Keystone Agricultural Producers Joins The Co-operators Membership

GUELPH, ON, Dec. 14, 2006 – The Co-operators Group Ltd. has expanded its membership, welcoming Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) of Manitoba. On December 1, The Co-operators board of directors approved KAP’s application, expanding to 34 the number of Canadian organizations that are member-owners of the group of companies.

Incorporated in 1984, KAP is a democratically-controlled general farm organization that represents and promotes the interests of Manitoba’s agricultural producers. The not-for-profit organization has 5,000 members representing 7,000 farm families. Its mission is to be an effective, democratic policy organization that promotes the social, economic and physical well-being of all Manitoba agricultural producers.

“We’re very proud to become a member of The Co-operators, a leader in the co-operative movement as well as the financial services industry,” said David Rolfe, KAP president. “We’re looking forward to being part of a co-operative with such a rich heritage and a track record as a strong, vibrant organization that makes real contributions to Canadian communities.”

The Co-operators is the leading Canadian-owned insurance company, a co-operative owned by 34 Canadian co-operative, credit unions and like-minded organizations. A co-operative is an organization owned and democratically controlled by members who use its services.

“The Co-operators has strong agricultural roots, having been established by a group of Saskatchewan farmers more than sixty years ago,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “The addition of Keystone Agricultural Producers builds upon that heritage, and brings another democratically-controlled organization to the governance table of The Co-operators.”

About The Co-operators:

Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies offering home, auto, life, group, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products and property development. With assets of more than $6.5 billion, The Co-operators is owned by 34 Canadian co-operatives, credit unions and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its philanthropy and community involvement, and is listed in Report on Business among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. www.cooperators.ca