Co-operatives Policy

Co-operatives have an important economic role to play in generating jobs and growth in communities across Canada. Existing in every sector of the economy, co-operatives provide needed infrastructure, goods and services to over 18 million members and jobs to more than 156,000 Canadians.

Co-operatives Policy provides analysis, advice and support to promote co-operative business innovation and growth in Canada. Co-operatives Policy is a new addition to Industry Canada as responsibility for co-operatives transferred from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as a result of recommendations in the Report of the Special Committee on Co-operatives. With this transfer, the department, already responsible for administering the Canada Cooperatives Act and for co-operative incorporation, now provides a single focal point for co-operatives. Responsibility for financial co-operatives remains with Finance Canada.

About Co-operatives:

• What is a co-operative?
• Various kinds of co-operatives
• Create/Maintain a Co-operative

For general information contact:

Industry Canada Web Services Centre
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H5
Telephone: 613-954-5031
Toll-free: 1-800-328-6189
Fax: 613-954-2340
Email: info@ic.gc.ca
TTY (for hearing impaired): 1-866-694-8389