VANCOUVER, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Co-operators celebrated its co-operative heritage and values as the organization's Annual General Meeting wrapped up today in Vancouver. The meeting brought together 90 delegates and 22 directors representing the co-operative's 45 Canadian member-owners.

As a co-operative, the organization is governed on a democratic basis by its members. Roger Harrop, representing Gay Lea Foods and Gordon Young, representing Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan, were newly elected to the Board of Directors.

"Our co-operative structure and values always play a prominent role in our meetings, but that was especially the case this year, as 2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives," noted Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "As we review our past performance and set our strategic direction for the future of our business, our commitment to co-operative principles remains unwavering."

Concern for Community is one of the co-operative principles The Co-operators is well known to embody. In 2011, the value of the organization's contributions to Canadian communities reached $6.1 million. In addition to these contributions, it created Community Guard, an insurance solution tailor-made for the voluntary and non-profit sector. Last year, the program reached a milestone as its premiums reached $10 million.

The Co-operators is a national group of companies that provide insurance and financial services to Canadians. It includes property and casualty insurers Co-operators General Insurance Company, the Sovereign General Insurance Company, l'Union Canadienne, and COSECO Insurance Company; life insurer Co-operators Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary TIC Travel Insurance Co-ordinators Ltd.; The CUMIS Group Ltd., which insures credit unions and their members; and institutional asset manager Addenda Capital Inc.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 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 ranked #1 among the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights, and listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. As a proud member and supporter of the co-operative sector, The Co-operators is pleased to celebrate 2012: The International Year of Co-operatives. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.