This episode of Each For All reports on just a few examples of Co-operative Principle 7 – Concern for Community and celebrates people working together to solve problems in their communities.

Michaela Turner is the Community and Employee Engagement Manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. It’s her job to partner with local non-profits and government agencies around many  issues such as food insecurity, early literacy and transition houses. She reminds everyone that when you shop at the co-op, your money goes right back into supporting to your community.

Jordyn Prior is the Agriculture and Energy Marketing Specialist at South Country Co-op in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She told me about two initiatives in her province that were created in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Communities in Mind partners with the Alberta Mental Health Association to let folks know, including farmers, that there is support available to help face the challenges of daily living.

Another project, close to her heart, is the Co-op Growing Leaders Program which supports youth to join 4H where they can build confidence, resiliency, friendships and discover their passions.

In order to understand what being part of 4H means, I spoke to Edie Keefer and her mom Christine who live on Galiano Island, BC. Edie is not sponsored by a local co-op to attend. Christine says any help with all the associated costs like travel and animal feed would be welcome.

Edie says 4H is hard work and means making a commitment. But when you’re doing something you love it’s worth it!

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What happens when a globally renowned industry faces a labyrinth of regulations that threaten its very existence? In our latest episode of Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, host Robin Puga sits down with two passionate advocates who are fighting to preserve British Columbia’s legacy of high-quality, craft cannabis.

“We have world-class farmers here in BC, but the system is stacked against them. The big corporations are pushing us out, and the regulations make it nearly impossible for small farmers to survive.” ~ Tara Kirkpatrick

Tara Kirkpatrick: President of the BC Craft Farmers Co-operative, Master Grower, and owner of Backwoods BC Bud. With deep roots in the legacy craft and medicinal cannabis sector, Tara is renowned for developing the Haley’s Comet strain and is a relentless advocate for fair policies that support small farmers.

Nadine Furnell: Director of the BC Craft Farmers Co-operative and Chair of the Membership & Women’s Committee. Known affectionately as Mama Deen, Nadine is a licensed medical cannabis farmer and leads medical cannabis research at Mama Deen’s Kitchen. Her journey is marked by resilience and a fervent commitment to holistic healing and sustainable growth.

Our in-depth discussion covered a range of pressing topics:

The Current Landscape of Cannabis Production in BC

Challenges Within the Regulatory Framework

Preserving BC’s Legacy of High-Quality Cannabis

Advocacy for Fair Policies and Consumer Education

The Power of the Co-operative Model

Looking Ahead: The Future of BC’s Cannabis Industry

“They legalized cannabis, but they did so in a way that the drive was to high THC. We don’t really want granny going into a retailer and get knocked off her rocker. Granny just wants to not have sore joints throughout the day.” ~ Nadine Furnell

Tara and Nadine didn’t hold back when discussing the dire situation facing small cannabis farmers in BC. Tara passionately stated:

“The big corporations are pushing us out, and the regulations make it nearly impossible for small farmers to survive. We have to fight to keep our craft products on the shelf and educate consumers about the importance of supporting local growers.”

Their words highlight a critical issue: the current system favours large corporations and overlooks the unique value that small, craft farmers bring to the industry. The maze of regulations, high costs of licensing, and lack of consumer education are not just business hurdles—they’re threats to a way of life and a rich cultural heritage.

This isn’t just a story about cannabis; it’s a story about community, resilience, and the power of collective action. The challenges faced by BC’s craft cannabis farmers are emblematic of broader issues within the social economy—where small enterprises often struggle against systemic barriers in favour of large corporations.

At Each For All, we believe in shining a light on these critical conversations. Independent media plays a vital role in bringing such stories to the forefront, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action.

What You Can Do:

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At Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, we delve into the pressing issues that shape our communities. In our latest episode, host Robin Puga sits down with longtime friend of the show, Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC. Thom brings over 30 years of experience in the co-operative housing movement and shares invaluable insights on how electors can make a difference in the upcoming provincial election.

In the latter half, producer Sandy Goldman engages with Theo Lamb, Executive Director of Quest Non-profit Grocery Markets, to discuss the escalating concerns around food security in British Columbia.

“If the numbers aren’t making people uncomfortable, they’re not high enough. We have a housing crisis in BC, and it deserves a crisis-level response.” — Thom Armstrong

Thom and Robin covered the following topics: 

The Upcoming Provincial Election

Affordable Housing Crisis

Housing Central’s New Affordable Housing Plan

Political Party Positions

Community Land Trust Initiatives

“We need to start thinking about how we’re actually disrupting these cycles of poverty. Participating economically is a powerful step towards that.” — Theo Lamb

Sandy Goldman interviews Theodora (Theo) Lamb, Executive Director of Quest Non-profit Grocery Markets. Topics discussed include: 

The Growing Concern of Food Insecurity

Quest’s Mission and Model

Client Engagement and Feedback

Provincial Government’s Role

Community Solutions

As we approach election day on October 19th, it’s crucial to inform ourselves about these pressing issues. Housing and food security are not just policy points—they impact the daily lives of thousands in our community.

What You Can Do:

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Audra Kruger, Executive Director

In this episode of Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, host Robin Puga dives deep into the world of co-operative development with two inspiring leaders from Co-operatives First. We are happy to welcome Audra Krueger, Executive Director, and Kyle White, Director of Education, who share their journey and insights on the impact of co-operatives in rural and Indigenous communities across western Canada. 

Conversation Highlights

Origins and Mission of Co-operatives First: Audra and Kyle discuss how Co-operatives First was founded in 2016 with funding from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) and the Co-operative Retailing System. This special funding relationship allows Co-ops First to focus its full attention on the need for co-op development in rural and Indigenous communities, providing essential resources and support for new co-operative ventures.

Reaching the 100 Co-op Milestone: The team recently celebrated the incorporation of their 100th co-op, a significant achievement that highlights the growing interest and value of the co-operative model. Audra emphasizes, “Behind that 100 are 100 amazing stories of people coming together to solve problems and share the benefits.”

Impact on Communities: Co-operatives First has made a profound impact on various communities, helping to establish co-ops in sectors such as childcare, housing, and local economic development. Kyle shares, “Seeing these co-ops flourish and make a difference in their communities is incredibly rewarding.”

Kyle White, Director of Education

Future Directions: The organization aims to continue its work with a focus on creating more childcare co-ops and addressing housing needs. Audra says mentions the goal is to create 15 new childcare co-ops in the next two years, with the potential to double that number.

Advice for Aspiring Co-operators: Both Audra and Kyle stress the importance of having a dedicated and aligned group of people to start a co-op. Kyle advises, “You need people who are going to put in the time, the money, and the passion into a project. It’s not a short-term endeavour.”

To learn more about the incredible work of Co-operatives First and to hear the full interview, listen to the full episode above. If you are interested in reading the transcript, you can read it here. 

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In honour of Earth Day, 2024, hosts Robin Puga and Sandy Goldman explored two critical aspects of the social economy: renewable energy cooperatives and food waste reduction. Our guests, Dr. Martin Boucher and Carla Pellegrini, provided in-depth knowledge and passionate discourse on these topics.

Dr. Martin Boucher, President of Community Energy Co-operative Canada

Dr. Martin Boucher, a Faculty Lecturer at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and the President of Community Energy Cooperative Canada, shared enlightening views on the potential of renewable energy cooperatives in Canada. His work focuses on creating impactful changes through community-driven initiatives in the renewable energy sector.

Vision of Community Energy Co-op Canada: Dr. Boucher discussed the origin and aspirations of the Community Energy Co-op Canada, a cooperative designed to advocate for and support the proliferation of renewable energy initiatives at the community level.

The Role of Renewable Energy in Climate Action: He emphasized the urgent need for accelerated energy transitions to renewable sources like solar and wind, facilitated by community cooperatives to enhance public engagement and investment.

Public Policy and Community Energy: A significant focus was on the need for supportive public policies that could bolster the growth and effectiveness of energy co-ops, which currently face various structural challenges.

Future Prospects and Actions: The upcoming national census of Renewable Energy Co-ops (RECs) and the strategic planning for their advocacy at the federal and provincial levels were highlighted as crucial steps towards realizing their full potential.

