Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto released the following statement to proclaim Co-op Week in British Columbia (Oct. 13-19, 2013):

"Government is committed to making B.C. the most small-business friendly jurisdiction in Canada, and co-ops help support this goal by creating jobs, keeping business ownership in B.C., keeping profits in the community, and making a major contribution to the development and stability of local economies.

"In British Columbia, approximately 13,000 people work for co-operative associations, which are an original and powerful form of social enterprise. There are more than 630 co-ops throughout the province; they are member-owned and provide important services in every community.

"Co-ops are active in many sectors, including financial, health and social services, housing, transportation, insurance, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, post-secondary education and retail. Total membership in B.C.'s co-operatives exceeds two million people.

"Co-operative associations in B.C. provide services to hundreds of thousands of people each year, and Co-op Week is an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous difference these organizations make in the lives of British Columbians every day.

"I congratulate the BC Co-operative Association on Co-op Week 2013 and join them in recognizing and celebrating co-ops for their positive impact on the province's economic and social well-being."

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799