CWCF is excited to begin our bilingual 2021 Conference, Building Better Together, November 16 with a keynote panel and peer learning session. The keynote panel will draw on the experience of members of Canada’s worker co-op sector to explore what strategies worker co-ops have used to survive and thrive in the face of the pandemic … CWCF 2021 Conference: Day One Preview
By Hazel Corcoran CWCF is excited to be hosting our first ever fully virtual conference this fall, from November 16-18. Our theme, “Building Better Together”, will explore how worker co-operatives have demonstrated resilience and solidarity throughout the Covid19 pandemic, while facing significant challenges. We will share particular strategies of worker co-ops in dealing with crises … Report from the Executive Director, August 2021
The third co-operative principle is Member Economic Participation. It states, “Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for … Principle Three and the Co-operative Values —Kenzie Love
After nearly 12 years of operating successfully as a worker co-operative, Careforce Home Care Worker Co-op (Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia) sold its operations to a private company in April 2019. Before the Co-op formally winds up, to help pay forward the support they received when they started, the members have committed a donation of $5,000 … Careforce Makes Donation to CWCF Technical Assistance Granting Pool
By Kenzie Love As responses that arose in the 19th century to the excesses of industrial capitalism, unions and worker co-ops have much in common, with both seeking to improve the lives of working people and increase democracy in the workplace. Accordingly, there have been many instances of co-operation between the two in recent years, … Unionized Worker Co-ops Offer a Strong Alternative to Capitalism
Call for AGM Resolutions Resolutions for the CWCF AGM in November are due on September 16, 2021. Please see the CWCF Resolutions process, including the Resolutions Form on the last page, at this link: https://canadianworker.coop/cwcf-agm-resolutions-process/. Please submit resolutions to Resolutions Committee members Jessica Provencher and Frank Bezanson-Harris, copying Executive Director Hazel Corcoran. Call for Board … Call for Resolutions and Nominations
By Hazel Corcoran CWCF is thrilled to be launching our Worker Co-op Academy this month, with three groups participating. Although the types of fledgling worker co-ops vary, the collective entrepreneurs behind them share a common enthusiasm and commitment that will serve them well during this program. We look forward to working with them as they … Report from the Executive Director, June 2021
The $1000 grant for a youth-based arts and culture project was awarded to the Social Justice Co-operative of Newfoundland, a group committed to raising the profile of co-operative approaches to economic and social development in Newfoundland and Labrador. With the support of the grant, SJCNL commissioned local freelance artist Molly Margaret (age 25) to create … 2020 Arts and Culture Grant Project
Adopted in 1995, the seventh co-op principle, concern for community, may be the most recent addition to the list, but in some ways it is the foundation on which the other six principles are built. England’s Rochdale Pioneers, originators of the modern principles, may not have explicitly included concern for community in their list, but … Concern for Community Last But Far From Least Among Co-op Principles —By Kenzie Love
By Kenzie Love (updated May 19, 2022) Starting any business is challenging, and co-ops are no different. As veteran co-op developer Russ Christianson observes: “Like any good business, a co-op requires an excellent business plan, sufficient start-up capital, and the tenacity of its founders. Typically, there will be long hours, many meetings, and low pay … Apply Now to the Worker Co-op Academy