The Province of Manitoba signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Manitoba Cooperative Association (MCA) and the Conseil de développement économique des municipalitiés bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM), formalizing their partnership and launching the new Manitoba Co operative Strategy.
“Through the past year the province has been working with the MCA and CDEM to design and establish appropriate resources to help new, existing and future co-operatives effectively manage and grow their business interests,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Rosann Wowchuk, minister responsible for co-operative development. “This MOU is a clear demonstration of the province’s commitment to northern, rural and urban economic development, helping communities benefit from the united power of co-operatives.”
The signing took place at a banquet honouring the 28th annual Co-op Week and Credit Union Day in Manitoba.
The minister noted, over a period of five years, the province is providing $1.25 million to help fund the Co-operative Development Assistance Program announced last year. She said a project manager will be hired to co-ordinate and direct the operation of the strategy and assistance program.
“Our partnership combines a wide variety of experience and expertise” said MCA chair Barry Gosnell. “Through the strategy we’ve developed with MAFRI and CDEM, we can provide leadership for communities wanting to launch a co-operative, encourage new co-operative initiatives and help existing co-ops looking to expand business opportunities and grow.”
“The resources, educational tools and mentorships now available were developed following consultations with existing co-operatives and the public, and can provide practical solutions and direction on the successful development and operation of a variety of co-operatives,” said Louis Allain, executive director of the CDEM. “We look forward to implementing this strategy to generate more success stories for Manitoba’s co-operative community.”
The Cooperative Development Strategy is available in both French and English on the MCA website at www.manitoba.coop and the CDEM website at www.cdem.com.
