GUELPH, ON, Dec. 28 /CNW/ - The 2008 "50 Best Employers in Canada" list
was published today by international human resources firm Hewitt Associates,
and for the fifth consecutive year it includes representation from The
Co-operators group of companies. The Co-operators, based in Guelph, Ontario,
is ranked at No. 13 up from No. 20 last year, and subsidiary L'UNION
CANADIENNE of Sillery, Quebec is ranked No. 39. The list is published in the
January edition of the Globe and Mail's Report on Business magazine.
    The list is compiled annually by Hewitt Associates, using results of
confidential employee surveys. The surveys gauge "employee engagement," which
the firm describes as a measurement of employees' willingness to speak
positively about their employer; their desire to work there; and the extra
effort they are willing to exert to ensure the success of the company.
Employers with high engagement scores are better able to attract and retain
employees, and their staff members are committed to achieving corporate goals.
    "This list is important to us because the rankings are based largely on
feedback from employees. Our rankings demonstrate that our staff members
embrace the organization's values and are proud to work for The Co-operators
group of companies," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The
Co-operators. "As an organization we try to support our staff not just as
employees, but as people with families and responsibilities outside of work.
At the same time, we make every effort to challenge our employees and provide
real opportunities for growth and development."

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering a full range of insurance protection and financial security
products. Owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit unions and
like-minded organizations, the group of companies has assets exceeding $7
billion. A member of the Imagine group of companies, The Co-operators is well
known for its philanthropy and community involvement.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators,
1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707