Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada

To promote that the Tax-deferred Co-operative Share Program be made permanent to help agricultural co-operatives meet their capitalization needs and remain a viable option for agribusinesses while allowing Canadian co-operatives to be stronger in the face of international competitors. To scale renewable energy co-operatives. Renewable energy co-operatives (RECs) can play a pivotal role in meeting net-zero goals while enhancing affordability and public buy-in. The federal government should invest in scaling RECs by ensuring equitable access to clean energy tax credits, financing, and capacity-building tools—placing Canadians at the heart of the transition. To strengthen co-operative housing. The Co-operative Housing Development Program (CHDP) has enabled billions in shovel-ready projects—complete with land, partnerships, and community backing—but available funding falls short. As Build Canada Homes is designed, the federal government must recapitalize CHDP to unlock the pipeline of shovel-ready projects and prioritize co-op and nonprofit housing development. Establishing a Federal Co-operative Investment Plan, inspired by the one in Quebec. Educating Parliamentarians, staffers and public servants on the co-operative model, the advantages and challenges faced by co-ops. Lack of awareness causes oversight and issues in programs and policies, when co-operatives should have access to the Business support and other programs offered by, or supported by, the government. Ensuring increased support to co-operatives and social enterprises, as underserved business models, by the BDC. As per the recent Legislative Review, co-operatives are significantly underserved by the BDC. Discuss the pro-active inclusion of co-operatives and social enterprises, in the procurement process. CMC would like co-operatives to be both eligible and prioritized in government procurement programs. Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Advocating for renewal of commitments related to the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, such as the Investment Readiness Program and SISF-related funding for co-operatives. Promoting Business Conversions to Co-operatives as a means of safeguarding jobs and economic drivers in communities Harmonizing tax rules and incentives related to Employee-Ownership Trusts, to ensure that business succession (conversions) to employee-owned worker co-operatives are eligible. To review and propose possible changes to the Canadian Co-operative Act To expand the definitions and exemption criteria so that all qualifying co-operatives can remain eligible for the Small Business Deduction (SBD). Support or investment in the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund which provides patient capital and lending to finance the capitalization of new and emerging co-operatives. The fund exists and was set up with $25 million from the co-operative sector. Review and propose changes to the Income Tax Act, in terms of the treatment of Indivisible Reserves in co-operatives. Amounts earmarked for Indivisible resserves cannot return to members and as such those amounts are thus outside the governments' definition of "for-profit", Investments in co-operative-led programs to provide bridges to employment, support entrepreneurship, safeguard local businesses, create jobs and make life more affordable for Canadians, in particular women, newcomers, Indigenous people, youth, and Canadians living in rural communities. Establishing a Canadian Co-operative Capacity Building Program (CCBP) equipped with federal funding to help co-operatives either start up, scale up, gain skills and expertise, and or prepare for their next steps.