Co-op Connections Presented by Co-operators
On October 8th from 5:30-8:30 PM, join co-operative leaders, managers, employees, and co-operators advisors for an evening of meaningful connection, collaboration and conversation focused on strengthening Saskatchewan's co-operative ecosystem at Co-op Connections!
On October 8th from 5:30-8:30 PM, join co-operative leaders, managers, employees, and co-operators advisors for an evening of meaningful connection, collaboration and conversation focused on strengthening Saskatchewan's co-operative ecosystem at Co-op Connections!
Presented by Co-operators and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. Light snacks and drinks will be served.
2026 Saskatchewan Co-operative Association Virtual AGM
Join us for our Virtual AGM on September 24, 12:00-1:00 PM! There is no cost to attend the AGM. The meeting link, financials, and annual report will be sent to registrants in advance of the meeting. Only current SCA members who are up to date can vote, but anyone can attend.
Join us for our Virtual AGM on September 24, 12:00-1:00 PM!
There is no cost to attend the AGM. The meeting link, financials, and annual report will be sent to registrants in advance of the meeting. Only current SCA members who are up to date can vote, but anyone can attend.
Register for our Public Speaking Workshop with Heather Morrison
You already have what you need to be a confident and authentic speaker. You just need to get everything out of the way that is holding you back. This public speaking workshop will show you what it really takes to feel more at ease and confident when you speak. Interactive exercises, guided worksheets, and personalized coaching will help participants create a personalized, confidence-boosting speaker toolkit.
Join us on September 10th from 1:00-4:00 PM for a public speaking workshop with Heather Morrison!
About The Workshop
You already have what you need to be a confident and authentic speaker. You just need to get everything out of the way that is holding you back. This public speaking workshop will show you what it really takes to feel more at ease and confident when you speak. Interactive exercises, guided worksheets, and personalized coaching will help participants create a personalized, confidence-boosting speaker toolkit. You will leave feeling empowered and motivated to use your voice in meetings, while networking, in front of groups, or wherever you want to be heard.
About Heather Morrison
Heather Morrison is the founder and president of Deliver Your Best Coaching, where her signature program transforms even the most nervous people into confident and authentic speakers. Based on real-world experience, psychology, and neuroscience, her methodology cuts through the noise of ordinary communications training and provides individuals with a unique toolkit that promotes long term change. Heather is also an award-winning theatre artist, broadcaster, and sought-after MC. She consitnues to work as a sideline reporter for sports in western Canada and has been featured on numerous platforms including national coverage on TSN.
Legislative Guide: Transitioning to the New Co-operatives Act in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s co-operative sector is entering a new regulatory era with the passage of Bill 44, The Co-operatives Act. This comprehensive legislation modernizes, streamlines, and consolidates the provincial co-operative framework by repealing both The Co-operatives Act, 1996 and The New Generation Co-operatives Act.
By combining these frameworks into a single, cohesive statute, the Government of Saskatchewan provides a unified legal standard designed to promote economic innovation, reduce red tape, and enhance member protection.
This guide serves as a professional reference tool for members of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association to understand the core changes, sector-specific impacts, and necessary implementation steps.
The next Co-ops & Cocktails networking event is May 26!
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation as we lift up the unique power of cooperative businesses. Whether you're a seasoned co-op member, a founder, or a professional working in a traditional corporate environment, this event offers a unique opportunity to expand your network and gain new perspectives.
We're back by popular demand with the first Co-ops & Cocktails networking event of 2026! Our event will take place on May 26th at the Remai Modern from 5:00-8:30 PM.
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation as we lift up the unique power of cooperative businesses. Whether you're a seasoned co-op member, a founder, or a professional working in a traditional corporate environment, this event offers a unique opportunity to expand your network and gain new perspectives. This isn't just for co-op experts—it's for anyone curious about innovative business models, social impact, and building a more resilient economy.
Why attend?
Discover a New Business Frontier: Learn why co-ops are one of the fastest-growing and most resilient business models globally.
Forge Unexpected Connections: Network with professionals from diverse industries—from tech and finance to agriculture and creative arts—all united by a shared interest in collaboration and sustainable growth.
Be Inspired: Hear inspiring stories from co-op leaders and members who are driving innovation and creating positive change in their communities.
Expand Your Network: Connect with potential partners, collaborators, and mentors who can help you take your career to the next level.
Enjoy drinks and canapés from Hearth, one of Canada’s best restaurants, in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Come with an open mind and a stack of business cards and leave with new ideas and valuable connections. This event is open to all professionals interested in the future of business and community.
Let's raise a glass to the power of cooperation!
