 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 Coordinator) 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.
Saskatchewan CED News
New Co-op Research on Decontamination  A new research partnership between the Federated Co-operatives Limited and the University of Saskatchewan aims to develop new methods in the effort to decontaminate areas affected by hydrocarbon and metal-based pollution. Testing will take place at Meadow Lake Co-op’s former bulk petroleum storage facility. >> Read more
Are you up to the National Co-op Challenge?  Canadian co-operative fans have a chance to cheer each other on this August as part of the National Co-op Challenge. Using 90-second videos, created with the support of The Co-operators, co-ops across the country will have an opportunity to raise their profiles in their communities. The competition is fast approaching so head now to The Co-operators website now for more information. Community Development WorkshopsHave you ever struggled with budgets and timelines or wondered how best to attract and retain volunteers? The Community Development Society of Saskatchewan is offering a free workshop designed to target these sorts of questions and more. Confirm your attendance for Monday October 1st by getting in touch with Sydney Bell, sydney.bell@saskatoonhealthregion.ca or call 655-5383 >> Read more
 Co-op Fest 2012
Come out and celebrate at this year’s Co-op Fest November 2nd. Attendees will get to experience the products and services of local co-ops while being serenaded by local musicians. Doors open at 7pm at the Odeon Events Centre, Saskatoon. Tickets are on sale now! >> Read more
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 (RDI) - 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 | 
