Standing up for the cooperatives

Today I spent my morning in Westminster, not Edmonton as is my usual routine. It was a big day for cooperative societies and I was in the chamber to co-sponsor the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions Bill which sets out why cooperatives are so relevant in the 21st century and why the laws should be reformed to allow them to have greater integrity.

Many low income families find that credit unions provide a safe alternative to loan sharks. This is particularly important now given the financial downturn. And, in every sector of society, people are welcoming the ethical stance adopted by the cooperative retail sector, given their sense of social responsibility, their commitment to fair trade, and local community sponsorship.

Cooperatives are becoming a powerful new entity and are offering people a real alternative and I hope that we can support their transition with fair reforms to the laws governing them.