Worker cooperative history and context in Canada

The Canadian cooperative movement, while large and encompassing consumer, agricultural, and credit unions, has historically seen the worker cooperative movement remain small, with the working class favouring unionism and political action. However, worker cooperatives are gaining traction, viewed as a solution to growing inequality and social justice issues. The movement has two distinct realities: one in Quebec, with significant government support, and one in the rest of Canada. The Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, founded in 1991, advocates for worker cooperatives nationally, focusing on those outside Quebec, and works to increase collaboration with Quebec federations. Its activities include advocacy, technical assistance, and the development of worker cooperative-friendly capital. The movement spans various sectors and embodies social and environmental values, with examples including fair-trade coffee, bicycle cooperatives, and green building.