Vancouver Institute began in 1916 as a partnership of community organizations and the University of British Columbia for liberal adult education and mutual enlightenment. By 1934 the cooperative venture was dominated by the university, reflecting changes in the workplace and the role of universities. (SK)

In early 20th-century Canada, James John Harpell began correspondence courses and study clubs and was instrumental in the cooperatives movement. He used small businesses to promote social and educational innovations and was an advocate for self-study and lifelong learning. (SK)