Statement on Fair Treatment of Consumers

The Co-operators group of companies¹ is committed to the fair treatment of consumers. This is embedded in the organization’s co-operative values, culture, and ethics. We make decisions based first and foremost on the total value it will bring to our members, clients, and their communities.

At The Co-operators, we value integrity, treating our members and clients with respect, supporting our employees, giving life to co-operative principles and values, and balancing our economic goals with concern for the environment and the welfare of Canadians. Our clients are at the core of our business and the forefront of our strategy and service.

We believe the world is a better place when we take care of the things that matter whilst acting ethically, fairly and responsibly. As an insurer and financial services provider instilled with co-operative values, we believe we have a responsibility to help build stronger, safer communities. Making people a priority and taking a long-term view of business decisions makes The Co-operators fundamentally different from most financial services companies. This means developing and promoting products that are suited for our clients and the communities we serve.

We make it our business to identify and meet the needs of consumers and our clients. A changing climate, shifting demographics, disruptive technologies and more are leading to new, unmet needs. Guided by our co-operative principles, we remain focused on keeping ahead of the industry on issues that are threatening financial security and peace of mind by developing responsive products and services aligned with our commitment to fair treatment of consumers.

In support of our commitment to treating consumers fairly, we aim:

1. To design, develop and deliver products that are suited to consumer needs
   The Co-operators is dedicated to designing, developing, and delivering products that meet the needs and expectations of the consumers we aim to serve. We administer our products through appropriate and suitable distribution channels and engage in ongoing communication and monitoring activities to ensure our products and services continue to meet the needs of consumers in the marketplace over time.
2. To enable our professionals to deliver the standard of service our clients have been promised
   Our professionals are enabled to provide accurate and reliable service that meet the needs of our clients through our distribution channels. The Co-operators is committed to offering representatives tools and training to support their servicing of clients, identifying suitable products and accurately articulating their benefits and limitations as well as managing identified conflicts of interest.
3. To provide clear, accurate and sufficient information enabling consumers to make informed decisions
   Our professionals are committed to promoting products in a manner that is clear, fair, and not misleading. Our approach is to use plain language wherever possible and to clearly explain jargon or industry terms that may otherwise be unclear. If there is a potential risk that a product could adversely affect a consumer based on their circumstances, they are encouraged to seek professional advice.
4. To deliver ongoing, regular, and clear information and advice to our clients throughout the product lifecycle
   Our professionals endeavour to provide clients with personalized advice and only offer products that are suited to their needs following consideration of their circumstances, financial knowledge, and risk profile. Over the course of the relationship and lifecycle of our products, our professionals are enabled to assist our clients, draw their attention to beneficial options, and verify continued product suitability.
5. To handle claims diligently through an accessible process and be responsive to complaints and concerns
   The Co-operators aims to provide the best possible client experience and is committed to handling claims and complaints in a timely and fair manner that respects the dignity and accessibility needs of our clients. We will ensure that the steps of our claims and complaint handling processes are clearly communicated and that clients are informed about our usual time frames for claim settlement and complaint resolution.
6. To prioritize the security and protection of the personal information of our clients
   The Co-operators will continue to enforce a rigorous commitment to the privacy and protection of personal information entrusted to us by our clients. In support of this responsibility, we maintain appropriate policies and procedures for the protection and use of client information, develop security controls aligned with current and emerging practices and monitor security safeguards.

At The Co-operators, our entire team is trained to handle consumer inquiries, compliments, or complaints in a professional and courteous manner. Our Complaints Handling Procedure outlines the key steps that a client should take in the event they wish to provide us with feedback or bring a concern forward.

¹The Co-operators group of companies includes: Co-operators Financial Investment Services, Co-operators General Insurance Company, Co-operators Life Insurance Company, COSECO Insurance Company, Federated Agencies Limited, HB Group Insurance Management Ltd., CUMIS General Insurance Company, CUMIS Life Insurance Company and The Sovereign General Insurance Company.