Our Board
Hugh Nelson
Co-Chair
Hugh recently retired from the position of Executive Director of Y's Owl Maclure in Ottawa, Ontario. Hugh has served the community for over 51 years.
Doug Dowhos
Co-Chair
Doug has been recognized at a local, provincial and federal level for innovative partnerships and business development in the health and social service sector. A proven leader in the creation and management of entrepreneurial ventures with social and business mandates.
Lorna Knudson
Treasurer
Bio to come.
Nancy Heinrichs
Director
Nancy Heinrichs is the Executive Director of NorWest Co-op Community Health, a non-profit health cooperative and community health agency in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Nancy has defined her career by a philosophy of openness, integration and collaboration viewed through a community lens. Nancy has been instrumental in the growth and development of NorWest Co-op Community Health over the past 19 years by continually supporting new innovative projects that address the constantly changing community needs. Some projects that have flourished under her leadership are the opening of the first Community Food Centre in Western Canada, the first Manitoba Youth Integrated Strategy, developing HANS Kai into an international program to teach people to take control of their own health, and the development of the Mobile Diabetes and Kidney Screening program. Nancy was awarded the HR Management Association of Manitoba – HR Patron of the Year, NorWest also received the Organizational Strategy & Engagement Award and most recently, she was awarded the Vigor Unsung Heroes International award in the Leadership category. She was also nominated for the YMYWCA’s Women of Distinction award for the Business, Professions, and Trades category. NorWest has been voted BEST EMPLOYER – Best Small & Medium Organizations PLATINUM CANADA for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (92% engagement) by AON HEWITT
Margaret Tusz-King
Director
Bio to come.
Frances Wesley
Director
Bio to come.
Our Team
Julien Geremie
Executive Director
Julien Geremie is Executive Director of the Conseil de la coopération de l'Ontario. Over the years, he has been responsible for supporting dozens of cooperatives and social enterprises across Ontario, particularly in the areas of agriculture, rural development, health, business succession And much more. Julien works in concert with a hundred partner organizations and also has an excellent knowledge of the economic, community, cultural and social environment of Ontario. He is invited to present numerous workshops and conferences in Canada and internationally. He is also a manager of the Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) and of CoopZone, co-chair of the Roundtable on the Social Economy of Ontario, member of the board of administrator of Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, member of the Ontario working committees on the measurement of social impact and community benefits, member of the government relations committees of the provincial and national cooperative movement and others. Julien was also head of a Canadian delegation to the 2016 G7 Summit in Japan. In 2018, he received the Emerging Cooperator Award from Cooperatives and Mutuals Canada. He holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Montreal. Julien was also head of a Canadian delegation to the 2016 G7 Summit in Japan. In 2018, he received the Emerging Cooperator Award from Cooperatives and Mutuals Canada. He holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Montreal. Julien was also head of a Canadian delegation to the 2016 G7 Summit in Japan. In 2018, he received the Emerging Cooperator Award from Cooperatives and Mutuals Canada. He holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Montreal.
Joséphine Adegnon
Administrator
Michael Norris
Administrator
Originally from Toronto, Michael pursued his post-secondary studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in the field of international economics with a specialization in sustainable development. His career began at the Conseil scolaire Viamonde where he worked in human resources, communications and fixed assets. His expertise was subsequently solicited at the University of French Ontario to support their development as an innovative institution. Michael is Past President of the Student Trustees Association of Ontario and sits on the Board of Directors of the Council of Francophone Organizations in Durham Region. Among his passions are the Francophonie, sustainable development, politics, cycling and gastronomy.
Our Structure
The HCCFC is a federally incorporated co-operative. Membership is open to any co-op in Canada that provides wellness, social services or health services as the primary focus, or as a secondary focus, of its work. Organizations that work to encourage the development of such co-ops are welcomed as affiliate members. Co-ops outside Canada are welcomed as affiliate members.
The HCCFC members in each province select a representative and alternate to serve on the Board. In addition to the provincial and territorial representatives we are entitled to include up to three “at large” directors on the Board.
In addition to the Board, every member appoints one or more representatives to participate in Annual General Meetings, Board calls and other discussions.
The Board and general representatives are particularly active in responding to enquiries within the membership. Although each co-op is unique, we have much to share, face similar opportunities and challenges, and are happy to share our experience and ideas.
All members and “friends” are welcomed as participants in Board meetings. The larger member co-ops generously hosts these calls.
Our Affiliations
The HCCFC is a founding member of Co-ops and Mutuals Canada (CMC) and represents the Canadian Health Co-op sector on the International Health Co-op Organization.
Many of our members are also members of their provincial co-op associations and the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation
Directors and staff of several of our members are active in CoopZone, the national network of co-op developers, ready to help new co-ops to establish themselves and existing co-ops to thrive in changing contexts.
