FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New name better represents organization’s commitment to all forms of employee ownership across Canada
TORONTO, ON – December 5th, 2023 – The ESOP Association Canada today announced it has officially changed its name to Employee Ownership Canada (EOC), marking a significant evolution in the organization’s mission and reflecting the rapidly expanding landscape of employee ownership models in Canada.
The rebrand comes at a pivotal time for Canadian employee ownership, coinciding with the federal government’s introduction of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) legislation and growing recognition of employee ownership as a powerful tool for business succession, worker empowerment, and economic resilience.
“Our new name better reflects the breadth of our mission and the diverse forms of employee ownership we support,” said Rachel Bachmann, Chair of the Board of Employee Ownership Canada. “While Employee Share Ownership Plans remain central to our work, we’re now supporting members across the full spectrum of employee ownership models, including the new Employee Ownership Trusts, worker cooperatives, and other innovative structures.”
Expanded Focus on Employee Ownership Models
The transition from ESOP Association Canada to Employee Ownership Canada represents more than just a name change—it signals the organization’s commitment to supporting all pathways to employee ownership. This includes:
- Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs) – Traditional equity-based ownership structures
- Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) – The new federal trust model enabling employee ownership without direct employee investment
- Hybrid Models – Innovative combinations of ownership structures tailored to specific business needs
Timing Aligns with Federal Policy Developments
The rebrand coincides with significant federal policy developments supporting employee ownership expected for 2024 in Canada.
“Canada is experiencing unprecedented momentum in employee ownership policy and practice,” noted Rachel Bachmann. “Our new identity positions us to better serve this growing movement and support the thousands of Canadian businesses exploring employee ownership as a succession strategy.”
Commitment to Advocacy, Education, and Expertise
Employee Ownership Canada will continue its core mission to advocate, educate, and provide expertise on behalf of members to attain wide understanding that employee ownership creates prosperity for stakeholders and the Canadian economy. The organization’s services include:
- Member Education – Workshops, conferences, and peer roundtables
- Professional Development – Training for advisors, lawyers, and consultants
- Awareness– Working with key stakeholders to improve awareness of employee ownership across Canada
- Research and Resources – Providing data and best practices to support the sector
About Employee Ownership Canada
Employee Ownership Canada (formerly ESOP Association Canada) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting broad-based employee ownership in Canadian companies. Members share the common goal of supporting employee ownership structures that create higher profitability, workplace satisfaction, and economic resilience. The organization provides expertise that advocates and educates on behalf of its members and stakeholders across all forms of employee ownership.
For more information about Employee Ownership Canada, visit employee-ownership.ca.
Media Contact:
Rachel Bachmann
Chair of the Board
Employee Ownership Canada
Employee Ownership Canada: Where Success is OWNED!
Note to editors: Employee Ownership Canada representatives are available for interviews about the name change, the growing employee ownership movement in Canada, and the impact of new federal EOT legislation.