Saskatoon Co-op Scholarship Program
At Saskatoon Co-op, community is at the heart of everything they do, and they strive to make a difference in the communities they serve. And now, in celebration of their 90th anniversary, they are proud to launch a new scholarship award that aims to recognize and support students who give back to their communities by volunteering, leading, and caring for others
At Saskatoon Co-op, community is at the heart of everything they do, and they strive to make a difference in the communities they serve. And now, in celebration of their 90th anniversary, they are proud to launch a new scholarship award that aims to recognize and support students who give back to their communities by volunteering, leading, and caring for others.
The Saskatoon Co-op Scholarship Program recognizes community members and team members, awarding them one of eight $2,000 scholarships to support their academic journeys.
They are awarding eight $2,000 scholarships in total for the 2026 academic year:
Six Community Scholarships: Dedicated to Grade 12 students who demonstrate exceptional community impact in Saskatoon Co-op communities and the surrounding areas.
Two Team Member Scholarships: Dedicated to Grade 12 students who are Saskatoon Co-op team members, or the children or grandchildren of Saskatoon Co-op team members.
They are looking for well-rounded students who exemplify co-operative values. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and ranked across four key categories:
Community Volunteerism
Scholastic & Extracurricular Activities
Academic Performance
School & Community Endorsements
Deadline: April 10th, 2026
Exploring the Impact of Co-operative Youth Education Programs in Canada: The Perspectives of Alumni
In this report, researchers Stan Yu and Marc-Andre Pigeon surveyed 312 alumni of Co-operative Youth Education Programs, such as Co-op Camps, to explore whether they currently engage with the co-op sector in their professional and personal lives, and their reflections on the lasting impact of these programs.
The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives just published a new report that explores the impact of Co-operative Youth Education Programs.
In this report, researchers Stan Yu and Marc-Andre Pigeon surveyed 312 alumni of Co-operative Youth Education Programs, such as Co-op Camps, to explore whether they currently engage with the co-op sector in their professional and personal lives, and their reflections on the lasting impact of these programs.
Co-op Conversations: Using the Co-operative Model to Change the Game in the Creative Industry featuring Eileen Mary Holowka
In this Co-op Conversation, join eileen mary holowka, co-executive director of Baby Ghosts, for an introduction to their work in building cooperative infrastructure throughout the Canadian video games industry through providing cooperative education to game developers and how this can be applied to other creative fields.
On April 1st, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their next Co-op Conversations event, Using the Co-operative Model to Change the Game in the Creative Industry featuring Eileen Mary Holowka.
The Creative industry is consistently challenged with precarity. In traditional studios, workers are disposable – between 2022 and 2025, there were more than 35,000 layoffs in games (which equates to about 28% of the workforce in the past two years), with marginalized developers often first to go. Creative studios are also prone to starting up then dissolving; however, they rarely fail because of their creative work or ideas. They fail because of undefined governance, conflict, communication problems, and unsustainable working conditions. The co-operative structure can address many of these issues.
In this Co-op Conversation, join eileen mary holowka, co-executive director of Baby Ghosts, for an introduction to their work in building cooperative infrastructure throughout the Canadian video games industry through providing cooperative education to game developers and how this can be applied to other creative fields.
eileen (they/she) is a writer, game dev, and community organizer/advocate with a background in theatre, games, poetry, and patient advocacy. They have a PhD in communication studies from Concordia University and have published extensively within and outside of academia. They are a co-founder of both Weird Ghosts and Baby Ghosts with Jennie Robinson Faber, as well as a member of Gamma Space Collaborative Studio, where they work to make the games industry more sustainable and equitable.
New Report: Co-ops & Credit Unions - 2025 Report from the Board Room
What do governance practices look like in the Canadian co-operative sector and how have they evolved over time? Do governance practices between a multi-billion-dollar retail co-operative differ dramatically from a smaller-sized community service co-operative? These are the types of questions that the Canadian Centre for the Study of Cooperatives’ triennial survey of co-operative governance practices aimed to answer.
What do governance practices look like in the Canadian co-operative sector and how have they evolved over time? Do governance practices between a multi-billion-dollar retail co-operative differ dramatically from a smaller-sized community service co-operative? These are the types of questions that the Canadian Centre for the Study of Cooperatives’ triennial survey of co-operative governance practices aimed to answer.
This report presents the broad landscape of governance practices, ranging from director compensation to term limits, from the 136 co-operatives and credit unions that participated in the survey and analyzes trends from this survey to the previous 2022 iteration of the survey.
Co-op Conversations: Growing the Social Economy and Co-operative Sector through Accessible Financing featuring Nathalie Villemure
On February 4th, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their next Co-op Conversations event: Growing the Social Economy and Co-operative Sector through Accessible Financing featuring Nathalie Villemure.
On February 4th, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their next Co-op Conversations event: Growing the Social Economy and Co-operative Sector through Accessible Financing featuring Nathalie Villemure.
