Cooperative Principles & Values

Calgary Co-op is proud to be one of North America’s largest retail cooperatives, serving Calgary and the surrounding areas since 1956. As a cooperative, we’re owned and operated by our member-owners, who directly benefit from the goods and services we provide.

At Calgary Co-op, we are guided by the 7 Co-operative Principles, which form the foundation of everything we do. These principles help our co-op achieve both financial success and social responsibility:

Voluntary and Open Membership
A lifetime Membership at Calgary Co-op is only $1 and is open to all persons, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control
Members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote, which means our members can actively participate in our Director Election and Annual General Meeting. Our member-elected Board of Directors are accountable to the membership.

Member Economic Participation
Members participate in profit sharing, called Patronage, which is made up of cash and equity shares. The more a member spends in our stores, the more patronage they earn, and is returned to them each year.

Autonomy and Independence
Calgary Co-op is member-owned and locally operated, right here in Calgary, Alberta.  Our member-elected Board of Directors represents our 400,000 members and helps steer our cooperative down a successful path.

Education, Training, and Information
Calgary Co-op provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operative. We inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

Cooperation among Cooperatives
We serve our members most effectively and  are able to strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern for Community
We are here for our community. Together with our members in 2023, we donated $3.06M in food and funds to address food security in the community we serve.

At Calgary Co-op, we continue to uphold the principles that strengthen both our members and our community. Together, we build a brighter future through cooperation.