Our story

Founded in 1927, our cooperative has grown and evolved while remaining firmly rooted in cooperative principles. Over the years, we’ve adapted to meet changing needs—always guided by the values that define us.

The evolution of our

organization through the years

Maritime Livestock Board (1927 to 1930)
Canadian Livestock Co-operative (Maritimes) (1930 to 1944)
Maritime Co-operative Services Ltd (1944 to 1974)
Maritime Co-operative Services (1978 to 1978)
Co-op Atlantic (1978-2017)
Atlantic Retail Co-operatives Federation (since 2017)

From 1927 to 1961

Here is the first logo of our organization. It was used when we were called the Maritime Livestock Board, and later, the Canadian Livestock Co-operative (M). Interestingly, this was actually the logo of American co-ops. It was later replaced by a distinctly Canadian logo, as the growth of the national cooperative network justified this change.

From 1961 to 1998

This logo emerged around the time when Interprovincial Cooperative (IC) launched the Coop and Harmonie brands. This logo was used by all the retail and wholesale cooperatives associated with IC across the country. The trademark was registered in 1966. It remains a recognized and widely used logo nationwide.

Since 1998

The most recent logo was designed by Coop Atlantique exclusively for itself and its member co-ops. The intention was to better reflect the changes that had occurred within the organization in 1998. The hyphen in the middle was replaced by an image representing people, making the name bilingual and highlighting the role these people play at the heart of our organization and their essential contribution to its success. This new logo helped Coop Atlantique gain visibility, undoubtedly giving it a fresh sense of vitality.

Coop ARCF

Mission

To provide support and guidance focused on members sustainability.

Vision Statement

Recognized by members as a trusted source of support and guidance.

Canadian Cooperative Principles:

Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are open to all persons who can use their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination based on gender, social, racial, political, or religious grounds.
Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives are accountable to the membership, with voting generally based on the principle of “one member, one vote.”
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. Surpluses are usually allocated for developing the co-op, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co-op. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national, and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

Canadian Cooperative Values:

1. Self-help
  Co-operatives believe in people helping themselves by joining forces to achieve common economic, social, and cultural goals.
2. Self-responsibility
  Members take responsibility for their actions within the cooperative, ensuring the organization is successful and sustainable.
3. Democracy
  Co-operatives are democratically run by their members, ensuring that decisions are made equitably and reflect the collective interests.
4. Equality
  All members have equal rights and opportunities within the co-op, including an equal vote regardless of their level of economic participation.
5. Equity
  Co-operatives are committed to fairness, ensuring that all members benefit proportionately from the cooperative's success and growth.
6. Solidarity
  Co-operatives stand together with a sense of shared responsibility and unity, both within the organization and in supporting the larger cooperative movement.

Remi Roy

Chair of the Board of Directors of the ARFC

As President of our co-operative movement organisation, I am proud to stand alongside our members in reaffirming our shared commitment to democratic values, mutual support, and sustainable growth. I am privileged to serve on the Atlantic Retail Co-op Federation board and to be, for the last 20 years, part of the co-op family serving Atlantic Canada. In a world where community resilience and ethical practices are more important than ever, our co-operative model continues to empower individuals, strengthen local economies, and foster inclusive development. Together, we are not just building businesses—we are building a better future, guided by the principles of equity, transparency, and collective responsibility. Let us continue to work hand in hand to create lasting impact for generations to come.

Murray Hatchard

CEO of the ARFC

“Like the Chair of the Board of Directors, I have worked within our cooperative system for many years, in various roles and locations across the Atlantic region. It has been an incredible experience overall, and I have truly appreciated the opportunity to work with several cooperative organizations. I was fortunate to be part of Coop Atlantique during its positive years of growth and development. There were challenges to overcome at the time, but there were also many opportunities to expand activities and offer additional services to members. Unfortunately, with the arrival of new competition and financial constraints imposed on the organization, development opportunities became limited over time. Like many others, I was saddened to learn that Coop Atlantique would no longer provide wholesale products or services to its members.”

However, it has been particularly gratifying to continue supporting retail cooperatives through the various programs and services offered by the Atlantic Retail Co-operatives Federation.
The cooperative system is now different, but our cooperative values and principles remain intact, and every ARFC member continues to operate as an independent cooperative, providing goods and services to their members and the community. It is wonderful to see our collective determination to work together as a group to support the cooperative business model, and I wish every member the best for the future.