“We’re at a point where an all-hands-on-deck approach is crucial. Community energy cooperatives warm my heart because they represent a collective effort to support renewable energy, which is fundamental in our fight against climate change.” ~ Dr. Boucher 

Carla Pellegrini, the Executive Director of the Food Stash Foundation, provided practical advice on reducing food waste alongside insights into her organization’s efforts to redistribute perishable goods and reduce overall food waste in Vancouver.

Carla Pellegrini at Vancouver Co-op Radio studio

Challenging Aesthetic Standards: Carla urged listeners to reconsider their purchasing habits, highlighting how ‘imperfect’ produce is often discarded despite being nutritionally adequate.

Misunderstood Date Labels: She clarified common misconceptions about date labels on food products, advocating for more sensible, waste-reducing practices by consumers.

Food Stash Foundation’s Impact: The remarkable achievements of her organization, which rescues millions of pounds of food annually, were showcased, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustainability efforts.

“By choosing the less than perfect apple, you’re not just saving it from the landfill, you’re also participating in a global movement to reduce food waste and its hefty toll on our planet.” ~ Carla Pellegrini

Both guests spoke to the importance of cooperative efforts and public participation in addressing environmental issues. As always through “Each For All,” we aim to connect our listeners and readers with the transformative potential of cooperatives and community-focused initiatives for their impact for our sustainable future.

Read the transcripts of the full interviews: 

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Is there a co-operative solution to seniors aging in place with dignity? And receiving support from staff who are recognized as vital partners deserving of respect and agency? You better believe there is!

We first reported on this trend several years ago during the COVID 19 pandemic. Danielle Turpin was a personal support worker assisting seniors in long-term care. The system was in crisis; not enough staff, doing double overtime, leaving vulnerable residents to fend for themselves, it became exhausting and disheartening. She knew there had to be a better way for workers and seniors.

So she started a worker co-op for personal support workers called The Home Care Workers Co-op based in Peterborough, Ontario. Since our first interview in 2022, the co-op has grown and is now the model for other communities who want to help seniors age at home, while also caring for those that assist them. Have a listen.

Back in early 2021, we heard about a small community in western PEI called O’Leary that was rallying to create a co-op for its seniors. The goal was to build a new residence right in the middle of town, where elders lived with some care, while staying connected to the community, stemming the isolation that can often accompany “the golden years.” We caught up with Sally Lockhart, chair of The Community Seniors Co-op for an update. She had lots of great news to share!

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In the heart of Moncton, New Brunswick, lies an extraordinary story of community empowerment, sustainable living, and the transformative power of cycling. La Bikery Co-operative, a hub of social economy and cooperative values, has been making impact in making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I had the pleasure of speaking with Cory Herc, a board member of La Bikery, to dive into the journey and impact of this vibrant nonprofit, bilingual, community-driven bike shop.

Board members of La Bikery in planning session

Introducing Cory Herc, Board Member 

Cory Herc, with lengthy experience in community development and empowerment, has helped steer La Bikery towards its mission of facilitating access to cycling for its community. 

“One of the big things that we’ve seen, especially over the last few years, was that realization that community and human connection is one of the crucial things that keeps us feeling good about life.” – Cory Herc

This powerful statement captures the essence of La Bikery’s mission and its success. It’s a reminder of the profound impact community-driven initiatives can have on our lives and the world around us.

Conversation Highlights

Origins and Mission: La Bikery’s roots trace back to a group of dedicated cyclists, aiming to replicate the accessible, community-centric bike co-ops they experienced in larger cities. Their mission? To lower barriers to cycling in terms of cost, access, and social belonging.

Expanding the Cycling Community: Cory shares insights into Moncton’s growing cycling scene, thanks in part to La Bikery’s efforts to promote biking as a viable mode of transportation across the sprawling city landscape.

Innovative Programs and Services: From the recycle-a-bike program to bike lockers and eco-tours, La Bikery offers a myriad of services that go beyond the conventional bike shop model, aiming to foster a culture of cycling and environmental stewardship.

Building on Community and Cooperation: The story of La Bikery is one of collaboration and collective action. By partnering with the city, organizations, and the community at large, La Bikery exemplifies the strength and potential of cooperative efforts in making a lasting social impact.

