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.
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:
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.
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.
New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.