DECEMBER 10, 1999
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THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA DECEMBER 10, 1999 |
By Patty PittsCo-operatives have existed for over 150 years, but much of the information about them and the 850 million members they serve worldwide is widely dispersed and poorly integrated. It makes research into the establishment, operation and philosophy of co-operatives a challenge. The new B.C. Institute for Co-operative Studies, launched Dec. 2 at UVic, will make it easier for researchers to conduct their work. The institute is led by Dr. Ian MacPherson, UVic’s dean of humanities and an internationally respected authority on co-operative institutions. MacPherson was hailed as a “local hero” by B.C. Minister of Community Development, Co-operatives and Volunteers Jan Pullinger, who attended the launch. A former graduate student of McPherson’s, she recalled coming to UVic to do an MA “and at some point decided to do an ‘MLA’ instead. “The institute will act as a catalyst for study and serve as an important provincial link to national and international research networks,” said Pullinger, who had announced her ministry’s new co-operative program earlier in the day. “We’ll work with the institute to develop an infrastructure that promotes and supports the ongoing development of co-operatives in B.C.” “I’m tremendously excited at the prospect of this institute,” added MacPherson. “It carries enormous potential for the study of co-operatives in various sectors and for partnerships with co-operative organizations in B.C., other parts of Canada, and other countries, particularly in Asia. I hope the institute will assist faculty members and students to carry out research into this fascinating social and economic movement.” A historian primarily interested in the history of co-ops, MacPherson is the author of 10 books and numerous articles on the subject. He has served co-operatives on numerous boards and in a wide variety of elected capacities, including president of Credit Union Central of New institute will be “catalyst” for research on co-operatives British Columbia and the Canadian Co-Operative Association. During the mid-1990s, he was responsible for revisions of the principles upon which co-operatives around the world are based. Those in attendance at the launch personified the co-operative movement. They included representatives from Bambino’s, a neighbourhood children’s used clothing store developed through the co-operative model, and senior executives from Pacific Coast Savings, one of the province’s most successful financial institutions. The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is a co-operative, as is Sun Maid Growers of California. Co-operatives exist in a wide array of sectors, including telecommunications, electricity and water delivery, agriculture, manufacturing, housing, credit unions, child care and transportation. The institute will generate case studies of co-operative initiatives in B.C., Canada and other countries, conduct research on the applicability of co-op models to social and economic issues and work with co-operatives to share knowledge that contributes to a successful operation. A 12-member advisory board comprising representatives from UVic, the provincial government, the cooperative sector and the community will guide the institute’s activities. |