Co-operative Law

Join the GTA Co-op Network

March 12th, 2013 by Iler Campbell LLP

A few members from various co-ops came together recently to create the GTA Co-op Network, with a mission to create online and offline networking and education events.

This informal group came out of the realization that there is a gap in networking and promotion between Toronto & GTA co-ops, and a need to educate the general public about co‑ops.

The GTA Co-op Network’s first step was creating a Facebook group page.

The next step is to host some great events all over the GTA, to promote + educate.

Please feel free to email the GTA Co-op Network Facebook page for more information or/and, if you would like to volunteer, offer space, or  have a great idea to spread the word about GTA Co-ops: [email protected]

If you’re not a fan of Facebook, the organizers have also set up a Google email group account.  You can join the group here.

Please feel free to join even if you are outside of the GTA.

The evolving world of social finance in Ontario

December 7th, 2012 by Brian Iler and Laura Bowman

Social enterprises can find it difficult to raise capital from community‑minded investors.  Even in the non “social enterprise” sector, most capital for small and startup enterprises is still raised from friends and family rather than banks, wealthy investors or other more traditional sources.

Continue reading “The evolving world of social finance in Ontario”

Superior Court of Justice renders good news decision for the worker co‑op sector

November 16th, 2012 by Paula Boutis

In early October, the Superior Court released a decision which looked at how the law governing fundamental changes to an employment contract applied in the context of worker co‑operatives. It also considered whether “sweat equity credits” amounted to “member shares” under the Co‑operative Corporations Act (CCA).

Continue reading “Superior Court of Justice renders good news decision for the worker co‑op sector”

Prorogation stops co-op housing eviction law reform bill in its tracks – for now

October 17th, 2012 by Celia Chandler

At the beginning of October, in an unusual moment of unanimity, all parties at Queen’s Park showed enthusiasm for Bill 65, a bill to put in place a new eviction process for housing co-ops. In our earlier blog on this bill, we summarised comments from the second reading debates, and predicted that, with some minor tweaking, the legislature would quickly pass this bill.

When we wrote that blog, like the rest of the world, we did NOT anticipate McGuinty’s bombshell on Monday evening – resignation and proroguing parliament until a new Liberal leader is in place. Prorogation cleans the legislative slate. When MPPs return to Queen’s Park, all bills caught in the prorogation will need to be reintroduced. Will the co-op housing sector be able to get this back on the government’s radar? Stay tuned…

The “Unco-operative Co-oper”

October 17th, 2012 by Celia Chandler

Ever had a housing co-op member who dominated the board agenda with demands for action? How about someone who bullied the co-op’s staff either in person or on-line? And then there are those who bombard other members of the co-op with endless paper or who post endless notices in the co-op’s hallways?

If these circumstances sound familiar, you are not alone. More and more of our housing co-op clients are reporting having members who take up valuable board energy and time at the expense of other matters being dealt with. If you’re interested in sharing ideas about the “uncop-operative co-oper” please join us Saturday at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto’s Fall Member Education Event. For more information, check out the CHFT website at: www.coophousing.com

Report from international summit in Quebec City: ‘The Amazing Power of Co-operatives’

October 15th, 2012 by Brian Iler

Last week’s International Summit of Co-operatives(subtitled “The Amazing Power of Co-operatives”) was clearly designed to put the co-operative model front and centre on the world’s economic policy agenda. The Summit, held in Quebec City, did just that.

2012 is the UN-declared International Year of Co-operatives, and this conference was in many ways the Year’s marquee event — for the world.

For me, active for many years in Ontario co-ops, it was an opportunity to rub shoulders with an amazing and diverse group of committed co-operators. And to deeply savour the scope and potential the co-op model has.

As the catch-phrase for the Year says: “Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.”

We heard many examples of just that.

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