UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask celebrates Federated Co-operatives Limited's support and unveils new dedicated space

Since its inception four decades ago, FCL has been an unwavering champion of the CCSC, enabling the centre to conduct innovative research, develop new educational programs, and provide practical analysis to understand and promote co-operative organizations and initiatives. 

"We are grateful for FCL's partnership and contributions over the past four decades," said USask President Peter Stoicheff. "FCL has been a leading supporter of co-operative education and research at USask and their renewed commitment will ensure that our institution remains a thought leader and go-to resource in this area."

"We're proud of both our long-standing partnership and our ongoing commitment to the University of Saskatchewan and the CCSC," said FCL CEO Heather Ryan. "Together, we remain focused on fostering research and education that strengthens the co-operative movement and supports communities and their own co-operative needs."

FCL's renewed commitment includes funding for the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS) Chair in Co-operative Governance until 2029. The CRS Chair based in the CCSC at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) supports ambitious research and educational programming aimed at creating new ways of thinking about the unique governance model shared by co-operatives.

Peter Hlushko (Co-operative College of Canada), Jim Wright (Saskatchewan Wheat Pool), Peter Zakreski (Federated Co-operative Ltd.), Dr. Leo F. Kristjanson (University of Saskatchewan), Don Cody (Saskatchewan Minister of Co-operation and Co-operative Development) and Lynden Hillier (Credit Union) pose for a photo after a funding announcement in 1982.

"Our partnership with FCL has been pivotal in driving our vision of a democratic, participatory, and sustainable society grounded in co-operative values," said Dr. Marc-André Pigeon (PhD), CCSC director. "FCL's invaluable support over the years empowers us to continue advancing research that fosters policies, practices, and organizations designed to enable communities to set their own paths and meet their own needs."

In honour of the significant and enduring partnership between USask and FCL, a collaboration and learning space in the Diefenbaker Building, home of the CCSC, has been dedicated and re-named the Co-op Collaborative Room. The room will provide space for students, faculty, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community partners to work together to develop solutions for social and economic challenges facing communities worldwide.

This fall, the CCSC will celebrate its 40th anniversary, commemorating its significant contributions to nurturing democratic, participatory, and equitable societies by promoting co-operatives across Canada.