For Employees

You Voted Yes! Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy Credit Unions Are Merging!

We are thrilled to announce that the member vote on the recommended merger between Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy Credit Unions has been a resounding success! This pivotal moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our credit unions and the communities we serve!

Effective January 1, 2026, our three credit unions will merge to form a new province-wide credit union.  The new credit union will be governed by an inaugural board that will include twelve directors comprised of six directors from Conexus and three each from Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions.

A successful vote required at least 75% approval from members that cast a vote from each credit union. We are delighted to share the voting results as follows:

  • Conexus: 87.5% in favour
  • Cornerstone: 86.5% in favour
  • Synergy: 88.7% in favour

 

This overwhelming member support confirms the shared vision and commitment to building a stronger, more resilient credit union that remains member-focused and dedicated to a thriving Saskatchewan.

 

Inaugural Board of the new Credit Union

The new credit union will be led by a 12-member inaugural board:

  • 6 directors from Conexus
  • 3 from Cornerstone
  • 3 from Synergy

 

To meet the new Board, view their bios.

A Merger That Puts You First!

Our top priority in this merger is you, our members! Here is what this will mean for you:

Modern digital banking experience.
We will prioritize investment in our digital banking, adding new functionality to deliver an experience that is easy, secure, and offers convenient access.

Branch network.
Our combined network has no overlap, allowing us to be sustainable without closing locations as part of this merger. We will serve Saskatchewan with 57 branch locations in 50 communities - giving you more ways to bank where, when, and how you want.

Competitive with low to no-fee options.
We will offer low to no-fee options that are accessible to all while still offering competitive rates and fees.

Profit-sharing with our members.
 We will share our profits through a modern rewards program - putting money back in our members’ pocket.

Local service and local decision-making.
Your trusted advisors remain local—local people, serving local members. Decision-making will remain rooted in the communities we serve.

Enhanced lending capacity.
We will have increased financial capacity so as your farm or business grows, we will grow with you!

Specialized expertise.
We will expand access to specialized expertise like wealth management, estate services and mobile mortgage specialists.

Personalized service and modern offerings to meet diverse needs.
 Our team will be empowered with the required technology and insights to provide proactive, needs-based advice and solutions tailored to your financial goals.

Our profits stay local.
 Our profits stay local, with 5% of pre-tax earnings reinvested into our local communities further strengthening Saskatchewan. We remain committed to making a positive impact through sponsorships, volunteering and community support.

Committed to employees.
 The merger will create new opportunities for current and future employees. We’re committed to retain engaged team members, invest in career development, explore new growth potential, and be a top employer in Saskatchewan.

About Us

More about the Partner Credit Unions

About Conexus Credit Union

Conexus was established in 1937 as the Regina Co-operative Savings and Credit Union. In 1945, it became the Sherwood Savings and Credit Union and in 2003, Sherwood merged with Moose Jaw and Assiniboia credit unions to form Conexus Credit Union. In 2006, Conexus merged with Prince Albert, Heartland, and Moosomin credit unions, forming Conexus Credit Union 2006.

Today, Conexus manages over $10 billion in assets and has almost 900 employees serving more than 145,000 members across 30 locations in Saskatchewan. Of these members, over 97,700 are digital banking users.

Our commitment to the community remains unwavering, contributing 5% of our pre-tax dollars back into Saskatchewan. We have placed a strategic focus on multi-year partnerships that allowed us to build long lasting relationships and have a bigger impact in key areas such as education, financial literacy, food security, health services, shelter, and capital projects.

About Cultivator powered by Conexus

Cultivator was built to dismantle barriers faced by innovative Saskatchewan startup tech companies. Cultivator is Canada’s first credit union led tech incubator, helping local startups launch, grow and scale their companies. Since launching in 2019, Cultivator has incubated and provided programming, investors, resources, mentorship and space to 180 companies with over $172 million of private capital raised, 57 female-founded companies supported, and approximately 620 jobs created.  Located in Conexus’ head office building in Regina, Cultivator uses 15,000 square feet of the space including working space for founders and teams, a pitch space, and connection to the Darke Hall.

About Conexus Venture Capital Inc.

Conexus Subsidiary

Conexus Venture Capital Inc. was built to fill a funding gap in the local tech ecosystem. In 2017, Saskatchewan startups received less than 0.5 per cent of all venture capital funds deployed across Canada. Knowing our province’s startups were being overlooked, we sought ways to fill this funding gap. Since Conexus Credit Union launched Conexus Venture Capital Inc. in 2019, we have facilitated the investment of $66 million into helping businesses grow, including 13 based right here in the province as a commitment to entrepreneurs and the local economy.

About Thrive Wealth Management

Conexus Subsidiary

Thrive Wealth Management (Thrive) expands our range of services by offering members access to best-in-class wealth management products and services. With a focus on the unique needs and goals of each client, the accredited team of Advisors and Specialists delivers tailored financial guidance with expertise and confidence, managing nearly $3 billion in funds, right here in Saskatchewan. Alongside Conexus, Cornerstone Credit Union plays a pivotal role in Thrive’s success, by working closely with the Thrive team to provide exceptional wealth management services for its members.

