After getting approval from ACCA’s Government and Stakeholder Relations committee our plan to raise the awareness for co-operatives was set in motion. With 87 MLAs, the goal will be to meet with as many as possible to ensure they have a basic understanding of what the co-operative model entails. Another goal is to show them how many co-operatives exist in their riding. So far, almost every elected official has been shocked to find out how many are operating in their communities. They each have asked for a list of the co-operatives in their riding so they can reach out and connect.

We met with MLA Jackie Lovely who was very supportive of our push to amend the securities regulations and has contacted the Minister working on our proposal on our behalf. MLA Mark Smith was excited to hear about the co-operatives in his riding and was curious to know how our model could help create a co-operative focused on providing renewable energy. MLA Searle Turton was supportive of ways we can reduce red tape surrounding the creation of new co-operatives. MLA Jason Stephan was a tax lawyer before he was elected and the securities regulation changes peaked his interest. He requested more information so he can better assist us. MLA Grant Hunter was the previous Minister of Red Tape Reduction. He was progressing our securities regulation changes and said he would speak to the Minister of Finance on our behalf to help continue to make those changes. MLA Heather Sweet was very knowledgeable about co-operatives and offered to ask some questions around co-operatives at the budget hearings coming up. MLA Tany Yao provided some advice on how to best advocate for some of our proposed changes.

Both the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction and the Ministry for Rural Economic Development are working on our securities regulation changes. They have requested additional information as to whom it would impact and what types of investment would be created with these changes. The constant communication is a great sign!

On the municipal side we are progressing the co-operative housing model with the City of Edmonton. The ACCA along with NACHA (Northern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association) will be meeting with City Council’s administration this coming month. Our goal is to educate and present co-operative housing as another way to provide affordable housing for Edmontonians. Our goal will be to have co-operative housing included in ongoing Council reports related to affordable housing. We also met individually with Councillor Jennifer Rice who was very intrigued by the idea believes it could be a viable option. When the next report on affordable housing comes before council, ACCA and NACHA will present to Council along with the report.

If you would like to meet with ACCA and your local MLA, please reach out to Cole at governmentrelations@acca.coop. The more we can get our members involved, the faster our government relations activities will progress.