Legislation and Policy
- Federal Co-operative Legislation
- Interdepartmental Committee on Co-operatives
- CDI Steering Committee
- Provincial-Territorial Co-op Programs
- Other Links
Federal Co-operative Legislation
The Canada Cooperatives Act
A co-operative wishing to incorporate under the federal legislation must be carrying on its business in two or more provinces, and have a fixed place of business in more than one province. This legislation governs non-financial co-operatives.
Incorporating a Co-operative under the Canada Cooperatives Act
Cooperative Credit Associations Act
Interdepartmental Committee on Co-operatives
This is a policy oriented coordinating group of designated officials from relevant federal departments and agencies. The individual members are the contact point within their department and are responsible for ensuring the two-way flow of information and for providing resources to initiate sub-committees to prepare studies on specific problems. The functions of the Committee are to:
- Discuss and make recommendations on federal policies and strategies related to the economic, social and cultural role of co-operatives in Canada;
- Coordinate matters related to the co-operative sector within the context of overall government policies and strategies;
- Provide, as individual members, information on their policy decisions and strategies which may affect relations with co-operatives; and
- Share information to ensure all concerns of the co-operative sector are addressed expeditiously and in a coherent manner.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- Canadian Heritage
- Canadian International Development Agency
- Finance Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Health Canada
- Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
- Industry Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
- Privy Council Office
- Social Development Canada
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
- Western Economic Diversification Canada
Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) Steering Committee
The CDI Steering Committee was appointed in 2003 by then Secretary of State Andy Mitchell. The committee is composed of seventeen members drawn from the co-operative sector and the business, agricultural, academic, CED and professional communities (see Press Release).
The Committee provides guidance and strategic direction to the development and implementation of the CDI program, including review of proposals submitted through the Innovations and Research component, review of the overall approach for the Advisory Services component, and evaluation of annual progress reports.
The CDI Steering Committee also provides general advice to the Minister / Parliamentary Secretary on co-operative issues.
Provincial-Territorial Co-op Programs
- Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations - Co-operatives Branch
- Gouvernement du Québec - Direction des coopératives (MICST)
- Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - Co-op Development Services
- Government of Saskatchewan - Industry and Resources - Business and Co-operative Development
