Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, highlighted innovative examples of co-operative success in celebration of Co-op Week which takes place from October 11-17. This year’s theme is ‘Rebounding with Co-operative Values’ in recognition of the collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit of vibrant co-operative enterprises owned by thousands of members throughout the province, making significant economic contributions.
Some success stories include:
The Labrador Artisans Co-operative helps craft producers become active participants in the craft and tourism business sectors. The co-op creates opportunities for craft producers, while making products and providing visitor experiences to meet the needs of the tourism industry. By working together, producers are able to move from a hobby level, making crafts one at a time, to making crafts in a production line.
The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative (NIFCO) is a co-operative with an entrepreneurial heart. The revenue generated from their state of the art post-production facility is re-invested into local filmmakers. NIFCO provides television and film producers with the full range of post-production services.
Fogo Island Co-operative Society is strategically located and surrounded by the richest fishing grounds in the world, offering a stable and reliable supply of high quality wild and natural seafood products. This co-op has a diversified market with long-term customers in Canada, the United States of America, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Denmark, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
The St. John’s Farmers’ Market was the site of this year’s proclamation signing by Minister Parsons and Ken Kavanagh, President of the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives. The farmers’ market is run by a nonprofit co-operative of vendors and consumers that celebrates the best from local farmers, food artisans and craft producers.
In 2017, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador renewed a five year Memorandum of Understanding with the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives to enhance the development and promotion of the co-operative model throughout the province. Funding for training, regional economic development initiatives and business support is available to eligible co-operatives through various programs of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
Quotes
“Co-op Week is celebrated each year to raise public awareness of the contributions the co-operative business sector makes to our province. They play an important role in our communities – driving business and economic development, while serving the needs of their members. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Cooperatives and the positive contributions we can achieve for the co-op sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Co-op Week provides an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the role co-operatives play in communities and local economies. Aside from providing goods and services to their members, co-operatives create and maintain local jobs and contribute to the general well- being of the community. Co-op Week is also a time to reflect on the potential of co-operatives, and for us in the Newfoundland Labrador Federation of Co-operatives it is a time to celebrate our strong partnership with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to achieve that potential in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Ken Kavanagh
President, Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives
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Learn more
Labrador Artisans Co-operative
Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative
Fogo Island Co-operative Society
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Media contacts
Lisa Lawlor
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 631-8155
Lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Alexis Foster
Newfoundland-Labrador Federation
afoster@nlfc.nf.ca