Our MEC Charter

Through the MEC Futures Project, staff, members, and the Board were involved in a wide-ranging process to ensure our mission, values, vision, and core purpose are able to drive our future goals. Our MEC Charter is one of the results of that process.

Choosing Our Path – MEC Futures Project Video

This short video explores a unique long-range planning exercise that established three big goals for Canada's largest consumer co-operative and leading outdoor retailer.

Why we're here

We help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services. We match our members with gear that suits their needs. But we offer more than products. We offer passion. We love to share our expertise, experience, and enthusiasm.

Where we came from

We started small: a few young climbers in the mountains, who dreamed of outdoor gear that wouldn't let you down at prices that wouldn't break your budget.

Where we are

We've grown from a few members to millions. Our interests have grown too. Now we climb, ski, hike, run, paddle, and cycle. We've grown from a small business to a big one, yet we remain a different kind of business. We're a member-owned co-operative. We're not working to make big surpluses, just enough to sustain what we do.

What guides us as we go

Where we want to go

We aspire to be the most viable, vibrant outdoor retail business in Canada. We want to bring about a future where Canadians of all ages, and especially our youth, play outdoors in self-propelled ways more often and in ever-increasing numbers; have access to a comprehensive, carefully nurtured network of parks, wilderness, and outdoor recreation areas; and have a connection to nature that is stronger than ever. We want MEC and our members to set examples that inspire other organizations and individuals towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability. In short, we want to leave the world better than we found it.