September 5, 2007

The Co-operators has announced that it is preparing to expand in Quebec.

The co-operative financial services organization announced the appointment of Martin-Eric Tremblay as Senior Vice-President, Co-operators Group Ltd. and President, Quebec Operations. He will be responsible for developing and implementing a Quebec growth strategy for the group of companies that will include increased sales through the broker network, the introduction of Co-operators insurance agents, and new product and service offerings in the province.

The Co-operators group of companies is known in Quebec through its subsidiary companies L'UNION CANADIENNE, The Sovereign General and COSECO, which offer home, auto, commercial and group insurance.

In the coming weeks The Co-operators will also begin offering travel insurance in Quebec through its subsidiary TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators, and will subsequently resume sales of life & health insurance.

"We are firmly committed to long-term sustainable growth in Quebec, which is a unique market in Canada. To do so successfully, we felt it was best to delegate decision-making authority so that it is ideally suited to the Quebec market," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators.

"Over the next several years, we will take a steady and deliberate approach to increase sales through our broker partners and other distribution channels," said Martin-Eric Tremblay.