Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA)

The SCA is a provincial coalition that promotes the co-operative model for community and economic development. It was one of eight regional affiliates of the Canadian Co-operative Association when the national body was formed in 1987 through the amalgamation of the Saskatoon-based Co-operative College of Canada (which was dedicated to training and research) and the Co-operative Union of Canada (which focused on national organization and government relations). In 2003, the SCA became incorporated and autonomous but maintained a close working relationship with the national association. Services are concentrated in five areas: Youth Education and Involvement (including employment and training); Member Services and Communications (to promote general and individual members' needs to the public); Leadership and Co-operative Education (to develop individual potential); Co-operative Development (by lobbying government and supporting international initiatives); and Government Relations (on the provincial level). One of its most ambitious and successful endeavours has been the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program, which the SCA and its predecessors have been conducting since 1928. The program engages between 300 and 400 youths, aged 14 to 18, in summer seminars to study co-operative principles and their relationships to various issues and conditions.

John Chaput