Government of Canada Announces New Research to Measure the Benefits of Co-operatives for Canadians

OTTAWA, May 31, 2010 — Canadians will benefit from new research that will examine the social, economic and environmental advantages that co-operatives provide to communities across the country in goods and services such as housing, child care, health care and financial services. The announcement was made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), while speaking to the Canadian Co-operative Association in Ottawa.

"Our government is investing in science and technology to improve Canadians' quality of life, strengthen the economy and create jobs," said Minister of State Goodyear. "This research project will look at the value that co-operatives add to communities across Canada."

The project, entitled "measuring the impact of co-operatives," is receiving an investment of approximately $1 million over five years through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada's (SSHRC's) Community–University Research Alliances grants. The funding will bring communities and universities together in partnerships to build knowledge in areas affecting Canadians.

The new research project will be led by John Anderson, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at the Canadian Co-operative Association. The research will build on the networks, reach and partnerships of the Canadian Co-operative Association, which has 9 million members, and the research already undertaken by the co-operative centres for study at Saint Mary's University, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Victoria. The research team will study topics such as social responsibility and accountability; the impact of member and employee participation on a co operative's performance; the role of credit unions in building community wealth; and the impact of housing co-operatives on household income, skills and social capital.

"This grant highlights the excellence of our country's talented researchers and recognizes the importance of fostering collaboration to keep Canada at the leading edge of research, development and innovation in the 21st century," said Dr. Chad Gaffield, SSHRC President.

The Community–University Research Alliances grants support joint research projects between researchers based at post-secondary institutions and community-based organizations. The projects focus on a wide range of issues of importance to Canadians, such as community food security, employment innovations and the impact of co-operatives.

Each project enhances the education and employability of students by providing them with opportunities to build their knowledge, expertise and work skills through hands-on research and related experience.

For the full list of Community–University Research Alliances grants, visit the SSHRC website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-943-7599

Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
613-992-7302
613-302-9879 (cell)
Trevor.Lynn@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca