Cooperative Sector Recognized for Innovative Employment Practices

This past week, MediaCorp Canada released the 2002 version of Canada's Top 100 Employers, and Saskatchewan's cooperative sector figures prominently in the rankings. Saskatoon-based Co-operative Trust Company of Canada joins Regina-based Credit Union Electronic Transaction Services (CUETS) and Cooperators Life Insurance Company in the annual book listing the best places to work in Canada.

The book recognizes those organizations across the country that are industry leaders in making innovative, well-received changes in the workplace. More than 42,000 companies vied for a spot on the list, with 5,000 finalists being evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

• Sustained growth
• Stimulating work environment
• Employee feedback mechanisms
• Communication efforts to employees
• Employment benefits and vacation allowances
• Employer dedication to attracting and retaining outstanding employees

Myrna Bentley, Chief Executive Officer of Co-operative Trust Company of Canada, commented: "As cooperative organizations, we are proud of any developments that foster an employee-friendly workplace and demonstrate a higher level of commitment to employee involvement."

Stan Kuss, Chief Executive Officer of CUETS, echoed Bentley's comments and cast the spotlight on the entire cooperative sector. "I've been employed in credit unions and related organizations for more than 25 years, and one significant, common feature I've noticed is the level of employee commitment that exists throughout the sector. There are many, many Canadian cooperatives leading the way in creating positive working environments and implementing various workplace innovations - we're just pleased to be among them."

Dan Thornton, Chief Operating Officer of Co-operators Life Insurance Company, added, "The co-operative sector has had a long history of not only developing positive and supportive workplaces but also helping to develop stronger and healthier communities. We are honoured to be part of this group and we look forward to continuing to be one of the leaders in setting workplace standards."

For more information:

Contact:
Glenn Bohay, Co-operators Life Insurance Company (306) 347-6527
Bob Lane, Credit Union Electronic Transaction Services (306) 566-1772
Maryann Deutscher, Co-operative Trust Company of Canada (306) 956-1890