Black Groups in Toronto want to launch credit union

As Black History month winds down next weekend, we have news of some African Canadian organizations attempting to get a Pan-African Credit Union off the ground in Toronto.

Adaoma Patterson, president of The Jamaican Canadian Association, says the goal is to provide financial services to Blacks and non-blacks who have been traditionally under-served. The hope is that both families and Black-owned businesses would be assisted by this new financial co-operative.

Organizers are gathering input from community members to see if there is enough interest to go forward.

For a time, back in the 1990s there was a Carribean Canadian Credit Union but it was unable to remain viable. 

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/02/20/black-groups-seek-to-launch-credit-union.html

Housing Advocates Disappointed in BC Budget

The BC Non-Profit Housing Association and the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC say the lack of new investments in affordable housing and the delay in delivering on existing commitments will only make BC’s housing crisis worse. Both organizations were responding to Budget 2020 delivered last week.

Projected completions in BC’s Housing’s Service Plan appear to have dropped by roughly 2,400 homes in the first 10 years of the government’s 10-year plan, according to the advocates.

Several initiatives were welcomed such as investments in new shelter beds, navigation centres and temporary supportive housing.

We’ll discuss the budget and other housing topics next week when Thom Armstrong, Executive Director of CHFBC, will be a guest on Each For All.

https://www.chf.bc.ca/bc-budget-delayed-investments-will-only-make-bcs-housing-crisis-worse/

Red River Co-op Returns $33.7 Million To Members

Winnipeg’s Red River Co-op is sending out annual rebates worth $33.7 million for the 2019 fiscal year.

CEO Doug Wiebe says the co-op is proud to share profits with members ensuring the money stays in the community and enriches people’s lives.

The Co-op has more than 310,000 members. Rebates are collected on food, fuel and prescription purchases. Profits are also added to members’ equity accounts.

https://www.chrisd.ca/2020/02/20/red-river-co-op-rebate-cheques-2019/