The current level of uncertainty and the policy responses that have been put in place to address the impact of COVID-19 in Canada, and around the world, are unprecedented. This new reality is redefining our daily lives, rewriting our economic interactions and reshaping our social constructs.
Yet now, more than ever, we need to reaffirm our commitment to the values that bind us together as a cooperative community and respond with a sense of solidarity and vision to a truly global challenge.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres noted in a recent piece that “this is the moment to step up for the vulnerable”. The economic menace brought by this pandemic is disproportionately affecting people in the developing world, with women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities particularly at risk of poverty. Millions of cooperators in the developing world are facing the prospect of losing their livelihoods as a result of reduced economic activity, while the weak performance of health and public support systems creates endemic vulnerabilities for those most in need. Some forecasts are revealing a dark reality – coronavirus could double the number of people going hungry.
Canada’s co-operative community should play its vital part in supporting better economic opportunities for co-operators in the developing world at the twilight of this pandemic! There’s an unprecedented need for building greater resilience and stronger cooperative businesses that can withstand future shocks.
The strength of Canada’s economy and trade resides in the economic stability enjoyed by people in many developing countries. The strength of our communities derives its energies from a sense of mutual support that extends beyond our borders. The strength of Canada’s co-operative sector has created economic opportunities for millions of people across continents, through generous donations and the technical expertise of Canadian cooperators. We need to stay the course and continue to do our fair share in these times of crisis.
At the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada, we are entering our 3rd week of home-based work. While we work from home, we continue to reach the homes of thousands of people around the world:
We are inspired to see how co-operators are mobilizing across continents to address the impact of COVID-19. Vancity, alongside other charities from British Columbia, launched a Community Response Fund to support those most affected by coronavirus. In France, Vivescia, the country’s largest grain co-operative, has set up production of hand sanitizer in response to the pandemic. In the UK, The Co-operative Heritage Trust is creating homeschooling resources for kids and The Co-operation Town – a network of food coops – is providing hot meals for those in need in the city of Birmingham. India’s Fertilizer Co-op IFFCO, which reaches over 50 million farmers, is distributing soap, masks, hand sanitizers and vitamin C to rural farmers and labourers. In the Philippines, Reliance Producers Co-operative is manufacturing washable face masks and was commissioned to produce over 500,000 masks.
Co-operators are responding in so many ways and so many places around the world with dedication and generosity. But as we face a mounting global crisis, a truly global response is needed with an equal sense of urgency and solidarity.
Benoit André, Executive Director, Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada