Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Co-op Week

October 15, 2015

MONTREAL – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Co-op Week:

“During Co-op Week, we recognize the vitally important role that co-operatives play in our economy and in communities across the country.

“With over 18 million Canadians who are members of the more than 9,000 co-operatives across the country, these innovative enterprises create jobs and contribute to regional economies where private businesses would not see the desired returns on equity – particularly in rural areas.

“As Liberals, we understand the essential role that co-operatives play in our daily lives, and believe that we must strengthen and improve the federal government’s support for them. As part of an historic, ten-year investment of nearly $20 billion in social infrastructure, a Liberal government will renew federal leadership in housing, help build more housing units and refurbish existing ones, renew current co-operative agreements, and provide operational funding support for municipalities. This includes renewing support for ‘Housing First’ initiatives that help homeless Canadians find stable housing. We will also direct CMHC and the new Canada Infrastructure Bank to provide financing to support construction of new, affordable rental housing for middle- and low-income Canadians.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, I join in celebrating the co-operative model, which for more than a century has contributed to economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians.”