What we do

CCA supports its members and the co-op sector through the provision of services in three core areas - development, government affairs and public policy, and common table.

Development
For over a quarter century, CCA has assisted co-operatives of all types and descriptions in over 40 countries through our International Development Program. Wherever we are active - in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Eastern Europe - our development projects are designed and managed with the complete involvement of local co-operative partners. Through co-operatives, CCA works to reduce poverty. Our work helps people to provide themselves with food, with education, with shelter, and with higher levels of income.

CCA also supports co-op development in Canada. Over the last number of years CCA has undertaken significant work in the following areas: health care co-ops, Aboriginal co-ops, agricultural health care co-ops, Aboriginal co-ops, agricultural co-ops, funeral co-ops and co-ops in low-income communities.  Together with its sister organization, the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité, CCA manages the Co-operative Development Initiatives, which is funded by the federal government and provides support to new and emerging co-operatives across the country.

Government Affairs & Public Policy
If government policies, legislation, and regulation are to enable co-operatives to thrive, a national voice for co-operatives must be heard within the corridors of power. Our Government Affairs & Public Policy (GAPP) unit analyzes and influences federal government strategies, policies, legislation, and regulations to ensure that the needs of co-operatives are met. Communicating this information to CCA members is an important part of the unit's work.

The GAPP unit also works with members to develop positions and representations to shape government policy and programs, and facilitates opportunities for CCA and its members to partner with the federal government.

Common Table
CCA provides a common table where co-operatives and credit unions across Canada come together around issues unique to them.

We collect, identify, and disseminate sector news, innovations, initiatives, and information to members through a variety of media, including newsletters, our web site, a National Congress, a co-operative leadership institute, and peer group meetings.

CCA collaborates with a network of regional co-operative organizations to work towards common goals, and we provide representation for Canadian co-ops to the International Co-operative Alliance.

CCA has also established a Research, Education and Co-operation Hub, which is developing a range of fee-for-service activities in the areas of governance, research and program management.