GUELPH, ON, April 5, 2019 /CNW/ - The Co-operators held its 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) from April 2-4 in Toronto where 90 delegates representing member organizations from across Canada assembled to discuss the organization's 2018 achievements and challenges, elect its Board of Directors, and gain insight into strategic priorities on the horizon.

Commenting on the financial impacts of climate-related risk and the unfavourable investment market of 2018, President and CEO Robert Wesseling emphasized the co-operative's continued strength while highlighting its foundational purpose.

"While 2018 proved to be a challenging financial year, we're confident in the strength of our capital position, our operations, and our strategy to address the accelerating claims trends affecting the industry," said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of
The Co-operators. "Guided by our purpose to provide financial security to Canadians, we remain focused on designing solutions that meet our clients' needs, while creating more resilient, sustainable communities."

John Harvie, Chairperson of the Board of Directors emphasized the organization's strong co-operative governance and the meaningful relationships with its member organizations as a unique competitive advantage.

"Our members are made up of millions of Canadians and are integral connections into the hearts of the communities we serve," said John Harvie, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. "I have great confidence in our co-operative structure, our Board, our employees, advisors and member organizations. Together, we continue to maintain these connections and meet the emerging needs of Canadians and their communities."

The Co-operators 2019 AGM Highlights

• The Co-operators Integrated Annual Report was released, which outlines the organization's financial, governance and sustainability performance.
• The Co-operators Board of Directors recognized the contributions of retiring director Réjean Laflamme, who served on the Board since 2010, and welcomed Jessica Provencher as an incoming director representing the Quebec region. Provencher has served as a delegate to The Co-operators representing the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF) since October 2012.
• As part of an annual program to support the AGM host community, an AGM Community Donation of $5,000 was contributed to Working for Change, a non-profit organization that provides training and employment opportunities to people marginalized by mental health, addiction challenges, poverty, violence and newcomer issues.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $41.7 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies, it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca 

SOURCE The Co-operators