GUELPH, ON, Jan. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The Co-operators is pleased to welcome Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan Inc. (APAS) as the newest member-owner of the Canadian insurance and financial services co-operative. Following the approval of the Board of Directors of The Co-operators, APAS's membership was effective January 1, 2014. The Co-operators now has 44 member-owners, including Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and other organizations.

"We are delighted to welcome the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan as our newest member," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators.

"The Co-operators was formed by farmers in Saskatchewan in 1945 and has maintained its strong relationships with agricultural organizations since that time. We look forward to building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with APAS in the years ahead."

APAS was formed in 2000 to provide thousands of agricultural producers in Saskatchewan with a democratically elected, grassroots organization that represents their interests. It develops policy positions that promote the economic wellbeing of Saskatchewan's agricultural producers, support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to the viability of rural communities. "APAS is proud to be the newest owner-member of The Co-operators", said Norm Hall, President of APAS. "We look forward to working alongside our fellow members to extend the many benefits and advantages that come with membership in The Co-operators."

A co-operative is owned and democratically controlled by members who use its services or products. The membership of The Co-operators consists of 44 organizations from every region of the country, representing the agriculture, finance, retail/consumer, service, health, and labour sectors of the Canadian economy.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $34 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 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators