October 2008

BCCA was proud to host its annual co-op week luncheon event at the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden. This year close to 80 individuals attended representing a broad spectrum of cooperatives from around the province. Many of the attendees were also alumnae of the BCCA's Bologna Summer Program; offered in the co-operative rich region of Emilio Romanga, Italy the Bologna Summer Program gathers an international faculty to offer a unique blend of theoretic and practical co-op learning experiences.

Through support from the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI), a federally funded program to promote the development of new co-operatives across Canada, the BCCA has initiated a co-op development advisory service pilot project. In conjunction with highly experienced and skilled co-op development professionals in B.C., the BCCA provides expert assistance to groups who want to start new co-ops or who need help managing existing ones.

The areas of support and advice offered to groups typically fall within one or more of the following themes:

When The Phone Co-op entered the Enterprising Solutions Awards two years ago it watched someone else walk off with the top prize. However, just being shortlisted spurred it on to enter again and this time it was successful.

Vivian Woodell, the chief executive and founder of the Chipping Norton-based operation, had a background in the cooperative movement rather than telecommunications when he decided to set up the business about ten years ago to supply telecoms and internet services.

With 4 million Canadians in need of housing and 40,000 sleeping in shelters every night, Canada's affordable housing shortage is not a problem that is too big to fix; it's a problem that is too big not to fix, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada said today.

A joint venture by five First Nations in partnership with Conexus Credit Union and other financial institutions will help urban band members access affordable housing and become homeowners.