Canadian Central, along with its partners at Desjardins, the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil Canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité, sponsored a talk on Parliament Hill about the economic impact of credit unions and caisses populaires on their communities.  The lecture, which took place in December 2011 as part of a speaking series organized by the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, featured Dr. Lou Hammond Ketilson, director of the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at the University of Saskatchewan.  

In her discussion, Dr. Ketilson showed how credit unions and caisses populaires have withstood the pressures of recession while continuing to contribute to sustainable regional economic development. Based on her current research, she spoke to the impact of credit unions and caisses populaires on both the economic vitality and the quality of life in the regions where they operate. It was one of the best attended “Big Thinking” lectures in the history of the speaking series, and included several members of parliament in attendance. The event also drew media attention, warranting mention in the Western Producer, a key agricultural trade publication.

Big Thinking December 8 from Fedcan on Vimeo.