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    ​We’re working to become a federal credit union

    Learn what it means to be a federal credit union including benefits and risks, voting details and the proposed bylaws at keepgrowing.ca.    

    WHY CHOOSE US

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    It’s worth it, to all of us.​​

    We are a financial cooperative.

    You may have heard of cooperatives. Some of them sell sporting goods, some of them sell groceries or fuel. All of them are about people achieving more together than they can on their own. As a financial cooperative, we’re like that too. 

    ​​When you join our credit union you are a member, not a customer, and that makes all the difference. Our members are our owners and have an equal say in how our credit union operates, no matter their balance. ​​

    Our members empower us to put people before profits and work in their true interests. By providing world-class banking services, the best financial advice in Canada and an approach that centres around our members, we simplify lives, helping members and communities thrive.​​

    grandpa and grandson building a model airplane


    What does this mean for your financial wellbeing? 

    ​It’s simple. Your goals are our goals. We grow when you grow. It’s a partnership, not a transaction.


    YOU​

    Our expert financial advice focuses on your evolving financial needs, not making short-term profits for faraway shareholders.

    YOUR MONEY

    ​Our profits are reinvested into our membership through free day-to-day banking, low-fee business accounts and great rates.

    YOUR COMMUNITY​

    Enjoy competitive returns knowing your deposits help us support organizations that strengthen your local businesses and community.

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    THE ADVANTAGES OF BANKING WITH US


    MEMBER-OWNED AND RUN

    Members vote for directors at board elections, giving you a say in how our credit union operates.

    TRUSTED ADVICE

    Expert financial advice and local decision making to meet your financial needs as they evolve.

    KEEP MORE MONEY IN YOUR WALLET

    Free day-to-day personal banking including free Interac e-Transfer®.

    ANYWHERE, ANYTIME BANKING

    24/7 secure online and mobile app banking.

    BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

    We partner with local organizations to create good things in our communities.

    100% DEPOSIT GUARANTEE

    Your deposits are 100% protected up to any amount by the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

    Become a member

    Reach your financial goals and strengthen your community – that’s banking with purpose. Discover the benefits of belonging to a financial cooperative. Open a Simply Free Account® today or call 1-888-597-1083 to get started.

    OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT

    Become a business member

    Whether you’re a small business starting out or a large established operation, we have the right products, services and advice for you. Let us help you reach new levels of success. 

    LEARN MORE


    †The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, a statutory corporation, fully guarantees all BC credit union deposits. Credit Union equity shares and investments such as mutual funds or RSP equity plans are not covered by deposit insurance.

    Members of First West Credit Union will vote between November 1, 2021 and November 21, 2021 on whether to authorize First West to apply to become a federal credit union under the Bank Act. If First West becomes a federal credit union, it will automatically become a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) and Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia deposit insurance will no longer apply. See attached Notice for further detail on what this change means to your deposits with First West.

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    “Since 1951 the team at Island Savings has been helping local families and businesses succeed through a cooperative approach to banking that keeps resources right here in our communities. We help our members thrive by providing expert financial advice, market-leading digital services and remarkable relationship-based experiences. Our members can bank when, where and how they want. Giving back to our communities is also a key part of who we are—we’re proud partners with many local community organizations and causes, and together we’re making Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands an even better place to live, work and play.”


    Kendall Gross, President

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    ​Island Savings in the community

    Our Make a Difference Days encourage employees to volunteer in their communities with local non-profit agencies.  We're boots on the ground, supporting a wide variety of community projects.  Since 2007, we've taken part in 597 projects and served 10,936 hours.

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    ​Our commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity

    Island Savings' foundational values demand that we, as an organization, actively strive for equity, inclusion and diversity. We believe in cultivating an environment in which every employee, member and community partner—both present and future—is valued for their uniqueness and is empowered to thrive.

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    We believe in the power of partnership, working together to achieve social impact and make a difference in our communities.


    Community Partnerships

    Through our partnership with the First West Foundation, ​$1,333,565 has been granted from the foundation’s 16 endowments and charitable giving campaigns in 2020.

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    Do Some Good

    Our employees spent 2,102 hours helping those in need and building our local communities in 2020.

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    The Full Cupboard

    We are on a mission to raise food, funds and awareness for our local food banks. In 2020 alone, we provided over 290,000 meals through our Signature Cause, The Full Cupboard.

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    WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

    Everything is easier with a little help.

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    First West Credit Union