 Recommendations for co-operative development in Canada This summer, a House of Commons Special Committee on Co-operatives is studying the situation of co-ops in Canada. As part of the Committee's consultations, CCEDNet prepared a brief that highlights the important contributions co-operatives make to Canadian communities, and makes a series of recommendations for supporting the development of the co-operative sector. >> Read more
Building social infrastructure Last month, Kirsten Bernas (CCEDNet's Policy Advisor) attended a consultation, representing the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - MB, hosted by the federal government regarding its new long-term infrastructure plan. As a follow up, CCEDNet submitted a series recommendations for investment in social infrastructure, including: childcare, housing, and the use of community benefit clauses to ensure infrastructure projects bring long-term benefits into communities.
Alberta CED News ACCA's Red Box Hits the Road for Co-ops  The Alberta Community and Co-operative Association has found a creative way educate their communities about co-operatives this summer. The Red Box Road Trip will visit locations across the province while reaching an even broader audience through the use of Youtube videos. If you'd like to hoist the box for yourself or help in other ways to spread the word about the seven principles of the co-operative model, contact Sarah by email at sarah.arthur@prairiesky.ab.ca >> Read more
Get Acquainted With Social Enterprise with Upcoming WorkshopsFour exciting learning events are on Alberta’s horizon this coming fall. Enterprising Non-Profits Alberta is hosting workshops for non-profit organizations that are looking for technical assistance and support as they grow their social enterprises. >> Read more
New Video Shows Momentum  Momentum provides local entrepreneurs with disabilities with the training, support, and resources to create and sustain businesses. For a chance to put a face to the program, Momentum has produced a short video documenting three individuals who have achieved successful businesses and personal achievement alongside Momentum. >> Watch the video
National CED NewsRegistration for the 10th Annual CD/CED Gathering opens September 10! The CD/CED Gathering, the largest annual CED event in Canada, is taking place in Winnipeg, MB on October 19. This year's event will include a keynote address from internationally renowned author and activist Raj Patel, and over 30 workshops that will explore the theme of Community Economies: Enough, For All, Forever. Registration opens September 10th, so stay tuned! >> Read more
New Regulations Pave Way for Pan-Canadian Credit Unions Changes to federal regulation have opened up the option for credit unions to operate across provincial borders. The decision is a major boon for the Canadian credit union system and is being publically welcomed by the Credit Union Central of Canada, the Meridian Credit Union and others. For further coverage of the announcement, click here or download Canadian Central’s briefing note here.
CED Tool: The Choice Matrix The CED Choice Matrix website - developed by the Rural Development Institute - is designed to assist community development practitioners and stakeholders find CED tools that suit their needs and projects. Unlike most resources, the Choice Matrix website provides users with multiple navigation and searching options. RDI will be hosting a free webinar on August 28 (2-3pm CST) to educate people about this resource and how it can be integrated into their work.
Something to Bank On: Co-operative Land Banks
The Co-operative Land Bank (CLB) is Shann Turnbull’s innovative idea about how to provide residents with greater control over the urban housing market. Like a land trust, the CLB would purchase land and lease it to commercial, industrial and residential tenants. The goal is to capture future increases in land values, allowing this money to be invested in affordable housing and other community priorities identified by resident shareholders. >> Read more | 
