One of Assiniboine Credit Union on McGregor St. at College Ave. branch

Celebrating Assiniboine Credit Union’s commitment to the community and our environment

Assiniboine Credit Union uses business as a force for good

In June 2020, Manitoba-based Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) achieved a B Corp Certification with the sixth-highest assessment score in the world. The credit union’s B Corp score is also the highest ever recorded in Canada, making them the nation’s best company at using the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

ACU achieved the impressive B Corp Certification score based on the credit union meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, employee well-being, community investment, local economic impact, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. According to the B Corp criteria, it is one of the only certifications in the world that is not only for a product or service but also for the whole business behind the product or service.

Kevin Sitka, the chief executive officer of ACU, said, “In true Manitoba/Canadian humility we did not spend a lot of time looking at where we ranked nationally or globally. We were pleasantly surprised. But we are a mission-driven organization. It’s something we spend a lot of time and effort on and we’re really busy doing the work that goes along with that.”

With its stated goals of reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, creation of high-quality jobs that include dignity and purpose, it is hard to argue with the benefits (the “B” in B Corp) that infers.

The idea is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.

That means the traditional business bottom line — profits — also must be there. It will not help the process if too many of ACU’s loans default or Frontiers North offers accommodations and tour packages that no one wants to patronize.

“The more attention we can bring to that within our communities and with our own economy locally, the better it will be for all of us,” said Sitka. “We are very much of the belief we need to be the change we seek.”

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