Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  Yes. We've been running a cooperative youth leadership program since 1985. Historically, most of the youth who attend our program are from rural Manitoba. It's basically a leadership program, promoting leadership skills. We also teach, of course, about the cooperative model. But we're working in groups, and things of that nature.

Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  This committee is a good start, in terms of it opening up the dialogue. It's important that our federal government hears from the cooperative sector and understands the needs of emerging co-ops. From my perspective, I mentioned a few things in my comments about ongoing support for start-ups, and the special needs they have in terms of group development, bringing awareness to the cooperative model, and making sure that co-ops can access all programs.

Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  Yes, absolutely.

Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  Certainly, there are a lot of business development programs and things of that nature that co-ops can access. However, it's not commonly known that they are accessible to co-ops, and that's where I spoke about the vernacular. Co-ops are not included in the language of these programs, and that is seen as a big barrier.

Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman and members of the special committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I compliment you for your efforts to review and explore the important role of cooperatives in this International Year of Cooperatives. My name is Vera Goussaert, and I am the executive director of the Manitoba Cooperative Association, or MCA.

Special Committee on Cooperatives committee  In French, it is pronounced “Goussart” and in English it is “Goussard”.