Curious about co-operatives?

Test your knowledge! Take this quiz and see how much you know about co-operatives in Canada

Question 1: Did you know you might already be part of a co-operative? Which of these organizations is an example of a co-operative that is found in Canada?

a) Dairy manufacturer b) Car sharing organization and food delivery platform c) Pharmacy d) All of the above

The answer is d, all of the above. Co-operatives operate in a variety of sectors in Canada

To learn more about co-operatives, visit the Co-operatives in Canada website.

Question 2: How does joining a co-operative help you have a voice in decision-making?

a) Members can vote during the co-operative's annual general meeting, following the principle of "one member, one vote" regardless of their investment size b) Members are automatically made board directors without needing to be elected c) Only the largest investors have the final say in major decisions d) Decisions are primarily made by management with limited input from members

The answer is a, members can vote during the co-operative's annual general meeting, following the principle of "one member, one vote" regardless of their investment size

Learn more about the values and principles of a co-operative.

Question 3: How do co-operatives support rural and smaller communities in Canada?

a) By providing essential services like farming co-ops, grocery co-ops and credit unions that strengthen local economies b) By focusing on developing partnerships and services in large urban centers c) By expanding into international markets to enhance their global presence d) None of the above

The answer is a, by providing essential services like farming co-ops, grocery co-ops and credit unions that strengthen local economies.

Learn more about co-operatives by consulting the Co-operatives in Canada website.

Question 4: In 2022, how many people were employed by Canadian non-financial co-operatives?

a) Approximately 50,000 people b) Approximately 70,000 people c) Over 100,000 people d) Over 200,000 people

The answer is c, over 100,000 people. In 2022, active non-financial co-operatives employed 102,038 people and paid $2.86 billion in salaries and wages.

Learn more about the economic role of Co-operatives in Canada website.

Question 5: An entrepreneur planning to retire is thinking about converting their business to a co-operative to sell it. Which group of individuals could form a co-operative to purchase the business?

a) The business' employees b) The business' customers c) Other members of the community d) All of the above

The answer is d, all of the above. A group of interested buyers (such as employees, customers or others) could establish a co-operative to buy an existing business from its owner.

Learn more about converting a business into a co-operative.

Question 6: You have been discussing forming a day care co-operative with some of the neighbourhood parents. How many people are needed to form (incorporate) a co-operative?

a) There is no minimum number of people needed to form a co-operative b) It varies according to the legislation governing your co-operative c) It depends on the age of the children attending the day care d) It depends on the number of children attending the day care

The answer is b, it varies according to the legislation governing your co-operative.

For example, federal legislation requires at least three persons to incorporate a co-operative, while provincial and territorial requirements generally vary between three, five or six founding members.

Learn more about turning an idea into a co-operative.

Question 7: A co-operative is a legally incorporated corporation that is owned by an association of persons seeking to satisfy common needs and can:

a) Be a for-profit entity b) Be a non-profit entity c) Have employees d) All of the above

The answer is d, all of the above. In 2022, 36.8% of active non-financial co-operatives in Canada were for-profit and 63.2% were non-profits. In addition, they employed 102,038 people in 2022.

Learn more about by visiting an infographic on non-financial co-operatives in Canada (2022).

Question 8: In 2022, where were the majority of the non-financial co-operatives located in Canada?

a) In British Columbia and Alberta b) In Saskatchewan and Manitoba c) In Ontario and Quebec d) In Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

The answer is c, in Ontario and Quebec. In 2022, there were 5,616 active, non-financial co-operatives in Canada, and the majority of these co-operatives were in Quebec (2,502) and Ontario (1,079).

Learn more about by visiting an infographic on non-financial co-operatives in Canada (2022).

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