes $61.1 billion to Canada’s GDP
- supports 745,946 jobs
- generates $12.3 billion in tax revenues
- serves more than 14 million Canadians
- operates through 6,173 organizations across every province and territory
Speakers throughout the morning emphasized that Canada already has a proven, resilient, community-rooted economic model operating at significant scale. As governments look for practical solutions to strengthen affordability, productivity, regional development, and economic resilience, co-operatives are well-positioned to play an even greater role.
The message from Parliament Hill was clear: the opportunity is not to invent something new. It is to recognize, support, and scale what is already working.
The conversation may have started on Parliament Hill, but it will continue throughout Co-op Week and beyond as we work together to raise awareness of the important role co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals play in strengthening communities and powering Canada’s economy.
Coming Soon: