How Do Co-ops and Credit Unions Contribute to Rural Community Viability?

Date:

25 November, 2013

Centre for the Study of Co-operatives Seminar Series 2013–14

Rose Olfert
Professor, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Centre Scholar, Centre for the Study of Co-operatives

How Do Co-ops and Credit Unions Contribute to Rural Community Viability?
Monday, November 25
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Canada Room, Diefenbaker Building
U of S Campus

Light refreshments to follow
Get directions.

Many co-operatives in rural areas of Canada had their beginnings in providing services to communities that were under-served in terms of marketing and processing products, accessing inputs, and in the provision of mutual insurance and co-operative banking services. Over time, other players performing similar functions have left rural communities, while co-operatives remain to a much greater extent. Co-operatives provide access to goods and services for small businesses, producers, and households in rural areas, as well as representing access to networks within and beyond the community. This presentation investigates whether the presence of credit unions and other co-operatives in rural communities has a positive impact on the community's ability to retain and attract population. Although our quantitative results do not support the hypothesis of a positive influence, limited qualitative results suggest that credit unions do perform a different function in communities than commercial banks.

Rose's research and teaching interests are in regional economics, rural development and the role of public policy in regional/rural restructuring and growth. She has published on topics including off-farm employment, occupational segregation, urbanization trends and rural community evolution, cities as engines of growth, location choices of professionals, State Trading Enterprise impacts on International trade, co-ops and credit unions, the changing role of distance, migration patterns, equalization payments and commuting patterns and their determinants. Rose's current research is focused on the distinction between people-based and place-based public policy and the conditions under which place-based policy may be appropriate.

Note: This event will take place in Saskatoon, with a video link to the Window Room (second floor, Gallery Building), Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, in Regina. Individuals with mobility difficulties in Regina should contact us at 306.966.8506 or audra.krueger@usask.ca at least one week prior to the event.