Upcoming Events
Co-operatives in Action
The Co-op Futures Challenge is underway, with 24 student teams across Canada exploring a big question: co-operatives have shown what they can achieve, so why aren’t they a go-to choice for more entrepreneurs and communities?
As we head toward Co-op Week, we’re opening three of the Challenge’s virtual learning sessions to everyone. Each brings a different perspective to that question, and you’re welcome to join one or all three.
Session 2: Meet two very different co-operatives and hear how the model works in their organizations. Venue Co-op YVR and Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative will share their stories, what they do, how they are structured, and why the co-operative model made sense for their organizations.Two very different co-operatives. Two very different contexts. One business model.
Hear how the co-operative model is being used across different industries and communities, and get a closer look at what co-operatives can look like in practice.
Business Not as Usual is an ACCA initiative introducing the next generation to the co-operative model. This year’s Co-op Futures Challenge takes that work further: student teams from across Canada are exploring why co-operatives aren’t a mainstream business choice and what could help change that. Learn more about the Challenge.
Co-op Week 2026
Co-op Week 2026
October 11-17, 2026
This year, ACCA reached out to municipalities across the province to invite them to officially proclaim Co-op Week 2026 as a way to recognize the valuable contributions to Alberta’s economy and the ways they are an integral part of the fabric of our communities.
While co-ops operate across many sectors, their impact is often most visible at a local level. The model has a long history of bringing Albertans together to meet shared needs and create locally driven solutions.
Our co-operative history is not one that should be forgotten or overlooked, so it is with huge gratitude that we thank municipalities like Red Deer, Leduc, Brooks, and High River for officially recognizing Co-op Week 2026 and the power of the co-operative movement in their communities.
Rethinking the Future of Co-operatives
The Co-op Futures Challenge is underway, with 24 student teams across Canada exploring a big question: co-operatives have shown what they can achieve, so why aren’t they a go-to choice for more entrepreneurs and communities?
As we head toward Co-op Week, we’re opening three of the Challenge’s virtual learning sessions to everyone. Each brings a different perspective to that question, and you’re welcome to join one or all three.
Session 3: Why aren't co-operatives talked about more in post-secondary education? What role could education play in changing that? And what could the future of the co-operative sector look like?
Join academics and co-operative leaders for a broader conversation about the Challenge question and the future of co-operatives in Canada.
What might an outside perspective reveal about the future of co-ops? Join an academic and co-operative panel, moderated by Stan Yu, to explore the Challenge question, the role of education, and ways to make the model a more familiar choice.
Business Not as Usual is an ACCA initiative introducing the next generation to the co-operative model. This year’s Co-op Futures Challenge takes that work further: student teams from across Canada are exploring why co-operatives aren’t a mainstream business choice and what could help change that. Learn more about the Challenge.
Good Governance Matters - Workshop with Co-operatives First
Good Governance Matters
Good governance is key to any co-op's success. This unique course will introduce you to the foundational concepts of co-op governance: using real examples, we'll uncover the practices that determine whether a co-op succeeds.
This course will be led by 2 experts in co-op governance:
Kyle White, Director of Education at Co-operatives First
Stan Yu, Research and Communications Coordinator at the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives.
This course will take place in-person in downtown Edmonton at 10 a.m. on November 17th, prior to the ACCA conference. The cost of enrolment is $299, which includes lunch and refreshments. And, if you're signed up for the ACCA Conference on November 18th, you can sign up with a discounted rate of $199.
Please head to Co-operatives First to sign up!
2026 MLA Reception & Co-operative Awards Night
2026 MLA Reception & Co-operative Awards
Nov 17 | MLA Reception & Co-op Awards
6:00–9:00 p.m. | Alberta Counsel
Join fellow Conference delegates, co-operative leaders and invited provincial elected officials for an evening overlooking the Alberta Legislature grounds.
The evening will include ACCA’s MLA Reception and Co-op Awards — an opportunity to build relationships, celebrate people and organizations making a difference, and start the Conference together.
