Enterprise Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s co-operative sector includes more than 1,100 member-owned businesses located in almost every community in the province. Co-operatives operate in almost every community and business sector including retailing, manufacturing, oil production and refining, provision of health care, communications and financial services. Saskatchewan co-operatives provide more than 15,000 jobs, millions of dollars of new investment and important goods and services to their members and patrons.

Saskatchewan's largest co-operative, Federated Co-operatives Limited. (FCL) has consistently been among the top two businesses in Saskatchewan. Owned by consumer co-operatives across Western Canada, including more than 140 in Saskatchewan, FCL has consistently posted positive earnings, and because of its unique structure, these earnings are largely distributed to these member co-operatives. In 2008, the co-operative posted its 17th record year in a row, with sales of $8.4 billion and savings of $755.5 million, an increase of $96 million from the previous year. $533.7 million of the savings was repaid to is member co-operatives -- $430.6 million in cash. Of this, nearly $170 million was paid to its Saskatchewan members. Each year, these member co-operatives invest millions of dollars in enhanced facilities contributing to local economies across Saskatchewan. FCL is also investing more than $1.9 billion to expand its subsidiary Consumers’ Co-operative Refinery Limited. 

Saskatchewan credit unions, owned by 527,000 members, provide personal and business financial services in 313 locations in 279 communities. Saskatchewan credit unions posted one of their best years ever in 2008, with a combined net income of more than $90 million and total assets of $12.6 billion. Saskatchewan is also the head office of two national financial co-operatives: Concentra Financial and Co-operators Life Insurance Company.

More than 25 of Saskatchewan's top 100 businesses are co-operatives.