Ontario

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Ontario Co-operative Association, 3 pp. Chart comparing the co-operative, corporation, partnership, and sole proprietor business models on a wide variety of attributes from values and decision making to survival rate and taxation. A second chart compares the co-operative with the investor-owned business and nonprofit organization based on principles, voting, shares, securities regulations, distribution of surplus, and dissolution.

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Économie solidaire de l’Ontario vous propose ce 22e bulletin afin de poursuivre les réflexions, les débats, les discussions sur l’économie par et pour les communautés.

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OnCoop's guide to work through self assessment.

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OnCoop FactSheet on Working with Consultants

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OnCoop FactSheet on Financing Your Co-op

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OnCoop FactSheet on Using the Seven Co-operative Principles in Practical Ways.

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Link to OnCoop factsheet on Co-ops and Government.

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Guide to housing co-operatives.

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Guide to renewable energy co-operatives.

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OnCoop FactSheet on childcare co-operatives.

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Fact sheet explaining Director's Liabilities in the role of a co-operative.

 

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Introduction 

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For-profit vs. not-for-profit co-operatives

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 Introduction 

The concept of not-for-profit vs. for-profit is one that can often be challenging for groups and organizations when considering a corporate structure for their group.  Not-for-profit status can often be  confusing because it has a particular connotation related to   income tax, which requires filing information with different government departments or agencies than those that apply to for-profit business and the operations of a for-profit business.  With co-ops, not-for-profit status is less closely tied to corporate form than for typical not-for-profit corporations, which has   practical impacts for groups to consider. 

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Share capital vs. non-share capital co-ops.

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Introduction 

Under the Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act, co-operatives have two different forms to choose from when incorporating: with share capital and without share capital. Each structure offers different options and benefits for raising money or carrying on operations. For the most part, this decision will be made based on the purpose of the co-operative and what types of financing are required. 

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Fact sheet on co-operatives operating as charities.

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Introduction 

Co-operatives can operate as either not-for-profit or for-profit organizations, and in some cases, they may wish to operate with charitable status. Charities are organizations that meet the Canada Revenue Agency’s legal and administrative standards of charitable work, and must be operated solely for public benefit.  If a co-op wishes to operate as a charitable organization, there are some specific things that must be done during incorporation and while the co-op operates in order to maintain both its co-operative and   charitable status. 

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What is the difference between a co-op and a not-for-profit corporation?

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Introduction 

Co-operatives are a unique type of business model that share some commonalities with both private corporations and not-for-profit organizations but there are some key differences between the three types of organizations in how they are organized and carry on activities.  In the case of co-ops and not-for-profit organizations (also called NFP organizations or NFPs), there are some similarities in their structures and in some cases, their tax status, but there are also differences in their organizational setup and how members benefit and are involved. 

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Federal vs. Provincial incorporation for co-ops

 

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Link to Co-operative Corporations Act of Ontario.

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How do you Incorporate a Co-operative with Share Capital? 

To incorporate a co-operative with share capital, you need to send Credit Unions and Co-operatives 

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WHAT CO-OPERATIVES CAN DO FOR YOU  AND YOUR COMMUNITY 

For many years, Ontarians have used co-operatives as a way of combining their energy, skills, and resources to reach shared goals and fulfil common needs. People form co-ops to: 

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GH-CHF has about 40 members – all also members of CHF Canada. GH-CHF provides a range of services for members and the general public.

GH-CHF takes part in the lobbying activities organized nationally by CHF Canada. A staff member represents the association at CHF Canada's Federations Committee.

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COCHF takes an active part in municipal, provincial and national lobbying activities co-ordinated by CHF Canada. A staff member represents the association at CHF Canada’s Federations Committee.

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The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) is a member-supported organization representing more than 45,000 people living in more than 160 non-profit housing co-operatives located in Toronto and York Region.

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The Co-operative Housing Association of Eastern Ontario (CHASEO) is a co-operation of co-ops. Its members are housing co-ops in the Eastern Ontario region, co-op staff associations and sector-related organizations.

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A How-to guide for starting a co-op in Ontario under various conditions

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• WHAT CO-OPERATIVES CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY 
• For many years, Ontarians have used co-operatives as a way of combining their energy, skills, and resources to reach shared goals and fulfil common needs. People form co-ops to: 
• ! Lower the cost of business supplies and consumer goods. Because business service co-ops and consumer supply co-ops buy in bulk, members benefit from lower costs on everything from food to fertilizers. 
• ! Start their own businesses and create their own jobs. Worker co-ops are enterprises owned and operated by their employees. Worker co-ops can be formed for any business purpose, from carpentry to film production. 
• ! Get better prices for products and services. By forming marketing or producer co-ops, people can earn more from their products and services by selling directly to the public. These co-ops also help producers lower their marketing and distribution costs. 
• ! Obtain convenient, reasonably priced child care. Child care co-ops give parents an important role in shaping the care of their children. 
• ! Find affordable housing and have a chance to help make the decisions about the upkeep of their homes. 
• The co-operative way of doing business and providing services is guided by some basic principles: • ! Open, Voluntary Membership: Anyone who can use a co-op's services and is willing to accept the responsibilities of membership may apply to become a member. 
• ! Democratic Control: Members have an equal voice in running their co-op. Each member has one vote, no matter how much he or she has invested, and only members may vote. 
• ! Limited Return on Capital: Since the main purpose of co-ops is to provide goods, services or jobs for their members, people do not generally invest in co-ops for speculative purposes. By law, co-op shares may appreciate in value only to a limited extent.
• ! Co-operative Education: Co-ops are committed to educating their members and the general public about the co-operative way of delivering services and doing business. 
• ! Co-operation among Co-operatives: To encourage the growth of co-ops, co-operatives and co-op organizations actively develop local, provincial, national, and international networks. 

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The Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) is a primary resource and common voice for the development and enhancement of co-operatives and credit unions.

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Link to By-law.

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The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) regulates: Auto Insurance, Co-operatives, Credit Unions, Caisses Populaires, Insurance, Loan & Trust Companies, Mortgage Brokers, Motor Vehicle Acci