Co-operatives in Canada: Success stories

As part of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, ISED is showcasing inspiring success stories to promote the cooperative model and its positive impact on our communities.

Features


Success stories
Image Title/Description Province/Territory

Promo Plastik

Promo Plastik is a worker co-operative based in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec. It was founded by employees who came together to save their company, which specializes in the artisanal printing of Canadian-made promotional products, including the iconic figurines of Bonhomme, the official mascot of the Québec Winter Carnival.

Quebec

West Baffin Cooperative

Founded in 1959, West Baffin Cooperative supports Inuit art and culture by empowering artists, fostering creativity, and connecting northern communities with the world.

Nunavut

Lakeshore Co-operative Limited

Lakeshore Co-operative Limited, founded in 1981, proudly delivers essential services to communities in the Northwest Territories. Through its community investments and ongoing support of local organizations, Lakeshore co-op strengthens food security, encourages local development and inspires meaningful community engagement.

Northwest Territories

Sussex Agricultural Co-operative 1841 Ltd.

Sussex Co-op is one of the oldest agricultural cooperatives in Canada, dedicated to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable food production in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick

Fogo Island Co-operative Society Ltd.

Fogo Island Co-operative is a community co-operative that supports its membership of harvesters and plant workers by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities while preserving the Island's heritage and renewable marine resources.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The St. John's Farmers' Market

The St. John's Farmers' Market Co-operative is a community-driven market that connects local producers, artisans, and consumers to foster a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive local economy.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op

Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op is a worker-owned co-operative that pioneered fair trade and organic coffee roasting in Canada, promoting ethical trade and sustainability.

Nova Scotia

Scotian Gold

Scotian Gold Cooperative is a grower-owned co-operative specializing in premium apple and agricultural services across Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia

Tignish Fisheries Cooperative Association Limited

Tignish Fisheries Cooperative Association Limited is a worker-owned co-operative that has been central to the economic development of Prince Edward Island, promoting sustainable fishing practices and fostering community growth.

Prince Edward Island

Alberta Federation of Rural Water Co-operatives Ltd. (AFRWC)

The Alberta Federation of Rural Water Co-operatives Ltd supports rural water co-ops in Alberta by ensuring access to safe, reliable and affordable water through community-led solutions.

Alberta

Alberta Seed Processors

Alberta Seed Processors is a farmer-owned co-operative that provides seed and grain processing services to strengthen sustainability and resilience in Alberta’s agricultural sector.

Alberta

The Cooperative Memorial Society

The Cooperative Memorial Society

The Cooperative Memorial Society is an Alberta-based non-profit co-operative dedicated to providing accessible and respectful end-of-life planning services for its members.

Alberta

Fireweed Food Co-op

Fireweed Food Co-op is a non-profit co-operative in Manitoba that connects small-scale farmers with local markets to build a sustainable and resilient food system.

Manitoba

Westman Communications Group

Westman, a telecommunications co-operative based in Manitoba, is dedicated to connecting rural communities and providing access to reliable communication services through innovative, collaborative solutions.

Manitoba

Access Communications

Access Communications is a Saskatchewan co-operative focused on serving communities and strengthening local connections by means of technology and the delivery of accessible, inclusive communication services.

Saskatchewan

Bridge City Bicycle Co-op

Bridge City Bicycle Co-op is a community co-operative in Saskatoon that empowers people through accessible cycling, hands-on learning and inclusive spaces that foster sustainability and social connection.

Saskatchewan

Crocus Co-op

Crocus Co-op is a community-driven co-operative that supports mental health recovery by offering a safe, inclusive space for connection, growth and healing through meaningful opportunities.

Saskatchewan

Coopérative régionale de Moonbeam

The Coopérative régionale de Moonbeam is a grocery co-operative that provides an essential service to residents, supports the local economy and strengthens community ties.

Ontario

Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op

Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op is a film co-operative that provides a space for independent artists and filmmakers to showcase their work, fostering local culture and community engagement in Sudbury, Ontario.

Ontario

Baseline

Baseline is a multi-stakeholder co-operative that supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Quebec in their digital transformation leveraging artificial intelligence.

Quebec

Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers du Québec

This paramedics co-operative provides high-quality emergency services in various regions of Québec.

Quebec

Radish

Radish is a Montréal-based food delivery co-operative that offers a fair and innovative alternative to major platforms.

Quebec

Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec

The federation brings together Inuit co-operatives that strengthen the autonomy of Nunavik communities by providing essential services to surrounding communities.

Quebec

Blueberry Commons

Blueberry Commons is a housing co-operative and an organic farm located in the city of Powell River, British Columbia, on traditional Tla'amin territory.

British Columbia

Modo

Modo is a car-sharing co-operative that offers its members access to self-service vehicles across British Columbia.

British Columbia