February 15, 2007
Three Canadian credit union organizations have made the list of the 50 Best Employers in Canada.  The eighth annual survey is conducted by the Globe and Mail’s Report of Business Magazine and Hewitt Associates, a leading global human resources outsourcing and consulting firm. 

Envision Financial of Langley, BC placed seventh, Coast Capital Savings of Surrey, BC, appeared in 17th, and Conexus of Regina finished in 48th.  All three credit unions made the list the previous year.  Coast Capital Savings made the most significant jump from its 39th place finish the previous year.

The list is based primarily on employee opinion.  Neil Crawford, leader of Hewitt’s Best Employers in Canada study identifies employee engagement as the leading factor in an organization’s ability to retain staff.  “Engaged employees are emotionally committed to their employers.  It’s a relationship that goes beyond the contractual obligation to show up for work in exchange for pay and benefits.  Engaged employees are committed on many levels which ensures their organization remains successful.”

Nearly 130 organizations took part in the survey.  More than 100,000 employees, 2,000 leaders, and 100 HR professionals completed the survey.

Spectra Credit Union, based in Estevan, SK, also made the list of 20 Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada in a separate study conducted by Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing at Queen’s School of Business in conjunction with Hewitt Associates, which is a global human resources services company. This survey is for organizations with between 50 and 399 employees.

In addition, Coast Capital, Servus Credit Union in Edmonton and Concentra Financial based in Saskatoon, made a list of the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada. This survey is reported in the National Post.

Established in 1993, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies recognizes excellence in Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post, and Queen's School of Business.