A parliamentary breakfast reception was held in Ottawa, Canada last week to highlight the role co-ops and mutuals can play in building a stronger, more resilient economy.
Organised by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), the event gathered parliamentarians, policy advisors, and co-operative sector leaders to Parliament Hill.
The event was co-hosted by MPs Ryan Turnbull (Whitby), Scott Aitchison (Parry Sound-Muskoka), Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East), and Yves Perron (Berthier-Maskinongé).
CMC said this reflects growing interest across party lines in the contribution co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals make to Canada’s economy and communities.
Special guest at the event was UK Labour/Co-op MP Andrew Pakes – former chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mutuals – who shared insights into the UK’s commitment to doubling the size of its co-operative economy. Having recently paid a similar visit to the Australian co-op sector, Pakes also highlighted the growing international recognition of co-operatives as practical solutions to economic and social challenges.
CMC added: “Throughout the morning, participants explored how co-operatives are helping address many of the challenges Canadians care about most, including affordability, housing, local ownership, community resilience, economic stability, and trust in institutions.”
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As part of the event, attendees received an exclusive preview of Power the Economy Report 2026: Canada’s Co-operative Advantage and viewed its companion video ahead of their public release on 11 October as part of the national Co-op Week (11-17 October).
Drawing on economic impact analysis, public opinion research, sector data, case studies, and other research from across the country, the report will set out the scale, impact, and future potential of co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals.
The findings, said CMC, “demonstrate that Canada’s co-operative economy is not a niche part of the marketplace”.
The report says the sector contributes CA$61.1bn (£32.5bn, US$43bn) to Canada’s GDP, supports 745,946 jobs, generates $12.3bn in tax revenues, serves more than 14 million Canadians and operates through 6,173 organisations across every province and territory.
“As governments look for practical solutions to strengthen affordability, productivity, regional development, and economic resilience, co-operatives are well-positioned to play an even greater role,” added CMC.
“The message from Parliament Hill was clear: the opportunity is not to invent something new. It is to recognise, support, and scale what is already working.
“The conversation may have started on Parliament Hill, but it will continue throughout Co-op Week and beyond as we work together to raise awareness of the important role co-operatives, credit unions, caisses, and mutuals play in strengthening communities and powering Canada’s economy.”
