The Nova Scotia Co-operative Development System

Abstract

This presentation to the 2008 AGM of the British Columbia Co-operative Association is based on research conducted by the BC-Alberta Social Economy Research Alliance (BALTA). The research involved a case study of the recent history of successful innovation and development in the co-operative sector in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, that has been unparalleled in other parts of Anglophone Canada. The research identifies success factors in the Nova Scotia experience that might be relevant to co-operative development in other regions. This research was subsequently used as a basis for an action research process addressing how to strengthen the co-operative development systems in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.