Co-operators has confirmed the addition of Écono Coop as a new member, marking a development in its governance framework and expanding its national co-operative network.
Founded in 2020, Écono Coop is a for-profit co-operative that operates outside Quebec and joins Co-operators as a multiregional member. The co-operative works in the early childhood education sector, representing over 750 centres and reaching more than 50,000 children across Canada. It provides services in both official languages to meet the needs of providers across different regions.
Paul Hanna, executive vice-president, member relations, governance and corporate services at Co-operators, said Écono Coop’s vision of enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of childcare aligns with the values of Co-operators. He noted that it highlights the important role childcare plays in shaping future leaders.
Hanna added that community resilience depends on its most vulnerable members, and Écono Coop’s mission of creating supportive spaces for children contributes to Co-operators' broader goals. He also stated that the new membership brings additional value and perspective to the governance structure.
Patrice Gauthier, executive director of Écono Coop, said the organisation is confident that joining Co-operators will strengthen their existing partnership and improve their ability to deliver insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of members across Canada.
The Co-operators board approved Écono Coop’s membership on February 21, 2025. The announcement was formally acknowledged at the Co-operators Annual General Meeting held in Toronto from April 1 to 4.
Co-operators held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto, 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.