Join the Ride

Dive deeper into our conversation with Cory Herc and discover how La Bikery Co-op is peddling towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected community. Their story is not just about bikes; it’s about the power of cooperative action and the spirit of community that drives positive change. Read the full interview here.

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Thom Armstrong, CEO, CHFBC in studio at Vancouver Co-op Radio

We had the privilege of hosting Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHFBC), in studio at Vancouver Co-op Radio. Thom shared insights into the transformative developments and ambitious projects underway in the co-operative housing sector in British Columbia. Topics include:

Thom addressed the critical balance between new housing development and the preservation of existing affordable units:

It’s clear that the journey towards affordable housing is multifaceted, requiring the collaboration of various stakeholders. Thom’s discussion points are not just a report on progress; it’s a roadmap for future action, highlighting the importance of innovative programs, community engagement, and the preservation of affordable housing.

While celebrating provincial successes, Thom expressed a desire for national engagement, particularly lamenting the absence of a new federal co-op housing program. However, he maintained a hopeful outlook on future collaborations to enhance the co-operative housing framework across Canada.

Thom’s reflections on the power of collective action and advocacy in securing these advancements underscore the critical role of the co-operative movement in shaping public policy and investment in affordable housing. His vision for housing extends an invitation to imagine a future where housing is not just a market commodity but a fundamental human right accessible to all.

We invite you to dig deeper into Thom Armstrong and the CHFBC’s visionary work by listening to more interviews on Each For All’s archives. 

Read the full transcript of this episode. 

Visit Co-op Housing Federation of BC’s website: https://www.chf.bc.ca/

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Matthew Enright, GM

In this episode of Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, host Robin Puga sits down with Matthew Enright, the General Manager of the Battle River Railway Co-operative (BRR). BRR is based out of Forestburg, Alberta about 300 km northeast of Calgary.  This unique co-operative is an example of local empowerment and economic resilience. Enright shares the inspiring story of BRR’s evolution, its challenges, and the unparalleled benefits of community ownership of this shortline railway.

Life after Wheat Pools: Enright describes the challenging economic landscape that Alberta’s farmers faced after the demutualization of Wheat Pools in 2012. This pivotal moment underscored the need for a sustainable, community-driven solution in the agricultural sector. The co-op ensures grain and oilseeds produced in the region get to market.

Formation and Structure of BRR: The genesis story of the Battle River Railway Co-operative is a testament to community spirit and resilience. The co-operative’s structure, including its innovative investment shares and the engagement of its 150 members, paints a picture of a progressive, ‘next-gen’ co-op model.

Challenges and Opportunities: The journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Enright discusses the operational and market challenges BRR has navigated, as well as the opportunities that have spurred growth and community involvement. Besides commodity transportation, BRR offers storage and promotes local tourism.

The Power of Local Ownership: Perhaps the most striking part of the discussion centers on the impact of local ownership. Enright’s statement, “CN didn’t care. The line would have gone fallow. Local ownership meant so much for our communities along the rail line,” captures the essence of this empowerment.

The story of the Battle River Railway Co-operative is more than a business case; it’s a narrative of community, perseverance, and the transformative power of the co-operative model. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, a collective approach can not only preserve but also enhance local economies and livelihoods. 

Find out more: https://battleriverrailway.ca/ 

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ANAK Publishing Worker Cooperative Ltd. is based in Winnipeg and is the 2023 recipient of The Co-operative Achievement Award by the Manitoba Cooperative Association. (MCA).  ANAK’s vision and accomplishments to date are best captured by MCA.

“ANAK Publishing produces thought provoking Filipino-Canadian content; bringing together authors, educators, students and readers to bridge cross-cultural understanding. It believes in building important social capital for its members and the community. Founded in 2010 to address the cultural gap in educational resources, ANAK produces quality work notably in oral history, children’s literature and creative writing anthologies.

ANAK Publishing is an affiliate of the non-profit organization Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) and supports its

To date, it has produced nine original publications and continues to work towards diversifying Canada’s literary landscape; establishing itself in the broader discussion of Canadian identity and diversity by working with educators and advocates in literacy and multiculturalism.”

Daisydee Bautista, manager and worker-owner at ANAK Publishing explains. Have a listen.

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