Co-operatives Secretariat

The Co-operatives Secretariat is an agency established in 1987 to help the federal government respond more effectively to the concerns and needs of co-operatives.

Summary

The secretariat aims to:

• advise the government on policies affecting co-operatives;
• coordinate the implementation of such policies;
• increase the understanding of co-operatives within the federal government.

The secretariat also provides a link between the co-op sector and the many federal departments and agencies with which they interact.

Services provided include:

Support and Coordination

The secretariat supports the Minister responsible for co-operatives and assists various government committees and task forces. It makes sure, through consultation, that the views of co-operatives, provincial governments and relevant agencies are known and understood at the federal level. It assists in policy development and evaluates the potential impact on co-ops of proposed legislation and programs.

The secretariat supports the work of co-op associations, at both the national and provincial levels, and is available to assist in sponsoring visiting co-operators from other countries.

Data analysis and publications

Statistical data is collected, analyzed and compiled into such documents as Co-operation in Canada. These publications are of particular interest to co-operators, researchers and policy makers. More general information is disseminated to foster greater public awareness and understanding of co-operatives and government policies that deal with co-ops.

Quebec Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Ms. Denise Poitras
Office Co-ordinator
Co-operatives Secretariat
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
3rd Floor
1525 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0C5
Telephone: (613) 759-7193
Fax: (613) 759-7489
E-mail: poitrasde@agr.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.phtml