For the past four years, co-operative leaders have stated that the lack of access to financing and capital is one of the most important challenges facing Canadian co-operatives. Meanwhile, Quebec has a very well developed model of financing social enterprises, including co-operatives. Specifically, The Réseau d’investissement social du Québec (RISQ) is a non-profit venture capital fund in Québec dedicated exclusively to developing and growing the social economy through offering accessible and tailored financial tools to support the emergence, development, growth, and consolidation of social economy enterprises. Since 1997, RISQ has invested over $43 million to the Quebec social economy sector.
In this online talk, Nathalie Villemure, Executive Director of RISQ, will describe the work of RISQ, its impact on the Quebec social economy, and offers some thoughts on how this model can be replicated elsewhere.
New Co-op Spotlight Video: Community Powered At The Diefenbaker Centre!
We're spotlighting the incredible work of The Diefenbaker Canada Centre and their current exhibition, Community Powered: Celebrating Canadian Co-operatives. Follow the inspiring journey of a Saskatoon Misbah School class as they explore the exhibition and learn about the power of cooperatives through a card-based game.
We're spotlighting the incredible work of The Diefenbaker Canada Centre and their current exhibition, Community Powered: Celebrating Canadian Co-operatives. Follow the inspiring journey of a Saskatoon Misbah School class as they explore the exhibition and learn about the power of cooperatives through a card-based game.
About Community Powered
From the prairies' iconic Wheat Pool, the Arctic co-ops art trade, to financial institutions that began in the east, Community Powered shares the story of co-operation before and after Canada's creation. These stories will bring to life the importance of co-ops in shaping markets and socio-cultural change across the world by offering democratic labour opportunities to working-class and marginalized communities.
The Diefenbaker Canada Centre has extended the Community Powered exhibition to April 18, 2026. Presented in in partnership with the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, this museum exhibition is free and open to visitors Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 to 4:30 pm. You can also tour the newly launched online version of Community Powered.
About Co-op Spotlight
The Co-op Spotlight Video Series is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association to lift up, raise awareness, and educate the public about Saskatchewan Co-operatives.
Social and Solidarity Economy Research: Where We Are and Where We’re Going
On December 17th, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their 11th Annual MacPherson Talk featuring Dr. Marie J. Bouchard: Social and Solidarity Economy Research: Where We Are and Where We're Going.
On December 17th, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their 11th Annual MacPherson Talk featuring Dr. Marie J. Bouchard: Social and Solidarity Economy Research: Where We Are and Where We're Going.
The 11th Annual MacPherson Talk features Dr. Marie J. Bouchard—whose distinguished career has significantly shaped the fields of social and solidarity economy (SSE) research and social innovation and co-operative studies—sharing observations concerning the state of scientific research on the SSE and suggesting how research could contribute to consolidating and shoring up the SSE field. Bouchard’s timely talk comes on the eve of publishing A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy (Edward Elgar, January 2026) with co-editor Damien Rousselière (Institut Agro, France), which demonstrates the SSE is more than just another sector of the economy, but a challenge to the dominant economic paradigm by fostering equitable patterns of resource and surplus distribution while promoting democratic, empowering, and emancipatory power relations.
Exploring the Impact of Co-operative Youth Education Programs in Canada – The Perspectives of Alumni featuring Stan Yu
On December 3rd, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their next Co-op Conversations event: Exploring the Impact of Co-operative Youth Education Programs in Canada - The Perspectives of Alumni.
On December 3rd, join the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives for their next Co-op Conversations event: Exploring the Impact of Co-operative Youth Education Programs in Canada - The Perspectives of Alumni.
Co-operative youth education programs have been offered across Canada for decades, providing experiential learning through day camps and weeklong retreats. These programs aim to build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and communication skills while introducing youth to co-operative values and principles. Thousands of young people have participated in programs such as Camp Kindling in Saskatchewan and Co-operative Young Leaders in Ontario. Despite strong anecdotal evidence of success, there has been little systematic research on their long-term impact.
To address this gap, in 2025 the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives partnered with several organizations to survey alumni of these programs. This Co-op Conversation shares early findings and discusses implications for youth engagement and the future of these programs.
2025 Top Co-ops Issues Survey
As we near the end of 2025, it’s again time to understand whether there were any changes to the co-operative sector's top issues. As always, the CCSC is reaching out to you in your capacity as an executive director, chief executive officer, board chair, or other leader / observer of the Canadian co-operative sector. Please note that the survey is available in English and French. You can change the language on the survey using the language button located on the top righthand corner of the survey.
For the last nine years, the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) has asked members of the co-operative sector across Canada, “What are the top issues facing co-operatives in Canada today?” Results from last year’s survey can be found here.
As we near the end of 2025, it’s again time to understand whether there were any changes to the co-operative sector's top issues. As always, the CCSC is reaching out to you in your capacity as an executive director, chief executive officer, board chair, or other leader / observer of the Canadian co-operative sector. Please note that the survey is available in English and French. You can change the language on the survey using the language button located on the top righthand corner of the survey.
