FAQ's

History of cooperatives in Canada

What is a cooperative?

A cooperative is an organization owned by its members who share similar economic, cultural and/or social needs. Each member has the right to vote, giving them democratic power within the organization. Moreover, one of the main goals of a co-operative is to create a business that gives back to the community in which it operates.

How does a cooperative differ from a business?

A cooperative corporation (or simply, a “cooperative“) is a special form of corporation that places ownership and/or control of the corporation in the hands of the employees or patrons of the corporation.

What is the history of cooperatives in Canada?

The history of cooperatives in Canada can be traced back to the mid-19th century and reflects a long-standing tradition of collective action and mutual support among communities. 

What are examples of successful cooperatives today in Canada?

Canada has several successful cooperatives that operate across various sectors of the economy. Here are some notable examples Desjardins Group, VanCity, The Co-operators, Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC), Saskatoon Light & Power, CHF Canada and many more.

How significant are cooperatives in Canada's economy?

Canada has nearly 6,000 non-financial cooperatives that account for 3.4% of its GDP, which is more than sectors like telecommunications and mining.

Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative

What is Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative?

Solidarity In Numbers is a transformative cooperative and social economy business hub founded with the mission to foster social and economic recovery, empower working-class entrepreneurs, and unite impact investors to address inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who founded Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative and why?

Chloe Brown, a 32-year-old policy leader from Toronto, founded Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative along with other civic engagement, economy and policy advisors in response to issues of income inequality, inactive political leadership, and divisive ideologies. This cooperative is her vision for healing communities through cooperatives and the social economy.

What are the main challenges we are addressing?

Solidarity In Numbers tackles the current and looming challenges of the ageing workforce in Canada, supply-chain disruptions, and the "silver tsunami" succession crisis in the Canadian business landscape.

What are Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative's core objectives?

SIN's core objectives include community building, education and development, inspiration and cultural engagement, and making cooperative and social economy businesses more accessible and affordable.

Who are potential partners for our new entrepreneurial projects?

Potential Canadian partners include credit unions, banks, coworking real estate firms, enterprise resource software firms, business development services, professional associations, colleges, universities, and cooperative and social economy business organizations.

Who is our audience?

Our target audience includes underrepresented communities, working-class entrepreneurs, impact investors, cooperative businesses, and those interested in the social economy.

Partner with us

What does Solidary in Numbers offer its organizational partners

We offer financial literacy, investment opportunities, job security, community development, networking opportunities, professional development, vocational training, leadership roles, and chances for innovative entrepreneurship.

How do we partner with Solidarity In Numbers Cooperative on new projects?

We are actively looking for new project partners! We are envisioning a list of new community-drivn projects in media, social and digital experiences and awareness policy advocacy campaigns.

Fill out this registration form here and we will reach out to you. You can also write to us directly via the contact form on the Home Page.