CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING FOUNDATION OF CANADA

CO-OP HOUSING FEDERATION CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SHOW LEADERSHIP ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN

In the wake of newly released Census figures showing that lower-income Canadians are struggling more than ever to pay for their housing, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is calling on the government to take a leadership role in developing a national affordable action plan, in consultation with the provinces, territories, municipalities, and major housing stakeholder groups.

“The Conservative government has been in power for nearly two and a half years, and the number of Canadians paying more than they can afford on housing has increased,” says CHF Canada Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard. “A positive first step would be for the federal government to provide some predictability for affordable housing providers, such as non-profit housing co-operatives, and immediately renew the major national housing programs that are set to expire on March 31, 2009, less than one-year from now.”

AGREEMENT REACHED ON COMMON WORLDWIDE THEME FOR CO-OP WEEK/CREDIT UNION DAY

Demonstrating true co-operation at an international level, this year’s theme for Co-op Week and International Credit Union Day was chosen by a US/Canadian committee representing credit unions and co-operatives worldwide. To promote worldwide involvement, the multi-national committee invited its member organizations to submit suggestions for the 2008 theme. Laquita Normore, marketing and communications manager for Eagle River Credit Union, in L’Anse au Loup, NL, submitted It Belongs to Me. The French version of the theme is: Coopérer c’est s’enrichir mutuellement.

Co-op Week will be celebrated October 12–18 this year, with International Credit Union day recognized on October 16.

CUMIS HELPS CREDIT UNION EXECUTIVES WITH SUCCESSION AND RETIREMENT PLANNING

CUMIS Insurance’s Strategic Solutions Group has developed an information forum to support credit unions’ human resources strategies for retaining mature workers and attracting and retaining high-talent individuals. It also helps credit union leaders identify their personal priorities and embrace the possibilities available to them in their work environments or as they transition from work to individual pursuits.

NEW PRESIDENT EXPLAINS ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DESJARDINS IN QUEBEC

In her first major public appearance, Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President & CEO of Desjardins Group, discussed the economic impact of the co-op on the Quebec economy with members of the Lévis, QC, Chamber of Commerce, May 30.

Citing preliminary results of a study currently being conducted by the Desjardins Economic Studies, Ms. Leroux said Desjardins generates $4.2 billion worth of operating expenses in Quebec.

“With the 40,000 existing jobs at Desjardins, the jobs it contributes to creating for its many suppliers and the jobs generated in turn by all these job holders through their consumer spending, we can see that Desjardins alone is responsible for creating close to 68,000 full-time jobs in Quebec. And that represents a ratio of one to fifty jobs,” she concluded.

CREDIT UNION CENTRAL OF CANADA APPOINTS VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY

Credit Union Central of Canada (Canadian Central) has named Brigitte Goulard to the new position of Vice President, Policy, effective June 16. Ms. Goulard will work with the Canadian Central Board, senior management, and member organizations in identifying and taking action on current policy priorities of importance to the Canadian credit union system.

A member of the Ottawa bar, Ms. Goulard is an experienced policy professional in the Canadian financial services industry having been employed in legal and policy roles with the Trust Companies Association of Canada, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, Canada Trust, and, most recently, with La Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec. Ms. Goulard also worked with Meloche Monnex Inc. for several years and during that time held the position of Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary.