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.
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:
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.