CHF Canada mourns the loss of co-op champion Mauril Bélanger

OTTAWA, Aug. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada), today issued the following statement on the loss of co-op champion, Mauril Bélanger:

Mauril Bélanger lived a life defined by his courage, humility and hard work. He was an inspiring co-operator, a powerful ally and a true friend.

While his lifelong commitment to public life has many distinctions, we possess an enduring gratitude for his contributions to Canada's housing co-ops.

During the course of his eight terms in office, Mauril dedicated himself to supporting co-op housing and co-operative values. He spearheaded campaigns to protect federal investment in co-op housing, he served as the Liberal Advocate for Co-ops, and he launched an all-party parliamentary caucus on co-operatives. His work made a real difference, and his contributions will be felt for many years to come.

As we struggle to comprehend the profound loss of a friend whose life was cut far too short, his own words¹ will always remind us of our shared purpose: "I remain committed to supporting the co-operative model as a means of mitigating the adverse effects of economic disparity. The co-operative model is a proven structure that greatly empowers each member, resulting in a wonderful combination of business success and social responsibility. All of this plays an important role in the economy and in our communities."

CHF Canada's board of directors, members and staff all join together in expressing our deepest condolences to Mauril's friends, colleagues, and especially his dear family.

He will be sorely missed.

Nicole Waldron, President   
Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director 

About CHF Canada
CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include over 900 non-profit housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada. More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops, in every province and territory.

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¹ Acceptance speech of Mauril Bélanger upon receiving CHF Canada's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Co-op Housing in June 2016.

SOURCE Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada

Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director, 1-613-220-2201, [email protected]; Tim Ross, Program Manager, Policy and Government Relations, 1-613-314-6267, [email protected]