In 1992, the Government of Saskatchewan Cabinet approved the following as its Co-operative Mandate:

"To promote and support the use of co-operative structures, principles and business practices to strengthen and enhance the province's economy and society."

1. Strengthening relations between the government and the co-operative sector;
2. Supporting co-operative sector growth and diversification;
3. Promoting and supporting the development of new co-operatives in all sectors;
4. Developing co-operative responses to issues relating to rural restructuring;
5. Support co-operative research and the development of related resource materials; and
6. Supporting an effective legislative and regulatory environment that fosters the growth and development of co-operatives.

The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) which represents co-operatives around the world defines a co-operative as:

"An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise."

Co-operatives operate according to seven basic principles:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership;
2. Democratic Member Control;
3. Member Economic Participation;
4. Autonomy and Independence;
5. Education, Training and Information;
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives; and
7. Concern for Community.

Co-operatives are a form of corporation and can be incorporated under the following Acts:

• The Co-operatives Act, 1996
• The New Generation Co-operatives Act
• The Canada Cooperatives Act
• The Credit Union Act, 1998

• Co-operative Services and Programs
• Co-operatives in Saskatchewan
• Related Links

Through eight regional offices, the department provides business and co-operative development support through a variety of services. Please contact us toll free at 1-800-265-2001 or contact the Regional Office in your area or:

Wayne Thrasher, Manager
Co-operative Development
Policy and Plannning
Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation
200 - 3085 Albert Street
REGINA SK S4S 0B1
Phone: (306) 787-0190
Fax: (306) 798-0796
Wayne.Thrasher@gov.sk.ca