Co-operators held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto from April 2 to 4, gathering members and representatives from across the country to discuss the organisation’s direction and report on the past year’s activities.
The event marked the 80th anniversary of Co-operators and acknowledged the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives.
Ninety-two delegates representing 46 member organisations participated in workshops focused on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA), and heard from community partners and funding recipients. Speakers from within the co-operative sector in Canada and abroad addressed current developments and the role of co-operatives in community and economic systems.
Co-operators CEO Rob Wesseling spoke about the organisation’s ongoing emphasis on co-operative principles and collective responsibility.
“In a world that appears to be bending to the whims of increasing individualism, we can stand as a fixture of co-operation, respect and inclusion against forces that aim to drive division, disdain and defeatism,” said Wesseling. He highlighted the importance of collaboration within the organisation and in broader social and economic networks.
CFO Karen Higgins provided an overview of 2024 financial results, referencing the impact of severe weather events across Canada.
“We, along with the rest of the industry, have an opportunity to close insurance protection gaps for financially vulnerable Canadians and communities,” she said. Higgins noted that the organisation remains in a position to fund its strategic objectives and meet its commitments.
On the final day of the AGM, Liz Green, CEO of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF), gave a keynote address on innovation in insurance. Green discussed how co-operative and mutual insurers can support both financial performance and social outcomes.
“It’s not about choosing between performance and purpose, but leveraging both to build a sustainable, resilient future,” said Green.
The AGM marked a shift in board leadership with the retirement of Board Chairperson John Harvie. Harvie served on the board for 14 years, including 11 as chair.
“In these tumultuous times… it is good governance that gives us the framework we need to not just stay the course, but to continue striving towards our strategic imperatives and to support Canadians and our communities,” Harvie said in his final address.
Robert Moreau was elected as the new chair of the board. Four directors retired from the board: Phil Baudin from British Columbia, Hazel Corcoran from Alberta, Jack Wilkinson from Ontario, and Alexandra Wilson from Ontario.
Five new directors were elected: Tim Hofstra from Alberta, Reba Plummer from Ontario, John Kay from British Columbia, Shanti Samaroo from Atlantic Canada, and Mark Reusser from Ontario. Shelley McDade from British Columbia and Jessica Provencher from Quebec were re-elected.
The event also included recognition of a local initiative, Neurodivergent Futures Co-op. Founded in 2023, the Toronto-based organisation supports neurodivergent individuals through mentorship and employment programs. Its platform, ND Connect, has facilitated close to 800 connections. The co-op received funding in 2024 through Co-operators Community Funds and the Co-operative Development Program.
“As a start-up led by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people, the support we’ve received from Co-operators is instrumental to ensuring ND Connect can continue serving the minds, needs and lived experiences of our members,” said co-founder Eliana Bravos.
