Two surveys on co-operative enterprises in Manitoba have been completed and can be used as planning tools to help guide future co-op development, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced.
“The united power of a co-operative can be a strong economic building block for a community,” said Wowchuk. “Our research on co-operatives is one of the best planning tools to determine how to improve the success of launching and maintaining co-ops in rural, northern and urban communities.”
One survey focused on co-operatives from the perspective of 802 members of the general public, the other from the perspective of directors of 408 co-operatives.
Results of the surveys indicated Manitobans have very positive impressions of co-operatives, giving them high ratings on almost all factors tested. Almost all think that co-operatives make a strong economic contribution to the province, while providing jobs in Manitoba communities. Other very positive impressions include co-operatives’ reputations, value and customer service.
“A successful co-operative benefits the members, their community and the economy of the province,” said Wowchuk. “Half of Manitoba co-operatives provide financial or non-financial support to local community events and, overall, these co-operatives allocated approximately $3.5 million to community events in their past fiscal year. They are a valuable part of our society and need to be encouraged.”
Through Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Offices, the province offers resources, educational tools and mentorship to individuals, groups and communities wishing to develop new co-operatives and to existing co-ops looking to expand their operations. Financial programs such co-operative loan guarantees and co-op promotion assistance are also available.
The survey reports are available online at www.manitoba.coop.