Learn More and Register Here
Alberta Co-operatve Conference 2026
2026 Alberta Co-operative Conference: Connected by Purpose
Across industries, communities and generations, Alberta’s co-operatives are connected by purpose. This November, come together with leaders from across the co-operative economy — along with government, partners and emerging leaders — to build relationships, exchange perspectives and explore the challenges and opportunities we share.
November 17–18, 2026 | Edmonton
EXPLORE THE CONFERENCE DETAILS
Inside a Large-Scale Co-operative
The Co-op Futures Challenge is underway, with 24 student teams across Canada exploring a big question: co-operatives have shown what they can achieve, so why aren’t they a go-to choice for more entrepreneurs and communities?
As we head toward Co-op Week, we’re opening three of the Challenge’s virtual learning sessions to everyone. Each brings a different perspective to that question, and you’re welcome to join one or all three.
Session 1: What does a co-operative actually look like when it operates at a large scale?
In our first session, we’ll hear from Federated Co-operatives Limited, one of Canada’s largest co-operative organizations, about how the co-operative model works in practice.
We’ll explore FCL’s story, how they operate as a co-operative, and some of the opportunities and challenges that come with the model. You might recognize the Co-op brand. But how much do you know about the business model behind it?
Business Not as Usual is an ACCA initiative introducing the next generation to the co-operative model. This year’s Co-op Futures Challenge takes that work further: student teams from across Canada are exploring why co-operatives aren’t a mainstream business choice and what could help change that. Learn more about the Challenge.
Alberta Co-op Sector Assembly – Red Deer
ACCA’s AGM & Co-op Sector Assembly brings Alberta co-ops together June 3, 2026 in Red Deer. Strengthen sector alignment. RSVP by May 30.
Annual General Meeting
ACCA AGM & Co-op Sector Assembly in Red Deer, June 3, 2026. Join Alberta co-op leaders for governance updates, sector insights, and future-focused discussions.
Making sense of AI with the co-operative movement (Session III)
Session III: 💬 Co-operative Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers
What do Canadians think of Co-operatives?" featuring Charlie Graves
Why do Canadians feel positively about co-operatives, yet awareness of the model remains low? Join Charlie Graves of Modus Research as he shares findings from a national survey exploring public perceptions, participation, regional sentiment, and what could strengthen support for co-operatives across Canada.
Making sense of AI with the co-operative movement (Session II)
Session II: 💬 The Commons & Open Co-operativism
Making sense of AI with the co-operative movement (Session I)
Session I: 💬 AI for Co-operatives? Risks, Dependencies, and Ethical Limits
Business NOT As Usual
Own YOUR future.
Business NOT as Usual: Own Your Future is a national virtual event designed to connect with and inspire the change-makers of tomorrow, because they know the future doesn’t have to be out of reach, it just needs to be built differently.
Across Canada, this generation is asking big questions about work, housing, money, and belonging. This national virtual event is here to spark answers. Together, we’ll explore how co-operatives (values-led, community-owned businesses) are creating bold, practical solutions for a generation ready to rethink what’s possible.
You’ll hear from futurists, researchers, and young co-op leaders who are proving there’s more than one way forward. From affordable housing to fair work to local ownership, this conversation is about rethinking "business as usual" - and reimagining how you can be part of it.
Date: October 16
Time: 10:00 am MST
Who: anyone age 18-35
Language: English & French translation will be available during this event.
Register today for a chance to win $1000! #coopsarechangemakers
2025 ECC Charity Golf Tournament
EQUS invites you to join us for the 18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This fun tournament raises funds to support initiatives that promote food education and sustainability programs in our rural Alberta communities and schools.
Enjoy nine holes of golf, a steak lunch, team prizes and the opportunity to socialize for a worthwhile cause. Be sure to register early as spots are limited, and the tournament has sold out early in prior years!
Register Today!
Email: events@equs
Phone: 403-227-4011
