Do you bank with Community Coastal Credit Union? If you do, congratulate yourself. A credit union is a financial cooperative that is – or could be, if you vote – controlled by its members, for your benefit and the benefit of the wider community. 

As a shareholder, you have the right to vote for CCCU’s Directors – and the 2024 election is happening NOW!

You should have received an email or a letter describing the 8 candidates, who are running for 3 vacancies, and telling you how to vote. You can do so here, until Tuesday August 27th: https://www.cccu.ca

So who should you vote for? All 8 of the candidates bring great experience, and a commitment to cooperative values. You can read their details here.

My choice is three candidates who will work to make CCCU a community leader, encouraging investments that will tackle the climate crisis, build affordable housing, and support local enterprises, education, the arts, and local farming. None of my chosen three candidates have asked for my support – I’m just giving it. They are:

Bruce Batchelor

I have known Bruce for ten years, and I know how committed he is to make CCCU more open, cooperative, and progressive. For years, CCCU had no term limits for its directors. In consequence, it was common for some directors to stay on the Board long past their due date. Bruce ended this by leading the initiative to impose term limits, which won support from 69.5% of CCCU’s members. Yea! The rejuvenation that begins this year is the direct result of Bruce’s work. This is just one reason why I am voting for him. You can read Bruce’s bio here.

Blaise Salmon

I have known Blaise as a friend for thirty years, and throughout these years I have known him to be a committed champion for more kindness and justice to the world. As President of RESULTS Canada and Executive Director of Oikocredit, he championed microlending for disadvantaged people in the global south, and helped establish Vancity Credit Union’s International Community Investment Deposit, enabling members to support international microcredit. As the lected Regional Director for CVRD Area A, he championed protection of the Shawnigan Basin watershed, and represented local governments on the Te’mexw Treaty Association. He will be a wonderful addition to the CCU Board. You can read his bio here.

Graham Bradley

Surprise surprise, I do not know Graham, but my goodness, what a difference he is bringing to life on Gabriola, as a successful farmer, local food activist, President of the Gabriola Chamber of Commerce, and champion of cooperatives. He’s my man! You can read his bio here.