GATINEAU, QC, June 5 /CNW/ - This month, The Co-operators is beginning a
new chapter in its history as the first two Co-operators representatives in
the province of Quebec will open their doors. One office will open for
business in Aylmer on June 9, with the second opening in Gatineau one week
later, on June 15.
    "This is a milestone in our Quebec growth strategy, the implementation of
which will increase our presence and grow The Co-operators brand in la belle
province," said Martin-Eric Tremblay, Senior Vice-President, Co-operators
Group Ltd. and President, Quebec Operations. "We're very enthusiastic about
our prospects in Quebec, and look forward to introducing many more
Co-operators representatives who will both serve this important market and
contribute to the health and vitality of their communities."
    The Co-operators currently has 480 exclusive agents providing insurance
and financial services in 383 communities throughout Canada's other nine
provinces. In Quebec, The Co-operators group of companies is best known
through its insurance subsidiaries L'Union Canadienne, The Sovereign General,
TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators and COSECO, as well as investment management
firm Addenda Capital. These companies offer products and services through
their established distribution networks, which include Quebec's brokerage
community and contact centres.
    Soon, the blue and white Co-operators signs, so familiar in the rest of
Canada, will be on display at these two locations in Gatineau. Inside them,
Co-operators representatives will offer a wide variety of insurance products
and financial services for local individuals and their families.
    The Co-operators plans to increase sales in Quebec through all its
distribution channels - brokers, group plans, call centres and the internet -
as well as introduce additional new Co-operators representatives in the
province in the years ahead. The Co-operators is a co-operative and a leading
Canadian-owned multi-product insurance company.

    About The Co-operators:

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm
insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a
100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with assets of more than $7 billion.
It is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and
like-minded organizations. The Co-operators is well known for its community
involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Frank Bomben, The Co-operators, (519) 767-3055