2024 governance highlights
Sustainability integration
With our increased focus on sustainability, a member of each standing committees also sits on the Board’s Sustainability Committee. This ensures better integration with each committee’s mandate.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) in Governance
Co-operators recognizes and values the benefits of having a diverse board and considers diversity a key driver of our co-operative identity, competitive success, and governance strength. The inaugural IDEA in Governance Strategy was approved in December 2023. In 2024, with oversight from the Governance and Co-operative Identity Committee, the board continued its advancement of the strategy through a supporting action plan that leverages a proactive approach, focusing on continuous learning, monitoring and improvement.
Democratic Succession Committee
The Democratic Succession Committee was formed in 2024 to assist the Governance & Co-operative Identity Committee and the board in overseeing intentional succession and renewal in Co-operators democratic governance structure and working with members to achieve an effective governance composition.
“We’re focused on maintaining a strong board with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences, and a shared commitment to our co-operative values. Through democratic succession planning, we work with members to achieve an effective governance composition that is well-equipped to navigate the issues and trends in our midst.”
Jim MacFarlane, Democratic Succession Committee Chair
Our members
We are governed by 46 members – a group of co-operatives, credit union centrals and representative farm organizations that operate on a co-operative basis. Together, we deliver broad benefits to members and clients, enriching the social fabric of our communities.
How we engage and support our members
Our members participate in our governance, including nominating and electing our board of directors, and have an important influence on how we operate. Every two years, we conduct a Member Engagement Survey to help us measure the success of existing activities and to guide future initiatives. Our last survey was conducted in 2023, and we saw a participation rate of 100% and an overall result of 93%.
Our member organizations across Canada
Our 46 member organizations are located across Canada. We have delegates in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Our members across different sectors
Our member organizations represent a variety of sectors, with 20% in agriculture (producer); 11% in agriculture (representative organization); 4% in agriculture (retail); 2% in agriculture (retail or production); 39% in co-op federations, community and other services; 17% in financial services; and 7% in retail or consumer.
"Being a member of Co-operators means being part of a community that prioritizes mutual support and collaboration. It's about working together to achieve common goals and making a positive impact on our communities. This is what makes the co-operative movement so powerful and effective."
Dave Walsh, Managing Director, Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives
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