A Telecom Co-op That’s Here for You
About Our Cooperative
For over 45 years, Westman Communications Group has proudly operated the cooperative way. As a cooperative, WCG reinvests profits into advanced services and meaningful contributions. By being member-owned, we provide a unique and receptive experience.
A 100% Manitoba-owned cooperative
Cooperation is key to our cooperative. By remaining a local telecom, we understand the ways of the Westman region. We are reactive and ready to respond to our members' needs. By choosing WCG, you’re choosing reinvested profits, equity accrual, and a member-first mentality. Any profits WCG makes stay in Manitoban communities.
What is a cooperative?
A cooperative, or co-op, is as local as it can get. Democratically owned by its members, cooperatives are built by you, for you. Membership occurs when you receive our services, enrolling you in member benefits immediately. Embracing a cooperative structure ensures you’re treated as a neighbour rather than a customer.
WCG is a proud member of Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), the national member-driven association for Canadian co-operatives and mutuals. By advocating for cooperative principles, we are joining the national movement for sustainable and member-first practices.
Benefits of WCG
Cooperative membership
A yearly statement of your equity, annual reports, and other information about the co-operative.
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Occasional dividend payments of equity
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The right to run for a position on the Board of Directors
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The right to vote for the Board of Directors
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A voice at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and other meetings
Your membership benefits you and helps build a positive difference in your community.
As a company, we're invested in the bigger picture. And building a better tomorrow.
Your membership allows for stronger communities across the region, with funds being allocated to community development. As we reinvest in the services you rely on, you’re part of a brighter, more connected tomorrow.
Cooperative Values and Principles
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
The seven international cooperative principles are guidelines by which every co-op in the world puts its values into practice.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Co-operation among Co-operatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Interested in becoming a member of our cooperative?
Ready to join a community that works for you? Become a member of Westman Communications Group and start experiencing the difference a cooperative can make!
Board of directors
Co-op's are ran by members, for members. Members have the right to vote, and to run to be a part of the board.