The Co-operators Prepares to Expand in Quebec

MONTREAL, Sept. 5, 2007 – The Co-operators has announced that it is preparing for significant expansion in the province of Quebec. Today, 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. In his newly created role, Martin-Eric will coordinate the Quebec orientations of all subsidiaries in the group of companies, with the goal of building The Co-operators brand and increasing its market share by using the strengths of all our resources and organizations based in the province.

“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. “I am very pleased that Martin-Eric has agreed to relocate to Montreal to take on this important challenge.”

With exceptional knowledge and experience with the Quebec market, Martin-Eric will lead the development and implementation of a Quebec growth strategy that will result in increased sales both through Quebec’s broker network and direct distribution. Serving the province’s thriving co-operative sector, including our six Quebec member organizations with operations within the province, will clearly become a focus for all of subsidiaries.

“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. “Our organization is eager to take the next step toward realizing our vision of being where Canadians are, with the financial products and services they need, when they need them, however they wish to buy them – particularly when it comes to serving Quebecers.”

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators is a 100% Canadian-owned group of companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products and property development. With assets of $7 billion, The Co-operators Group is a co-operative owned by 37 Canadian co-ops, credit unions and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. www.cooperators.ca.

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