CCA Calls for Social Economy Initiative for all of Canada

The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) joined with the Chantier d’economie sociale and the Canadian CED Network to represent the social economy before the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA). CCA Executive Director Carol Hunter reiterated CCA’s position that while it is pleased that Quebec has received substantial Federal Government investments under the partial roll-out of the social economy initiative, the association is concerned that this national program has not been rolled out across the rest of the country.

“Canada is a rich country that prides itself on organizational diversity, a mixed economy, inclusiveness, and entrepreneurial innovation. A social economy initiative – or a community enterprise partnership – would help to stimulate local solutions to job creation, the provision of community services and, above all, mutual self-help,” Ms. Hunter said. Click here to read her full presentation.

Meanwhile, social economy programming continues in Quebec. Last week, Quebec Premier Jean Charest pledged $10 million over five years to social economy enterprises. The money is part of a $58 million commitment from Ottawa and Quebec. The announcement was made at a two-day summit on the social economy that attracted 650 delegates from 20 countries to Montreal last week.