Mapping Canada’s Co-operative Development Ecosystem: A New National Snapshot

What does it take to build, grow and sustain co-operatives in Canada?
Do co-operative developers and entrepreneurs have access to the infrastructure they need to succeed?

A new report from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), Snapshot of the Canadian Co-op Development Ecosystem, takes a national look at that question.

Developed by Coopzone Member, Denyse Guy, the report maps the organizations, programs, financing, expertise, networks and other resources that make co-operative development possible across the country. It is intended as a preliminary (not exhaustive) picture of the ecosystem as of March 2026, informed by research and interviews with more than twenty people working across the Canadian co-operative sector.

For CoopZone, the findings hit particularly close to home. The report highlights the need for more consistent access to specialized co-op development expertise, stronger pathways for emerging practitioners, and intentional succession planning as experienced developers leave the field.

It also recognizes CoopZone’s role as a national, bilingual network connecting experienced and emerging co-op developers and professional service providers. As well as points to networks like ours as important spaces for sharing practices, building skills and strengthening the field.