Parliamentary Secretary Mike Lake Underlines Importance of Co-Operatives to National Economy

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2014) - Industry Canada

Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, today delivered opening remarks at the first delegates meeting of Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada. This newly formed organization aims to provide the co-operative sector with a single national voice.

During his remarks, Parliamentary Secretary Lake highlighted initiatives that the Government of Canada is undertaking to support co-operatives across Canada and its continued commitment to helping co-operatives grow and succeed.

Quick facts

• The co-operative sector accounts for an estimated $266 billion in assets, $47 billion in volume of business, 156,000 employees and 18 million members.
• Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada is a new national, bilingual association representing more than 9,000 co-operatives.
• In 2013, the policy responsibility for non-financial co-operatives was transferred to Industry Canada from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Quote

"Co-operative businesses have an important economic role to play in generating jobs and growth in communities across Canada. Today's meeting was a great opportunity for us to discuss issues affecting Canadian co-operatives and mutuals and, by doing so, to provide strategic input to this important sector of our economy."

- Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Associated links

- Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada

- Canada Business Network

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