Last time, I wrote that social enterprise and entrepreneurship is a movement, not a model. I suggested that people could undertake various forms of action within its framework and still be tied to each other through the connective tissue of a common vision. It seems that notion is gaining traction.

A brightly striped bunk bed. Beautiful hemlock handrails. A row overflowing with hardwood flooring leftovers. An antique single bed with an abandoned refinishing job. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are cornucopias for home reno bargain hunters. One of the best known social ventures in Canada, ReStores give donated building materials and home furnishings a second life while generating revenue for local Habitat affiliates.

There’s a movement underfoot. A call to action to establish a separate legal structure for social enterprise in Canada. And, like many issues in this cozy world we inhabit, the quest is challenging, dare I even say divisive. “What’s that?” you ask incredulously. “An issue upon which this community disagrees?” Indeed. [insert sarcastic retort here].

Canada has a rich history of social enterprise, especially seen through the lens of Quebec’s social economy or the broader community economic development movement. Less well developed is a nationally scaled social enterprise and social finance movement, which has not had the benefit of supportive and comprehensive national public policy. In that sense, Canada trails behind other jurisdictions like the United States or the United Kingdom.

Recently, a group of friends got caught up in the idea of going on a trip together. As with most trips, they began thinking about and agreeing on what they wanted to experience, where they might find that adventure, and how to get there. Not so different than successfully planning for a social enterprise.