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Same faces.
More places.

Growing together, serving you better.

2025 marks the start of a new year together as Northern Credit Union.

Making a Difference in People’s Lives

January 1, 2025, marks the official start of a new future for our organization and the beginning of something bigger—a cultural and operational transformation aimed at advancing our purpose of Making a Difference in People’s Lives.

Together, we work together to empower individuals to achieve their dreams and build stronger, more prosperous futures.

We are positioned with 29 branches strong, from the Manitoba to Quebec border, - to exceed member expectations, drive growth, and reinvest in our, member, employees and communities.

We can’t wait to share this future with you.

Read Full Press Release

Here we go!

Over the next 18 months, we will set the stage to deliver on our promises to our members and communities:

Members
Can Look Forward To:

  • Modern technology, innovative products, services, and tools designed to meet your evolving needs.
  • Greater access to expertise and knowledge.
  • Expanded branch network and tools to bank where, when, and how you want.

Local Communities
Can Look Forward To:

  • Greater ability to invest and foster meaningful connections and contribute to our economies.
  • More opportunities to contribute time and money to the communities and causes that matter most to our members.
  • Increased capacity to serve larger businesses allowing for stronger financial service needs met by a local credit union.

Three-Part Approach:

We will accomplish this by:

Building
and Listening

to member insights to shape strategic growth and deliver impactful, member-centric improvements.

Building
Digitized Solutions

that elevate banking for members empowering them through seamless interaction, innovative products, services, and financial advice.

Developing
High-Performing Teams

equipped with the skills and knowledge to better support you, our valued member.

The Roadmap

A 12-18 Month Journey

We’re on an exciting 12–18-month journey to create an even greater member experience. Some changes will be seen right away, and others will roll out later in the process. We appreciate your patience. It takes time to build something truly spectacular. For now, here’s what to expect:

1. Legal Unification

January 1, 2025

Establishing a unified legal foundation to strengthen our organization, setting the stage for a cohesive experience across all branches.

2. Integrated Systems

12-18 Months

Ability for members to conduct business effortlessly and with a consistent experience across all delivery channels and at any branch.

3. Enhanced Member Engagement

New opportunities for members to share feedback and participate in shaping their experience. This takes a personalized approach to designing unique solutions tailored with you in mind. Our goal is to create a win-win result for both our members and our organization.

How We Got Here

Northern Credit Union is dedicated to making a difference in people's lives. Our work transforms communities—helping people achieve their dreams and build stronger, more prosperous futures. We take pride in being a modern, conversational credit union that specializes in understanding our members' needs and providing them with trusted advice to move their lives forward. As a full-service, locally operated financial institution, our personal and business banking supports 88,000 members across 29 branches from the Manitoba border to the Quebec border. Our member and the communities we serve is the foundation of our credit union.

Northern Credit Union offers a wide range of financial solutions, from personal and business banking to financial planning expertise, all designed with one goal in mind, to help our members achieve their financial aspirations. With deep local knowledge and a personalized, member-first approach, we are here to provide the tools and support needed to move your financial life forward.

Our core purpose, "Making a difference in people's lives", reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting our members and communities. Whether through expert advice, tailored financial solutions, or community initiatives, we aim to create lasting value and empower our members to succeed.

Together, as one unified credit union, we will continue to build on our strong foundation, delivering financial services with integrity, respect, and a focus on the well-being of every individual we serve.

Amalgamation Agreement

The Amalgamation Agreement is a legal document outlining terms and conditions for the merger of Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union into a single entity. It addresses rights and responsibilities, treatment of financial assets, governance structure, operational details, and other provisions essential for successful integration.

View the Complete Agreement

Member Guide

In this guide, explore the various benefits that this merger will bring to members, employees, communities, and the credit union system. By doing so, you will develop confidence in recognizing why this amalgamation is indeed advantageous for our members, employees, and the communities we serve.

Download the Member Guide

88,449
Members

2.469 Billion
in Assets

29
Branches

Benefits

For Members

Increased ability to invest in new technology, innovative products and services, and tools to meet evolving needs.

Greater access to expertise and knowledge to solve unique needs.

Larger employee base that is dedicated to understanding needs and finding solutions to match.

Expanded branch network to bank where, when, how you want.


For Team Members

New career opportunities and specialized roles with greater professional development across a broader network.

A culture that builds on our combined strengths.

Access to additional skill sets and expertise.

Additional tools and resources that support a healthy work-life balance.


For Communities

Increased ability to support the communities in Northern Ontario.

Greater ability to invest and foster meaningful connections and contribute to our economies.

More opportunities to contribute time and money to the communities and causes that matter to our members.

Increased capacity to serve larger businesses allowing for stronger financial service needs met by a local credit union.

“In the short term, our focus is on ensuring stability and consistency for our members as we continue operating as usual,” said Dennis Alvestad, “And while we do that,” added Richard Adam, “we’re excited to plan the integration of our operations and look forward to uniting our organizations as quickly as possible, so members can start experiencing the full benefits of our combined strengths.”
— Dennis Alvestad and Richard Adam, Co-CEOs of Northern Credit Union.

Our Leadership

Executive Leadership

Richard Adam

Co-CEO

Dennis Alvestad

Co-CEO

Abid Khawaja

Leader, Credit Risk

Allison Kasper

Leader, Strategic Integration

Brandy Heikoop

Leader, People & Culture

Kris Mork

Leader, Operations and Continuous Improvement

Liisa Woolley

Leader, Strategic Initiatives

Marry Gunaratnam

Leader, Information Technology

Matt Hitchens

Leader, Finance

Steve Marquis

Leader, Member Experience

Tammy Buchanan

Leader, Risk

Board of Directors

  • Amber Aird-Williams
  • Cameron Ross
  • Chris Thorne
  • Colt German
  • Daniel Mccoy
  • Janet McCutchon
  • Kevin Squissato
  • Max Liedke
  • Piyush Shukla
  • Rejean St-Amour
  • Robert Jankovic
  • Suzanne Klatt

CEO Coffee Talks

Will the merger affect members day to day banking?

In this video, we aim to provide members with clarity on the potential impact of our merger on their daily banking experience, touching on possible service disruptions, and reassurance that keeping their banking experience smooth remains a top priority, while inviting members with concerns to reach out for personalized assistance.

How will this impact the staff at Copperfin and Northern?

Learn the significant benefits of the merger for our valued team members, including opportunities for professional growth and development, the creation of more specialized positions, expansion of roles, collaboration, and fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.

News & Updates

Date Catagory Title Description
2025-01-01 Press Release Copperfin and Northern Partner to Shape a Stronger Future for Communities Across the Province. Effective January 1, 2025, Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union have officially merged. The new entity will continue under the name Northern Credit Union, bringing tremendous opportunity to “Northern” communities. The vision for this merger aims to harness the combined strengths of both organizations to create a technology-supported, forward-thinking entity that resonates with the ever-changing demands of our current and future members.
2024-06-24 Press Release Members Support a Future Forward Together for Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union will operate as one entity. Today, the credit unions are excited to announce the conclusion of the voting process regarding their proposed merger, expected to create a more diversified and robust entity capable of delivering enhanced value to members, employees, and communities.
2024-05-29 Press Release Calling all Members to Vote on a Merger for A Stronger Future. In an important milestone following thorough due diligence, Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union are preparing for a significant merger, having obtained approval from regulators. This merger is set to enhance technology, broaden the spectrum of products, bolster financial stability, and fortify commitments to members and local communities in the north.
2024-03-11 Press Release Copperfin Credit Union and Northern Credit Union Advance Merger Discussions with Completion of Due Diligence. Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union, two leading financial institutions, are pleased to announce the successful completion of the due diligence phase in their ongoing merger discussions. Demonstrating a commitment to transparency and collaborative decision-making, they are presently engaged in formulating a thorough business case for regulatory approval, paving the way for a member vote to finalize this transformative merger.
2023-08-09 Press Release Partnership Opportunity Update In February, the Boards of Directors through the Joint Partnership Committee of Northern Credit Union, Copperfin Credit Union and WFCU Credit Union engaged in exploratory conversations to determine the potential of a three-partner merger.
2023-02-27 Press Release Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit Union Look to Unite the North. Northern Credit Union and Copperfin Credit have formed a Joint Partnership Committee of their Boards of Directors to explore opportunities to bring their organizations together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our main goal, while we work to bring our organizations together, is to minimize the impact on our members. At first, you will notice very little change to your day-to-day banking experience. The most noticeable changes you will see is the transition to the name Northern Credit Union for our legacy Copperfin members, which will begin to evolve from day one.

On day one, members will see minimal immediate changes as we work to ensure a smooth transition. Our priority is to keep the experience seamless by maintaining familiar systems and processes while we align our operations behind the scenes. As we integrate our systems over time, we’ll provide advance notice of any changes that may affect you.

There will be no immediate changes to your banking relationship as a member of either Northern or legacy Copperfin. As we bring our organizations together, changes will be introduced gradually. Rest assured; you will receive timely communication well in advance of any updates that may affect you.

