The
future of development dollars for co-ops in BC is uncertain in the
face of ministry reorganisation by the new Liberal government. On
5 June, 2001, Premier Gordon Campbell announced his ministries,
designed to reflect the change in policy focus. The Ministry of
Community Development, Cooperatives, and Volunteers ceased to exist,
and co-operatives and community economic development came under
the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services (MCAWS).
In addition to co-ops, MCAWS is responsible for a number of other
things, such as leaky condos, immigration policy, transition houses,
Aboriginal services, and sports and recreation. Almost immediately
after the announcement was made, funding for co-op development was
reduced from $3.8 million to $0.8 million, and that amount is frozen
pending the core review.
While co-operators are concerned about this shift in policy,
the lack of government funding will not sound the death-knell
for co-ops in BC. Canada's earlier waves of co-op development
occurred during difficult economic times. For example, the credit
union movement has its roots in the Depression, when no funding
existed for co-op development. Co-operatives are built on the
notions of self help and entrepreneurship, and from the evidence
BCICS has been gathering in its various studies, the 1.8 million
British Columbians involved in co-operatives and credit unions
will undoubtedly encourage continued government support of this
vital and dynamic sector.
Funding Source for Co-ops
Because of the recent provincial government funding freeze for
co-op development in BC, co-operatives interested in funding sources
should check out Community Economic Development Technical Assistance
Program (CEDTAP) website at:
http://www.carleton.ca/cedtap/.
It has a list of funding sources available to co-ops and other
community economic development (CED) organisations. According
to their website, "CEDTAP offers support to mature CED organizations
and to CBOs (Community Based Organisations) emerging in the CED
field. Eligible organizations include co-operatives, community
development corporations, community loan funds, and other non-profit
organizations." If you do not have access to the Internet
at work or home, many public libraries offer access to members,
and your librarian should be willing to offer assistance.
