President of Co-operative Housing International to Give Keynote Address at Winnipeg Event

WINNIPEG, April 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Nicholas Gazzard, President of Co-operative Housing International and Executive Director of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada), will give a keynote address on the international co-operative housing movement and the elements that contribute to its success on Saturday, April 26 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the Radisson Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba at 288 Portage Avenue.

"I am looking forward to providing an international perspective on the large role that housing co-operatives play around the world," Nicholas Gazzard, President of Co-operative Housing International. "My goal is to raise awareness about the co-op housing movement's achievements in providing secure, affordable housing around the world," said Gazzard.

"Housing co-op members, supporters and government officials will have a unique opportunity to hear about co-operative housing beyond our borders," said Linda Ferguson, Manitoba's Regional Director for CHF Canada and a member of Village Canadien Housing Co-op in Winnipeg.

Following the keynote, CHF Canada will award its first Manitoba Diversity Scholarship to Ellen Pero of Common Ground Co-operative in Winnipeg. This scholarship is presented to an outstanding co-op housing member under 30 to attend university, college, or a trade program. It was created to recognize and support the outstanding young people who live in housing co-ops, who are in financial need and have shown leadership in promoting diversity in their communities.

Co-operative Housing International (formerly ICA Housing) is a sectoral organization of the International Co-operative Alliance. It was established to promote the development of co-operative housing in all countries, and in particular developing countries, as an economic and social contribution to the problem of providing shelter.

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.

SOURCE: Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada

Tammy Robinson, Program Manager, Manitoba, 204-470-5467, [email protected]; David Granovsky, Government Relations Co-ordinator, 1-800-465-2752 ext. 222, 613-290-7687, [email protected]; Scott Jackson, Program Manager, National Communications, 1-877-533-2667, ext. 122, [email protected]