International alliances

A study published by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) entitled "Global 300" reveals that in 2004, the 300 largest co-operative and mutual institutions combined had a turnover of US$979 billion, the equivalent to the GDP of Canada, the 9th largest economy in the world. That's a lot of money in the hands of members of these cooperatives, but the number could be higher still.

In the context of globalization, cooperatives are havens of stability that give us control over our future. We cannot allow cooperatives to be dominated by profit maximization, a concept that is spreading to the detriment of people and communities.

Desjardins Group is involved with several international organizations aiming to promote cooperation in societies, particularly in the financial sector. Desjardins also works with organizations that assist the caisses with their offer of international services to their members.