[Background music]

[Image: Seven stick figures holding up a cube]

[On-screen text: CANADIAN LAUNCH 2012 International Year of Cooperatives January 12, 2012]

[Image: Shots of the launch event for the 2012 International Year of Cooperatives in Lévis]

Danielle Roy Marinelli [overdubbed in English]: I'm deeply honoured that Lévis, a city that values cooperation, was chosen by the Conseil Québécois de la Coopération et de la Mutualité to represent Quebec in this live, coast-to-coast launch. In Lévis, we have the skills and the attitude required for cooperation. Our vision is expressed by sharing this important value.

[Images: Danielle Roy Marinelli speaking at a podium interspersed with shots of the audience]

[On-screen text: Danielle Roy Marinelli MAYOR OF LÉVIS]

Danielle Roy Marinelli [overdubbed in English]: Cooperation has a big impact on all of our citizens and all of our partners. It's an everday reality in Lévis. Have a great international year of cooperatives!

Denis Richard [overdubbed in English]: The purpose of the international year of cooperatives is to show everyone around the world that cooperation—and cooperatives—have a place in the economy and a role to play across the globe, especially here in Quebec, where the cooperative spirit runs deep.

[Images: Denis Richard speaking at a podium interspersed with shots of the audience]

[On-screen text: Denis Richard PRESIDENT OF THE CONSEIL QUÉBÉCOIS DE LA COOPÉRATION ET DE LA MUTUALITÉ]

Denis Richard [overdubbed in English]: There are 3,300 cooperatives in Quebec and 8,800,000 cooperative members. In North America, Quebec is renowned as a breeding ground cooperatives. I would also like to emphasize our presence in both urban and rural areas.

[On-screen text: In Quebec 3,300 cooperatives 8,800,000 members]

Alain Paquet [overdubbed in English]: Clearly, cooperatives make a valuable contribution to Quebec and its business community—building a better world, just as the theme says. Just look at the survival rate, which is close to double that of so-called traditional companies—62% percent after five years and 44% percent after ten years. These results are worth mentioning.

[Images: Alain Paquet speaking at a podium interspersed with shots of the audience]

[On-screen text: Alain Paquet MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND MEMBER FOR LAVAL-DES-RAPIDES]

Alain Paquet [overdubbed in English]: Cooperatives play an admirable role, and there is no question that they have a regulatory effect on the economy and job market. What's more, the cooperative movement is able to evolve, reinvent itself, innovate and adapt to a changing world.

[On-screen text: Cooperative business survival rate 62% after 5 years 44% after 10 years]

[Background music]

Steven Blaney: It's a great day, it's co-op day, it's co-op year and it's great to start it here in Lévis.

Steven Blaney [overdubbed in English]: There are examples like Desjardins all across the country. From the Northwest Territories to the Prairies and the Maritimes, the Canadian cooperative movement includes 9,000 cooperatives, holds $252 billion in assets and has more than 18 million members.

[Images: Steven Blaney speaking at a podium interspersed with shots of the audience]

[On-screen text: The Honourable Steven Blaney MEMBER FOR LÉVIS-BELLECHASSE AND CANADIAN MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS]

Steven Blaney [overdubbed in English]: Like you, I believe the cooperative model is an effective alternative for communities, allowing them to meet local needs for jobs and services. This year, exceptional events will be held around the country and right here in Lévis.

[On-screen text: In Canada 9,000 cooperatives 18 million members]

Monique F. Leroux [overdubbed in English]: While it's true that our world is changing, one thing remains the same: the way it changes and evolves is determined by men and women—by people. Our world evolves based on the actions people take. And now, more than ever before, our world needs to focus on the needs of people—the central tenant of the cooperative movement in Canada and around the world.

[Images: Monique F. Leroux speaking at a podium interspersed with shots of the audience]

[On-screen text: Monique F. Leroux CHAIR OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT AND CEO DESJARDINS GROUP]

Monique F. Leroux [overdubbed in English]: In closing, I'd like to share with you my special wish for 2012: May the amazing power of cooperatives help us build a better world.

[Applause; Background music]

[Sound ends]

[Images: Shots of Danielle Roy Marinelli, Denis Richard, Alain Paquet, Steven Blaney and Monique F. Leroux holding a 2012 Année International des Coopératives banner]

[Image: Desjardins logo]

[On-screen text: Cooperating in building the future]

END OF TRANSCRIPT