GUELPH, ON (March 30, 2022) – Co-operators is thrilled to announce the first recipients of the Co-operators Young Leaders Award. Established by Co-operators and Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) the Co-operators Young Leaders Award will promote and develop young innovators in the co-operative sector and celebrates Canadian co-operative changemakers between the ages of 18-35. The 12 award recipients were selected for exemplifying the passion, innovation, and leadership qualities that reflect the fundamental nature of co-operative values.

“We are so excited to acknowledge the incredible achievements of this group of leaders from across Canada and facilitate their growth in the co-operative space,” says Shawna Peddle, Associate Vice President of Citizenship at Co-operators. “Engaging young Canadians is imperative to the continued success of the co-operative movement and I am confident this deep talent pool of pioneering minds will continue the co-operative tradition of successfully navigating the shifting landscape and implement solutions that meet and exceed the needs of the communities they serve.”

As part of the Award, the recipients will participate in a unique 12-month virtual academy featuring a series of resources to help these talented young leaders sharpen their skills, enhance their confidence, and grant them exposure to co-operative principles so they can continue to innovate and positively impact their communities. The academy includes workshops, learning sessions, and networking events, gaining valuable tools to help future-proof the co-operative sector.

“As co-operatives we are committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future,” says Daniel Brunette, Director of Advocacy and Partnerships for Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, and a member of the Selection Committee. “Part of our commitment to that future is identifying a group of young people that embody our co-operative values today and by furthering their education and highlighting their contributions to our sector, appeal to even more youth to join the co-operative movement for tomorrow.”

Meet the 2022 Co-operators Young Leaders

About Co-operators

Co-operators is a leading Canadian financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. The company has more than $61.5 billion in assets under administration. Co-operators has been providing trusted guidance to Canadians for the past 76 years. The organization is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Achieving carbon neutral equivalency in 2020, the organization is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co-operators is also ranked as a Corporate Knights’ Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada and is listed among the Best Employers in Canada by Kincentric. For more information, please visit: www.cooperators.ca.

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