Enterprise Saskatchewan

The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) which represents co-operatives around the world defines a co-operative as: "An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise."

Co-operatives operate according to seven basic principles:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership;
2. Democratic Member Control;
3. Member Economic Participation;
4. Autonomy and Independence;
5. Education, Training and Information;
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives; and
7. Concern for Community.

Co-operatives are a form of corporation and can be incorporated under the following Acts:

• The Co-operatives Act, 1996
• The New Generation Co-operatives Act
• The Canada Cooperatives Act
• The Credit Union Act, 1998