Finance committee  As I explained, within the co-operative sector, we have known for several years now that obtaining funds for the development of new co-operatives or smaller co-operatives was our responsibility. In other words, it was up to us to begin the process. Today, we would like to begin this process, to create a fund and start establishing it.

Finance committee  Yes, that's somewhat the case. Going from Agriculture Canada to Industry Canada stems from the fact that, for several years, the government wanted to include co-operatives in a department. There were a lot of agricultural co-operatives. So it made sense that they come under Agriculture Canada.

Finance committee  Again, it's an age-old hurdle where we've seen some cooperatives succeed. They've figured out how to manage to raise the capital necessary in order to grow and prosper. Others simply, in trying to use—let's call them—traditional business models, fail miserably. It's almost a case-by-case, person-by-person situation, where you approach one particular financial institution, whether it be a bank or a credit union, and you have people who understand your cause, and they are able to assist you and navigate you, and other people who might not understand the cooperative model, and therefore it creates the roadblocks.

Finance committee  By all means, there is cooperation among co-ops. A few years back there was—let's call it—a legacy where they were hoping to develop a $100 million fund that would self-fund cooperatives. Obviously they were hoping at that time for the federal government to come to the table. We understand, as a sector, that the financial climate has changed dramatically.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wish to begin by thanking you and the committee members for inviting the Canadian Co-operative Association to appear before the finance committee as you undertake your pre-budget consultations. As you are undoubtedly aware, the Canadian co-operative sector has received a lot of attention over the past months.