• The co-operative model has proven to be stronger and more resilient than conventional business models, with a survival rate that is almost twice as high as other businesses, when compared after 5 and 10 years of operation.
  • Co-ops are the fastest growing socio-economic movement in the world. They exist in virtually every sector of the economy including agriculture, financial services, and housing.
  • Globally 800 million people are members of co-operatives.
  • There are approximately 10 000 cooperatives and credit unions in Canada alone providing products and services to 18 million owners!
  • The co-operative sector in Ontario represents $30 billion in assets.
  • Some of the larger Canadian co-ops include Mountain Equipment Co-op and GayLea. Desjardins Credit Union is the sixth largest financial institution in Canada.
  • In the Maritimes food co-ops control over 12% of the grocery share in the whole region.
  • While each co-op is unique, they are all ownership-based, driven by social as well as economic concerns, and guided by 7 principles, including equality and solidarity.