Co-ops and mutuals rank high
A new global ranking of the world's top co-operatives will put the lid once and for all on claims that co-ops and mutuals don't measure up to 'for-profit' corporates. Global 300 - an ICA initiative launched on October 25, shows that the leading members of the global co-op and mutual sector are much bigger than most people realise. The world's top 300 co-ops and mutuals represent over 1 trillion USD in revenue and over 30 trillion in assets, equivalent to at least the 10th economy in the world in GDP.

See also:

• Welome to the ICA Global300 project online

Codette Co-op closing after 77 years of service
The closing of the Pineland Co-op in Codette was an unexpected shock for people of the community. After being a reliable place for car repairs, gas and snacks for 77 years, the Codette Co-op will lock its doors for the final time on Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. The Board of Directors made the decision due to declining sales over the last few years.

Significant Support for the Co-operative Sector From MPP Ted McMeekin
Ted McMeekin, M.P.P. for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot, announced that he would be introducing a private members' bill supporting the establishment of a provincial Co-operatives Secretariat. McMeekin made the surprise announcement during the Co-operative Gala on October 18th. Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. for Brampton Centre, and also in attendance at the Gala, lent her full support. This is a significant development for the Co-operative sector, which has been lobbying government to formally recognize the role, size and economic impact of the co-operative sector through a dedicated Secretariat.

Notes for a speech by the Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians at the Opening of the First Nations Socio-economic Forum
"...The Forum has great personal significance for me, because we will be discussing the future of Aboriginal youth. Together we must find ways to provide the young people of your communities with more opportunities, better jobs and above all greater confidence in their own abilities."