Harper government cuts co-op funding

The Harper Government has cut funding for the Co-operative Development Initiative which gives start-up funding to new co-ops and provincial associations core funding to assist new co-ops.

Six New Brunswick co-ops received funding through the Co-operative Development Intiative’s Innovative Co-operative Partnership.

• Sun Farm Kitchens Co-operative in Moncton to expand the co-op’s market in local foods with the use of a solar-powered mobile kitchen.
• Coopérative de solidarité en recyclage et en intégration à l’emploi in Shippagan to establish a co-op that will help integrate people with disabilities in the workplace.
  
• Lotus Co-operative in Moncton to establish a new co-operative marketplace to support local producers.
• Coopérative d’énergie renouvelable du Nord-Ouest in St-Basile to conduct studies and consultations into the establishment of a 15 megawatt wind farm.
• Northeastern NB Wild Blueberry Producers Association in Paquetville to develop a business plan for a new pollination service and recruit new members.
  
• The Village of Lamèque to establish a co-op to support Acadian arts and culture.