Your responses will be kept anonymous. The report from this survey, anticipated this winter, will be informed by analysis of aggregated response. The University of Saskatchewan Behavioural Research Ethics Board (Beh-REB) has examined and approved this study (BEH#: 2269).
See the 2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Camp Anthology!
The 2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp comic anthology has arrived! This anthology was created by the attendees of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association’s Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp.
The 2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp comic anthology has arrived! This anthology was created by the attendees of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association’s Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp.
Led by local artists, illustrators, and writers over three weeks in July, our comic book campers learned about story structure, page composition, pacing, materials, and creative techniques. Inspired by the co-operative spirit, each camper created their own unique comic, all of which have been assembled here.
Read our 2024-25 Annual Report
Our 2024-25 Annual Report is now available to read online! This report features messages from the Board Chair and Executive Director, reports on programming, and audited financials. We encourage anyone interested in the activities of our organization to read this report.
Our 2024-25 Annual Report is now available to read online!
This report features messages from the Board Chair and Executive Director, reports on programming, and audited financials. We encourage anyone interested in the activities of our organization to read this report.
Business NOT As Usual National Campaign and Launch Event
We’ve partnered with co-operative associations across Canada to launch Business NOT As Usual — a national campaign aimed at inspiring youth about the possibilities of the co-operative model.
We’ve partnered with co-operative associations across Canada to launch Business NOT As Usual — a national campaign aimed at inspiring youth about the possibilities of the co-operative model.
The campaign will officially launch on October 16th with Business NOT as Usual: Own Your Future, a national virtual event. Attendees will hear from futurists, researchers, and young co-op leaders who are proving there’s more than one way forward. From affordable housing to fair work to local ownership, this conversation is about rethinking "business as usual" - and reimagining how everyone can be part of it.
You learn more about this campaign and register for the event at www.businessnotasusual.ca.
Co-ops & Cocktails: International Year of Co-operatives Celebration!
We're launching a series of Co-ops & Cocktails networking events to promote and celebrate co-operatives in Saskatchewan! Our first event will take place on October 14th at the Remai Modern from 5-7 PM where we will celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives.
We're launching a series of Co-ops & Cocktails networking events to promote and celebrate co-operatives in Saskatchewan! Our first event will take place on October 14th at the Remai Modern from 5-7 PM where we will celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives.
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation as we lift up the unique power of cooperative businesses. Whether you're a seasoned co-op member, a founder, or a professional working in a traditional corporate environment, this event offers a unique opportunity to expand your network and gain new perspectives. This isn't just for co-op experts—it's for anyone curious about innovative business models, social impact, and building a more resilient economy.
Why attend?
Discover a New Business Frontier: Learn why co-ops are one of the fastest-growing and most resilient business models globally.
Forge Unexpected Connections: Network with professionals from diverse industries—from tech and finance to agriculture and creative arts—all united by a shared interest in collaboration and sustainable growth.
Be Inspired: Hear inspiring stories from co-op leaders and members who are driving innovation and creating positive change in their communities.
Expand Your Network: Connect with potential partners, collaborators, and mentors who can help you take your career to the next level.
Enjoy drinks and canapés in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Come with an open mind and a stack of business cards and leave with new ideas and valuable connections. This event is open to all professionals interested in the future of business and community.
Let's raise a glass to the power of cooperation!
Comic Book & Graphic Novel Workshops for Teens
As part of our Comic Book & Graphic Novel camp, we’re running a series of weeklong workshops where teens aged 14-17 can learn about the art of creating comics, including the principles of story structure, page composition, drawing, pacing, and other essential creative techniques.
Is your teen interested in comics and graphic novels?
As part of our Comic Book & Graphic Novel camp, we’re running a series of weeklong workshops where teens aged 14-17 can learn about the art of creating comics, including the principles of story structure, page composition, drawing, pacing, and other essential creative techniques. Attendees will learn about the power of co-operatives, and at the end of the week, collaborate to publish a comics anthology featuring all of their artwork.
WATCH: Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives Member Spotlight Video
As part of our work promoting and highlighting co-operatives in Saskatchewan, we're launching a video series that will spotlight our members. These videos will be launched throughout the year, premiering in the Co-op Connect, and then will be available on our website and social media channels. We are very excited about this new initiative and invite you to watch our first video, spotlighting the incredible work of The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives.
As part of our work promoting and highlighting co-operatives in Saskatchewan, we're launching a video series that will spotlight our members. These videos will be launched throughout the year, premiering in the Co-op Connect, and then will be available on our website and social media channels. We are very excited about this new initiative and invite you to watch our first video, spotlighting the incredible work of The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives.
If you're interested in having your co-operative showcased in this video series, please reach out to us at sca@sask.coop.