Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight Co-op Week 2025, which will take place from October 12 to 18. I would also like to take a moment to note that the United Nations has proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives. Under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” the United Nations recognizes the significant contribution made by co-operatives and their role in sustainable development. This is a dual opportunity for us to celebrate the co-operative model in Canada and around the world.

On September 23, I teamed up with Senator Coyle and Co‑operatives and Mutuals Canada to co-host a co-operative networking breakfast, bringing together parliamentarians and leaders of the Canadian co-operative movement. At the event, we heard from a panel of experts on the co-operative advantage.

Marie-Josée Paquette, Marc-André Pigeon, Cassia Kantrow and Mike Toye treated us to an enriching discussion on the strengths of the co-op model in the face of Canada’s current and future challenges.

Co-operatives and mutuals in Canada play a vital role in supporting communities. They contribute to key promises of our government: affordability, housing solutions and clean growth. They also stimulate regional economic growth by investing locally, creating jobs and providing long-term benefits for both individuals and communities across the country.

Despite being closely aligned with key government goals and Canadian values, co-operatives are often overlooked by policy-makers.

This week is an opportunity to highlight the co-operative advantage and the sector’s potential as a government ally. By developing supportive policies, improving access to resources and recognizing the value of co-operatives, we can help scale the sector’s impact, which can lead to meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of Canadians.

Whether in finance, agriculture, retail, housing, labour, renewable energy or other sectors, co-operatives are a proven model and a key solution to the contemporary challenges we face today. Let’s make sure that the co-op model is included in the political discussions that are shaping our collective future.

Thank you for listening.