We are proud to be a co-operative

What is a co-op?

  • Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations.
  • ​Cooperatives bring people together in a democratic and equal way. Whether the members are the customers, employees, users or residents, cooperatives are democratically managed by the 'one member, one vote' rule. 
  • Co-operatives operate based on the values of self-help, democracy, equality, self-responsibility, equity and solidarity. Co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
  • ​Co-op's help build a better world! We are a proud part of the international co-operative movement, a powerful global force of over one billion co-operative and credit union members creating lasting prosperity in their communities. 

 Co-op principles

Regardless of the services provided, cooperatives follow the same seven guiding principles. It is these principles that differentiate co-ops from other forms of business.
  1. Voluntary and Open Membership
    ​Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
  2. Democratic Member Control
    Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
  3. Members’ Economic Participation
    Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
  4. Autonomy and Independence
    Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
  5. Education, Training, and Information 
    Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
    Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
  7. Concern for Community
    While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.