Canadian CED Network News
New Research: Mobilizing Community Capital for Co-op Development
 The lack of accessible financial tools are one of the largest barriers to co-op development and expansion in Manitoba. Fortunately, there are solutions. New CCEDNet research explores the potential to create a province-wide community development investment fund, expanding on the Province's existing CED Tax Credit, that could raise equity capital for new and existing Manitoba co-ops. The research also makes recommendations for enhancing the existing CED Tax Credit model. Read the full report by clicking the link below.
Youth Employment in the Social Economy
 In this age of growing concern for social and environmental conditions, youth are increasingly looking for purpose driven employment opportunities in the hopes of developing mission-related careers. Last week, CCEDNet hosted a webinar titled, Youth Employment in the Social Economy: How a New Generation Can Generate New Opportunities in CED. A recording of the webinar is now available. The session introduces examples of how youth can take charge of their own careers within the Social Economy, both by creating their own initiatives and by finding ways to integrate themselves into existing programs and projects.
CED Wire Updates A Visit from Japan's Seikatsu Club to Québec: Yvon Poirer offers highlights from this international collaboration among cooperators | Read more- The Final Reflection of my CreateAction Internship: Chris Thomas shares his experience and learnings as CCEDNet's communications intern | Read more
- Meet Charlene Lafreniere: CCEDNet interviews Charlene, a Thompson city councilor, community leader, and 2013 Gathering keynote speaker | Read more
Saskatchewan CED News
National CED News
A Year to Remember: Relive Canada's IYC 2012
 Feeling nostalgic for last year's International Year of Co-operatives? Relive the fun and excitement with the Canadian Co-operative Association's Final Report on IYC 2012 in Canada. The report includes photos and stories that evoke the creativity and celebration from coast, to coast, to coast. The report highlights the hundreds of events that reached thousands of people, dozens of new programs aimed at educating members and thousands of co-ops rallying around the IYC theme.
Co-operative Education Opportunities
 The Canadian Co-operative Association has compiled a list of Canadian university and colleges that offer post-secondary education opportunities on co-operatives. The list includes programs from coast to coast that cater to both students and co-operative professionals already active in the field. This is an ongoing project so if you know of any programs that should be added to the list, contact Erin Hancock.
Poverty in Canada: The Good News & Bad
 There is both good and bad news to be found in the Poverty Trends Highlights: Canada 2013 report. Poverty Trends Highlights finds that Canada's poverty rate is at a record low, although that depends which measure is used. Despite this dip, the poverty gap continues to widen, and the rates of poverty are still climbing for lone-parent families. The report, released by Citizens for Public Justice, concludes that we can effectively reduce poverty if governments make it a priority, but the evidence shows further action is needed.
CED Tool: Green Economy at the Community Scale
 Green Economy at Community Scale is one of the first research-based explorations of the green economy at the local level. The report is drawn from the authors’ original analysis of the flow of natural and financial assets at the national level. It analyses conceptual foundations, and provides empirical evidence, for more sustainable community-based economic activities. The final section of the report draws together findings and identifies positive steps towards the creation of green local economies.
A Little Bird Told Us: Top Tweets of the Month
 Here is a brief sampling of some of our most popular tweets from the past 30 days. Click hereto follow us on Twitter.
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The Regina-based Conexus Credit Union has invested $10,000 into refurbishing a training room at the Regina Work Preparation Centre for job-seekers trying to enter the workforce. The Centre supports many job-seekers from communities typically under-represented in the workforce. Conexus regional vice-president Scott McMann remarked that the investment is intended to empower individuals and support community development.
Co-op Week was an exciting seven days of co-operation and celebration in Saskatchewan. Among the many events were the 
An innovative pilot project is helping First Nations communities across Saskatchewan to support them in developing economic action plans. An initiative of the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, this project has helped four communities identify economic development opportunities best suited to unique circumstances. Working with Urban Systems, each community is guided through a step-by-step process - from asset mapping to action planning - that eventually becomes their blueprint for future economic growth.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) recently announced a new online learning opportunity for emerging and existing co-operative businesses. The Principle 4-5-6 Webinar series is founded on three of the seven co-operative principles - #4: Autonomy; #5: Co-op Education; and #6: Co-operation. This series will focus on providing business development information, tools and methods that will empower and educate your co-op's members, board and staff to co-operate faster.
