This article was first published in The Co-op Current, by Ontario Co-operative Association.

The neat thing about the co‑operative model and its principles is that you can apply them to just about any endeavour.

We see the third principle, Member Economic Participation, driving large commercial enterprises like Gay Lea Foods Co-operative or Co‑op Cabs in Toronto. We see Autonomy and Independence, principle 4, fueling the workers at Urbane Cyclist in Toronto and Planet Bean in Guelph – both worker co‑operatives. We see non‑profit housing co‑operatives enriched by their Voluntary and Open Memberships, Democratic Member Control, and Concern for Community, principles 1, 2, and 7. Continue reading “Equity Housing Co-ops – the Forgotten Cousins”