TORONTO (1/28/16)--A new national credit union trade association has been formed in Canada. The Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) was created to represent Canada’s credit unions and caisses populaires outside of Quebec.

The CCUA was formed through the transfer of assets from the former Credit Union Central of Canada.

The new association’s mandate and priorities are focused on: national advocacy, regulatory compliance, professional development and education, and building awareness about the credit union difference.

The CCUA is owned and directed by its members--316 credit unions and caisses populaires with more than $185.7 billion in assets. These credit unions and caisses populaires serve nearly 5.6 million members from more than 1,817 locations across Canada; are governed by more than 2,800 volunteer directors; and employ more than 28,500 Canadians.

The CCUA is governed by an elected board of credit union CEOs from across the country, and chaired by Stephen Bolton, president/CEO of Libro CU, London, Ontario.