ACU named top Manitoba employer and greenest employer for 2023

More and more Canadians say they want their financial decisions to reflect their values, including those associated with climate change. Employees, too, value working for a company that reflects their personal values.

As a socially responsible co-operative, ACU provides financial services for the wellbeing and resilience of members, communities and the environment—and employees. Our triple-bottom-line of accountability is “people, planet and prosperity.”

But don’t just take our word for it.

In 2023, ACU was been selected by the editors of Canada’s Top Employers as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, for the eighth year in a row, and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 11th year in a row.

ACU selected as a top Manitoba employer

According to Canada100’s editors, ACU was selected as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for many reasons, including the fact that ACU “maintains an emerging leaders committee to support the development and growth of high potential employees and provides mentoring, career planning services and leadership development programs to guide those interested in advancing in their careers.”

Canada100’s editors also pointed to ACU’s generous vacation entitlements and time off for volunteering with charitable causes.

ACU also encourages and empowers employees to take the lead on initiatives that align with our values, including our climate action and environmentally sound policies and practices. The EcoExcellence Committee is one of several employee-led committees within the organization. Employees also lead a Pride Committee, Indigenous Leadership Circle and Black History Committee.

As a financial institution, ACU has committed to providing access to financial services and credit to marginalized individuals, including offering unique services to new Canadians, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.

ACU named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers

ACU continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This recognition, according to the editors of Canada’s Top Employers, is largely because ACU and its employees “continue to find ways to reduce waste and enhance recycling initiatives, from employee-led organic composting programs at the head office and electronic waste recycling (in partnership with Indigenous-owned Mother Earth Recycling) to aggressive paper reduction and recycling programs.” 

An emissions reduction strategy at ACU monitors and addresses all organizational aspects of environmental efficiency, including natural gas offsets, electricity consumption, waste generation, business travel reductions and alternative energy use.

“A commitment to sustainable business practices applies to every operational unit, our activities in the community and our relationship with employees,” explains ACU President & CEO Kevin Sitka. 

Commuting also continues to play a big role in ACU’s green strategy. Since 2009, ACU has been surveying employees about their commuting habits. ACU encourages employees to reduce their carbon footprint with subsidized bus passes, support for a carpool matching service and the addition of showers and lockers at new branches for those who choose to run or cycle to work. ACU participates annually in Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge.

Thanks to employee efforts and the work of the EcoExcellence Committee, ACU cut its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% over the past 15 years—even as its employee base and membership has grown. As a result, ACU is the first credit union in Manitoba to achieve carbon neutrality. It’s also the only Manitoba financial institution that’s a Certified B Corporation.

---

Becoming a Best for the World^TM B Corp. 

As a Certified B Corp, ACU joins 5,000 businesses worldwide—spanning 80 nations—that are leading a global movement of using business as a force for good. B Corp organizations meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. 

Learn more about ACU’s full B Corp assessment in the Impact Report. 

Each year, top-performing B Corp organizations are recognized as Best for the World. These organizations are amongst the top 5% in their corresponding size group in five impact areas: community, customers, environment, governance and workers.

ACU was recognized as Best for the World in 2022 for its “exceptional impact” in three impact areas: community, customers and governance. According to B Lab, ACU is a top performer in contributing to the economic and social well-being of the communities in which it operates; in offering products or services that support the greater good, often focusing on underserved populations; and in achieving a top score in overall mission, ethics, accountability and transparency.

---

Members say they are attracted to ACU because of our values, so we are always looking to involve members in these initiatives.

For example, a new member campaign resulted in a $20,000 donation in 2022 to Trees Winnipeg’s ReLeaf Program. And we’re repeating the program in 2023, which means that each time a new member joins ACU, a donation is made by ACU on their behalf. The funds are helping to restore the urban tree canopy, particularly in less affluent areas of the city.

By continually reinforcing our values, ACU creates an atmosphere of freedom, safety, belonging and education. We appreciate the recognition of the good things that happen when ACU puts these values into action. 

If you’re looking to align your financial choices with an ethically driven organization, our ACU financial advisors are ready to help. Book an appointment today!