By Hazel Corcoran
- Capital gains tax exemption for sale of worker co-ops
- Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada 2026 Congress and awards
- Update on CWCF Co-Executive Director search process
- Appreciation for outgoing CWCF Executive Assistant Chloë Williams
As I write this, CWCF is still feeling energized by the federal government’s recent decision to permanently exempt the first $10 million of a business owner’s capital gain from the sale of their existing business to a worker co-operative, or employee ownership trust. This was a huge success in our lobbying efforts, for which we thank Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada and Social Capital Partners for their support in CWCF’s efforts on this critical issue. While there’s still much work to be done, this illustrates that the government recognizes the role worker co-ops can play in addressing Canada’s looming $2 trillion small business succession crisis.
I was also excited to attend Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada’s 2026 Congress earlier this month, where I received the Co-operator of the Year award. This was an unexpected honour, and one I certainly couldn’t have received without the co-operation and support of all those who’ve worked alongside me over the years to strengthen Canada’s worker co-op sector. An added highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of Edmonton’s Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative with CMC’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Initiative of the Year Award, just one of many well-deserved awards this co-op has received for its incredible work.
The recruitment process for CWCF’s incoming Co-Executive Director continues, a process that has deliberately been methodical and thorough in our efforts to find the best person for the job. Whoever is ultimately chosen will be taking on the position at a pivotal point in the life of this organization, and I look forward to working with them during the remainder of my tenure.
At the same time, my colleagues and I are saying goodbye to our outgoing Executive Assistant, Chloë Williams, who is leaving CWCF to pursue another opportunity. Chloë’s planning and organizational skills and knack for a good spreadsheet were much appreciated during her time with us, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.