MONTREAL, Jan. 8 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced restructuring
and personnel appointments that will enable the group of companies to meet its
ambitious growth goals in the province of Quebec.
    Jean Vincent will assume the role of Senior Vice-President of the
newly-created Centre of Expertise in Quebec. The Centre of Expertise is a
grouping of departments from L'Union Canadienne, HB Group Insurance Management
Ltd. and Co-operators General Insurance Company, that are being brought
together to coordinate the group of companies' business in Quebec. The
departments include marketing, human resources, information technology,
claims, finance, actuarial, translation, corporate affairs, administration,
and member-owner relations.
    Replacing Mr. Vincent as Senior Vice-President of L'Union Canadienne will
be Ron Pavelack, previously Vice-President of Underwriting and Business
Development. Mr. Pavelack will play a key role in the development and
implementation of strategies to build upon the company's strong relationships
with its broker partners and contribute to the attainment of strategic growth
targets.
    "I am very pleased that Jean and Ron have agreed to take on these
challenging roles, which will be critical to the success of our Quebec
strategy," said Martin-Eric Tremblay, Senior Vice-President and President,
Quebec Operations. "The new organizational model will allow us to make better,
more focussed use of our staff members' immense talent and expertise. The
Centre of Expertise will serve as the foundation upon which The Co-operators
will build sustainable growth in Quebec in the years ahead."
    The structural changes announced today are a matter of realigning
resources; no positions are being eliminated, and no changes will be made to
staff members' roles or geographic locations.
    The Co-operators announced Quebec expansion plans in September 2007, at
which time Mr. Tremblay was appointed Senior Vice President and President,
Quebec Operations. Under his leadership, The Co-operators group of companies
plans to increase sales through both the broker network and direct
distribution, introduce Co-operators agents in Quebec, and offer new products
and services in the province.

    About The Co-operators:

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm
insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a
100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with assets of more than $7 billion.
It is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and
like-minded organizations. The Co-operators is well known for its community
involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators, (877)
795-7272, ext. 2707