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
Co-operatives are open to everyone who wants to join, as long as are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership - which are different for every co-op.
Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are controlled by their members who actively participate in making decisions, Co-ops make decisions based on "one member, one vote".
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute money to the co-op and also make decisions about how the money within the co-op is used. Sometimes profits are used to make the co-op better, sometimes the profits are given back to the members (based on how much they have used the co-op), and sometimes profits are used for other things that the members decide on.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-ops are controlled and led by their members. If they work with others, including governments, they only do it if their co-op is still controlled 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.