The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) stands in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and other people of colour (BIPOC) in the fight against systemic racism and injustice.
Racial Justice at CWCF is guided by a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion (JEDDI) Committee.
This approach is embedded in our 2026 -2029 Strategic Plan, where we included the following on how we work:
- JEDDI-focused – Putting Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion at the centre of what we do. We think about and try our best to always include the people who have often been left out.
- Collaboratively – we connect with people and organizations to broaden our perspectives and work.
- With compassion and care – we value people and are building a movement with care for people at its core.
CWCF JEDDI initiatives include:
- JEDDI Action Plan
- Two dedicated seats at the Board table for Equity Advisors
- Two funding streams for racialized individuals and organizations in the Canadian worker co-op sector started in 2021
- Research Project: Supporting Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion in the Worker Co‑op, in collaboration with the School of Leadership Studies, University of New Brunswick and supported by our Community Advisory Circle
- Resource list for Co-ops, with a focus on Equity-Denied Groups
- Previous projects include our JEDDI ‘Business Conversions’ co-op conversion project, funded by the past Investment Readiness Program
JEDDI Committee
CWCF’s JEDDI Committee was established in 2021 with the purpose of encouraging racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within CWCF, the Canadian worker co-op community, and individual worker co-ops.
The JEDDI Committee supports CWCF in building a vibrant, growing worker co-operative sector in Canada, which reflects the racial diversity that is found within its borders.
The Committee is made up of at least five (5) individuals, including CWCF directors, staff, and members. The Committee seeks to include those with particular insights into the Objectives.
JEDDI Committee Members
Aysha Javed, Women’s Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre (WMRCC)
Darya Tarhan, University of Guelph
Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyidom, Whole Women Network Co-op and Black Women Professional Co-operative Inc.
Lucenia Oritz, Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op
JEDDI Action Plan
CWCF’s official JEDDI action plan serves as an actionable strategy to align CWCF’s organizational activities with the Objectives of the JEDDI Committee. It was drafted by the JEDDI Committee in the summer of 2021, and revised in spring 2025.
Funding Programs
These programs have been run since the Fall of 2022, as part of CWCF’s JEDDI Action Plan.
JEDDI Training Bursary
The JEDDI Training Bursary fund was established in 2022, as a part of the Racial Justice Action Plan drafted by CWCF’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion (JEDDI) Committee.
This granting pool prioritizes individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous or other People of Colour (BIPOC) communities and other Equity-Denied Groups (EDGs) who require financial assistance to pursue training in co-op management or development.
Bursaries are to be used to offset program fees for the CoopZone Co-op Developer training program, or other professional development and training opportunities in the Canadian co-op sector, upon approval.
Racial Justice Project Grants
This granting pool is allocated to projects led by individuals who are Black, Indigenous or other People of Colour (BIPOC), or by groups which are majority BIPOC.
Projects must support racial justice in the worker co-op sector in Canada via promotion, development and/or education initiatives.
Past Racial Justice Project Grants
Below are a few examples of past funded Racial Justice Projects:
Co-op Conversation Guidebook, IMOVe Media Co-op, led by African Nova Scotian communities (2023)
“Race, Labour and Worker Co-op values” ft. Clare Yow and Rita Wong by Seize the Means of Production Co-op (2025)
Tyche Documentary by Tyche Co-op (2025)
Equity Board Advisors
The CWCF Board of Directors currently reserves two seats for Equity Board Advisors.
Current Advisors
1. Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido: Black Women’s Professional Co-op, Toronto
2. Lucenia Ortiz: Multicultural Health Brokers, Edmonton
To find out more about Juliet and Lucenia go here and scroll down to find their bios.