Membership is open to anyone who can use the Co-op's services and who is willing to make the $10 share capital investment. The cooperative operates according to its set of bylaws and the Nova Scotia provincial Co-operative Act. Membership details and a membership application can be obtained by calling 902-224-2066.

Cheticamp Co-op, like other cooperatives, is based on the values of self-help, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Cooperative members believe in honesty, social responsibility and caring for others. The following seven principles help put these values into practice:

Open and Voluntary Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to anyone who is able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

Democratic Member Control
Members set their policies and make decisions democratically -- one person, one vote. Elected representatives are accountable to the membership.

Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. Part of that capital is the common property of the cooperative. Members can receive limited compensation on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members may allocate surpluses for any or all of the following: developing their co-op; setting up reserves; repaying members in proportion to their financial transactions; supporting any other activities approved by the members.

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 must do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives educate and train their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the prosperity of their co-op. This includes informing the public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.