About Arctic Co-ops Governance
The governance (or democratic structure) of the Co-operative system in the Arctic begins and ends with local ownership under the control of the individual owner-members that use the services of the local Co-op. Co-op members take ownership in their community business by purchasing and holding shares, but control of the Co-operative is not linked to the number of shares owned. Instead, each member has an equal share in the business affairs of the Co-op – “One Member, One Vote”. More than 20,000 individuals are the owner-members of the community based Co-operatives across the Arctic.
Co-op members are encouraged to participate in the operation of their Co-operative by contributing ideas and making decisions on the policies and future direction of the Co-operative. Members elect the Board of Directors of the Co-op and provide direction to the board on how their business should operate. The Board of Directors is accountable to the members of the Co-op. Co-op members are encouraged to become directly involved in their Co-operative by participating on committees or the Board of Directors. If elected as a Board member, they are obligated to act in the best interests of the Co-
ARCTIC CO-OPERATIVES LIMITED
Organizational Structure
MEMBERS OF ARCTIC CO-OPERATIVES LIMITED (Arctic Co-ops)
Arctic Co-ops is co-operatively owned and democratically controlled by its members. Membership includes 32 autonomous Co-operatives located in communities across northern Canada. These member Co-operatives are geographically divided into seven Arctic Co-ops electoral districts.
Each Member Co-operative is entitled to be represented by two voting delegates at each annual meeting of Arctic Co-ops.
Elected by the delegates attending the annual meeting. The Board of Directors consists of seven directors or onedirector from each of the seven electoral districts.
Appointed by the Board of Directors, and accountable to the Board.