GUELPH, ON, June 8, 2011 /CNW/ - The Co-operators has been ranked #1 among the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, as announced today by Corporate Knights.  Corporate Knights is an organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible business practices in Canada and the advancement of social and environmental sustainability worldwide.

Corporate Knights' annual ranking is based on environmental, social and governance indicators found in the public domain. Specific indicators include the health and quality of an employer's pension plan, the diversity of its board of directors, executive remuneration, transparency in Global Reporting Initiatives, use of resources, and board-level oversight of sustainability issues, among other criteria.

"We are honoured to be named the 2011 top corporate citizen in Canada," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "Making a positive contribution to Canadian communities is priority of ours, as it is for co-operatives across the country and around the world. We are proud of our track record and the recognition we've received, but more importantly we're looking forward to improving our performance and making greater contributions in the years ahead."

For the second year in a row, Canadian co-operatives ranked highly on the list. As a co-operative, The Co-operators adheres to international principles, which include democratic member control and concern for community.

The Co-operators has worked hard over the past few years to imbed sustainability into its own operations. Increasingly, guided by a sustainability policy and strategy, it is seeking to promote sustainable behaviour among its stakeholders, and strives to be a catalyst for a more sustainable society.

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 listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.