Governance
Who is The Mustard Seed? You are The Mustard Seed.
Welcome to The Mustard Seed Co+op, where more than 3,000 of member-owners comprise our community.
From our value driven, hard working owners who have collectively volunteered thousands of hours for The Mustard Seed, to our committed staff team, led by our General Manager Stacey alongside Bookkeeper, Rachel, Fresh Foods Purchaser, Nadia, Grocery Purchaser Laura and Receiver Wade and all the way to our members, everyone one of us has a role to play in how we govern ourselves.
Have a say. Make an impact
Become a member-owner today to join our community who are actively nourishing our local economy, environment, and ourselves.
Annual General Meetings
Each year we hold our Annual General Meeting. This is the perfect time to meet and connect with other member-owners, and see the ins-and-outs of what your Co-op has been up to.
“Our AGM feels like that moment when everyone is finally seated together at the family table - even if in times like these, that table is metaphorical. It’s a reminder of the strength, resilience and commitment of The Mustard Seed. I look forward to it every year.” - Jenna Anderson, member since 2015
Member Updates
We keep our members updated as much as possible through a combination of social media, website and emails. The board plans 2 to 3 member update meetings or events annually to update and connect.
Unable to attend the AGM or a Member Update but have a question or want to raise an issue? Contact the Board at any time: board@mustardseed.coop.
Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
The Mustard Seed Co-operative Inc. was established on November 23, 2012 under the Co-operative Corporations Act of Ontario. Read our Articles of Incorporation.
Our Co-operative’s bylaws were developed by the Board during 2012/2013 based on owner input and reflect our co-op’s vision. Read the General Bylaws of the Mustard Seed Co-operative.
Board of Directors
Get to know us.
The Mustard Seed Co+op’s Board has guided the development of our Co+op through the various stages of development. Board member elections are held at each Annual General Meeting.
Chris Carey, President of The Board June 2021-
Chris is involved in environmental causes, and is starting to get more involved in community causes. His background, through both employment and spiritual pursuits, gives him a different and unique perspective and approach to solving problems. Both wild foods and clean foods are of great interest to Chris, as well as food security and environmental sustainability. Having lived in different cities, especially Winnipeg, where co-ops are increasingly common, Chris hopes to be able to help the Mustard Seed both to succeed and continue to pave the way for other co-ops to set up and thrive here in Hamilton.
Jane Depraitere , Treasurer, The Mustard Seed Co-op
Jane is an entrepreneurial business professional with over 25 years of diverse business experience. Jane holds an LL.B. and called to the Bar of Ontario in 1984. She completed her CGA designation in 1998 followed by an MBA in 2005. In 2015 she completed the Level 3 Sommelier designation from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Jane returned to Aldershot to live full time having sold her wine importing and distribution business based in Alberta in 2018.
Jane has held various directorship and membership positions on the boards of several not for profit and for profit organizations from 1995 to present. Originally from Norfolk County an area whose agriculture has benefited from the Mustard Seed’s support, she looks forward to meaningfully and sustainably engaging more in her community from the quality and source of the food supply and the beverages we enjoy to the art and architecture in the environment that surrounds us all.
Esther Hornsveld, Secretary of The Board
Esther is a local producer, has been an active Co+op member and she works in the non-profit sector. Esther has a passion for volunteering, equity, plants and animals.
Johnathan McNeice
Jonathan is an urban planner with a focus on food systems. He has been involved in many aspects of the local food movement for over 15 years from farmers markets and community gardens, to municipal food policy and procurement. He was on the team that created Fresh: Edmonton's Food & Urban Agriculture Strategy, has worked on the City of Toronto's food strategy team, and created a unique program in Buffalo, NY to get more healthy food into hospitals, workplaces, and the community, while supporting active living and placemaking. Jonathan has been active in the non profit sector in creating non profits and social enterprises, grant writing, and food policy councils. He has a Master of Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo and is a candidate for a Master of Design - Strategic Foresight & Innovation from OCAD.
Mary Lou Tanner , The Mustard Seed Co+op – 2nd term BOD
Mary Lou Tanner worked in municipal management and leadership for over 25 years. Mary Lou was previously with the City of Hamilton, authoring downtown and waterfront plans including Putting People First and Setting Sail.
Mary Lou has strong roots in Hamilton’s non-profit community with board membership in Phoenix Place, Interval House, and YWCA Hamilton. She brings to the Mustard Seed leadership her strong support for democratic decision-making, passion for farmers and their economic sustainability, and a commitment to the long-term viability of our Co+op. Mary Lou loves include golf, dogs, board governance, politics, and Hamilton.