Investors-Aid Co-operative of Canada is just one of over 10,000 co-operatives and credit unions providing products and services to over 10 million Canadians.

Like all co-operatives, we are an organization owned by our members. Co-operatives can provide virtually any product or service, and can be either a non-profit or for-profit enterprise.

Co-operatives exist in every sector of the economy and can touch every aspect of our lives. There are health care, funeral, workers’, housing, retail, child care, and financial co-ops (credit unions). And now there is Canada’s first co-operative for investors.

We provide a distinct values-based, member-owned and controlled alternative.

Like co-ops the world over, Investors-Aid is guided by 7 principles:

1.    Voluntary and open membership

2.    Democratic member control

3.    Member economic participation

4.    Autonomy and independence

5.    Education, training, and information

6.    Co-operation among co-operatives

7.    Concern for community

Mission Statement

To provide members education, publications, online tools, and discounts that help ensure low investment costs and fair returns to its members.

Profit-sharing

All members will participate in the Co-op’s success through dividends and/or credits.

Who we are

Board

Garth Rustand, BA (AppSc), CIM, FCSI. Executive Director

20 years experience in the investment industry, first as an advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy and then as founder of the Investors-Aid Co-operative of Canada. He has a BA(AppSc) from SFU, the Canadian Investment Manager's Designation (CIM); and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).

Gerald Yung, MBA, CFA Director

President & Portfolio Manager of Claremont Advisors Ltd. Over 18 years experience in the investment industry first as a research analyst and then as a portfolio manager specializing in emerging markets.

Steve Middleton, C.Tech. Director

25 years engineering experience, most recently in construction supervision and management, Steve brings an analytical approach to investments and a keen interest in technology.

Tony Dobson, M Ed Director

A retired teacher with 23 years experience and Masters of Education. He continues to work with a software company providing educational services and products for educational institutions.

Advisory Board

John Doyle CFP, FMA, CIM, FCSI Investment Advisor, Richmond, B.C.

Dave Malcolm BCIT instructor (retired) School of Business, Burnaby, B.C.

Jeff Rustand LLB Canadian Constitution Foundation, Vancouver, B.C.

Michele Tao CA/CPA Claremont Advisors, Victoria, B.C.

Debby Wetmore MBA CA Consultant Saltspring Island, BC

We would also like acknowledge the kind support of the BC Co-operative Association.

Staff : Jeff Roberts

Committees (to come)

Supporting Groups who put on our courses and use our publications:

BC Institute of Technology
Capilano College
Vancouver School Board
Burnaby School Board
Certified General Accountants of B.C.
BDO Dunwoody Chartered Accountants
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta

FAQs

Who owns the Co-op?
The coop is owned by all of is members who also receive back a share of profits after expenses have been paid. Members also direct the broader activities of the Co-op by voting on key issues.

Why can’t I get all this information from my advisor?
Because of their compensation system, advisors and the firms they work for tend to recommend high cost products and strategies. Information on the best, low cost solutions for consumers is usually unavailable.

What is the quickest way to find out about all the Co-op products and services?
Take the website tour and then do the Investor Report Card Questionnaire.

Can I get help with investment & administrative questions?
Yes. Go to the Member to Member blog under contact to ask those questions.

Can the Co-op help me in a dispute with an investment firm?
No, but we can direct you to individuals or organizations who can.

Inv Co-op Rules reg

Glossary

Fair Practices

2009_Agenda_for_AGM

Exec_Dir_Report

Inv_Aid_2009_Financials