Our Story.
We are a co-operative that exists to serve our members by providing the information, tools, programs, and resources to help strengthen and grow their organizations and the communities they serve. In doing so, we support the co-operative sector as a whole.
Who we are and what we do...
We are a non-share capital and non-profit co-operative that was originally formed in 1989 as CCA Ontario Region, and officially incorporated in 2002 as the Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA). We are one of nine provincial associations that serve English-speaking co-operatives and co-op member organizations across Canada.
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Our membership is comprised of organizations that believe in the co-operative principles and are invested in the future of the sector. With their commitment we:
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Support our members’ success - and the success of all Ontario co-operatives - through the provision of programs, training, tools, and resources;
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Promote our members and communicate co-operative innovation and solutions, opportunities, as well as the challenges facing the Ontario co-operative sector;
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Advocate with and for our members for a more favorable legislative and regulatory environment in Ontario that supports the growth and sustainability of the co-operative sector;
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Educate students and teachers, as well as those engaged and/or employed in co-operatives, through a variety of programs that elevate co-operative awareness, understanding and opportunities; and
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Encourage co-operatives to connect, collaborate, and act as a coordinated group, to help build a higher profile with the public, the provincial government, and with each other.
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Co-operatives enable people to set up the products and services that they need, provide jobs, and contribute to the social and economic well-being of the communities in which they reside, thereby providing a better standard of living overall. By promoting and raising awareness of co-operatives in the province and supporting their development, we are helping improve the lives of Ontarians.