During the transition period, our contact centres will be fully operational to support our members. However, please be aware that service support between the credit unions will be limited. For the best experience, legacy Copperfin members are encouraged to call (877) 202-5722 and legacy Northern members should call [Insert Number]. Hours of operation at both the Member Support Centre and the True North Hub will remain unchanged.

Our current branch operating hours will remain the same at this time. Should any adjustments become necessary in the future, we’ll communicate them to you well in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

There will be no immediate changes. As we work to bring our organizations together, some adjustments may occur over time. Rest assured; we will communicate any changes that may impact you well in advance.

We are actively working to integrate our organizations, a process we anticipate will take 12-18 months to complete. Once our systems are fully aligned, members will be able to conduct business seamlessly across both locations.

There will be no immediate changes. As we work to bring our organizations together, some adjustments may occur over time. Rest assured; we will communicate any changes that may impact you well in advance.

ATM services will remain unchanged. As part of the exchange network, members can access all Northern and legacy Copperfin ATM’s as well Access cash surcharge-free at over 4,500 ATMs across Canada and via the ACCEL® or Cirrus® networks abroad.

This transition does not affect the terms or conditions of your accounts, loans, or other financial services you currently hold with our organization. Your member agreements, including rates, fees, and terms remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated.  

This transition does not affect the terms or conditions of your accounts, loans, or other financial services you currently hold with our organization. Your member agreements, including rates, fees, and terms remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated.

In the short term, both credit unions will continue to operate as they have been while we diligently plan the integration of our operations. Over time, you may notice some changes to your banking experience, including products and services.

If you encounter any issues after January 1, 2025, please reach out to us right away. Our contact centres will be fully available to assist you, and our teams are ready to support a smooth transition. Whether you’re a legacy Northern or Copperfin member, don’t hesitate to call your usual support line, and we’ll work quickly to resolve any concerns. We’re here to make this transition as seamless as possible for you!

We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve across the North and engage in opportunities that build stronger partnerships and create meaningful impact in the communities we work and live in. Today, both organizations believe that when our communities thrive, we all benefit.  From over $200,000 dollars to fighting food insecurity; to paid time off to support our employees in their volunteer efforts, we already play an active role in making our communities better.   As we grow through this merger, we're excited about the increased opportunities to give back and support local community initiatives.

We recognize the vital role our employees play in delivering an exceptional banking experience you have come to value. Their contribution is integral to the success of our business. Our objective is to consistently provide members with highly knowledgeable staff who can offer the solutions they are looking for.

Dennis Alvestad and Richard Adam will collaborate as co-CEOs during this pivotal phase of our organizational journey. The co-CEO leadership model brings diverse perspectives to the table, resulting in well-rounded outcomes that benefit the organization.

Northern’s Board of Directors is comprised of 12 individuals that bring diverse skills and perspectives and represent the many communities we serve. Click here to see the link to our board of directors

Northern's vision centres on putting members at the heart of everything we do, prioritizing your needs, preferences and satisfaction, integrating your viewpoints into all aspects of our business to meet and exceed your expectations.

Starting January 1, 2025, Northern's existing office (280 McNabb Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1Y6) will be the registered office for the new credit union. This is for legal purposes only and will not affect the locations where Copperfin or Northern employees will work.

Rest assured that there will not be any immediate impact on your online banking, account fees, or member number. Members will be able to access their existing credit union branch, and online and mobile apps until advised otherwise. There will be a period of time before the two credit unions' technologies can be fully integrated. However, an interim solution is being established to enable members to bank with either credit union. Prior notice will be provided to members of any upcoming changes that affect daily banking. It is important to note that any change is intended to help members take advantage of the larger branch network and capabilities of the newly merged credit union.

Local communities can look forward to:

  • Greater investment and meaningful connections that contribute to our economies.
  • Ongoing contribution of time and financial investment to the communities and causes that matter to our members.
  • Increased capacity to serve larger businesses allowing for stronger financial service needs met by a local credit union.

Contact Us

Transparency, open communication channels and two-way dialogue remain a Northern Credit Union value.
If you have any concerns, questions, or ideas, please let us know.

A New Ontario-Wide (Literally) Branch Network
Serving the Following Communities:

Word cloud map of communities in Ontario with those serviced by Northern and Copperfin Credit Unions indicated
  • Arnprior
  • Barry’s Bay
  • Capreol
  • Chapleau
  • Chesley
  • Deep River
  • Durham
  • Eganville
  • Elliot Lake
  • Englehart
  • Espanola
  • Garson
  • Hornepayne
  • Kenora
  • Kirkland Lake
  • North Bay
  • Pembroke
  • Red Rock
  • Richards Landing
  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Sudbury
  • Thessalon
  • Thunder Bay
  • Timmins
  • Wawa