Learn More About Conexus ↗

About Cornerstone Credit Union

Cornerstone is the product of many mergers over the years, with the most recent in 2021 with Horizon and Plainsview credit unions. Operating since 1941, we have a long history of supporting the success of our individual members, farmers and small business owners that continue to thrive in our rural communities. We offer solutions to the challenges faced by farmers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and aspiring tech innovators living and operating in the rural areas we serve.

Cornerstone has over $2.7 billion in assets with 15 branches within East-Central Saskatchewan. Cornerstone Credit Union serves over 30,000 members and has an employee base of 280. We have approximately 18,600 of our members that transact with us through digital banking.

Community investment is rooted in our organization and our culture. More than giving back, we aim to help our communities grow. Cornerstone invests approximately 3% of pre-tax profits back into our communities through donations and sponsorships. This total includes funding to Project Cornerstone, our application-based program to fund capital projects of benefit to the community. In addition, our employees logged over 7,120 hours of their own personal time and countless hours of corporate time volunteering for local community groups, organizations and events.

Rural Tech Activation Initiative

Cornerstone looks to serve as a catalyst for new rural tech innovation by seeking out individuals with novel tech ideas and offering them practical assistance in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. In doing so, Cornerstone aims to empower rural innovators with the opportunity to pursue their dreams, while simultaneously creating a thriving rural tech ecosystem.

Cornerstone’s Rural Tech Activation Initiative aims to play a pivotal role in driving ag-tech adoption and implementation throughout Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector through a series of initiatives designed to promote education, collaboration, and access to the resources that farmers and agri-business need to succeed. In doing so, Cornerstone aims to empower our farm communities with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly technological and digital environment.
Cornerstone Credit Union - 2024 Year in Review ↗
Learn More About Cornerstone ↗

About Synergy Credit Union

Synergy Credit Union’s story began back in 1943, when we opened as Lloydminster Savings and Credit Union Ltd. Right from the start, Synergy was built on co-operative values and the seven co-operative principles—values that still set us apart today. These principles give hard-working people more than just a financial institution; they make our members owners, not just customers. We’re committed to putting them first and supporting sustainable growth in the communities we serve.

On January 31, 2007, our members voted to rename us Synergy Credit Union Ltd., reflecting our commitment to working together for a brighter future and better communities.

Today, we’re a member-owned financial institution serving over 27,000 members across west-central Saskatchewan, with 12 branches and more than 18,500 members who regularly use our digital banking services. As the fifth-largest credit union in Saskatchewan, we have 238 employees and manage over $2.8 billion in assets, standing tall among Canada’s leading credit unions.

Community is at our core. We invest 5% of pre-tax dollars back into local communities through our Synergy Shares program, funding carefully selected (capital) projects that make a real difference now and in the future. On top of that, Synergy returns 20% of pre-tax dollars to members through our Profit Shares Program. In 2023, our team logged an impressive 8,382 volunteer hours—a true reflection of our dedication to the communities we serve.

This is Synergy Video ↗
Learn More About Synergy ↗

Locations

Where you can find us.

The new credit union will have branches located throughout Saskatchewan as indicated on the map below. We believe that local credit unions should understand their members and communities better than any other financial institution.

Legend

Synergy

Conexus

Cornerstone

FAQs

Governance and Leadership

Who will govern the new credit union?

The new credit union will continue to be governed by a Board of Directors. The inaugural Board will include 12 Directors selected from the three existing credit union Boards based on experience, skills, competencies and diversity. The new Board will be comprised of:  

  • 6 directors from Conexus
  • 3 from Cornerstone
  • 3 from Synergy
Why are we announcing a new name?

The merger of Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions requires a unified identity. A single name will represent the new organization and support brand consistency across Saskatchewan.

How was the new credit union name selected?

The three Boards decided early on that the new credit union would adopt the name of one of the three partner credit unions. To support this decision, a third-party research firm conducted brand name research to assess the name strength and familiarity across the province that would best serve a provincial credit union.

Where will the registered office be?

Credit unions in Saskatchewan are required to have a registered office in Saskatchewan. The Board of the credit union may change the address of the registered office at any time.

Due to the convenience of its location, Conexus’ current corporate office in Regina will be the registered office to meet the requirements of the Credit Union Act. This office is located at 2375 College Avenue, Regina.

The merged provincial credit union is intended to operate on a distributed basis without a formal “head office,” enabling executives and other employees to continue contributing to the merged credit union without the need to relocate.

What did the research involve?

The research included participants from both member and non-member groups across Saskatchewan, ensuring a balanced representation by age, gender and geographic region. Additional sampling was conducted within the specific trading areas of each credit union to capture localized insights.

Key metrics assessed in the study included:

  • Unprompted name recall
  • Brand familiarity
  • Likelihood of considering the brand for banking
  • Identification of the brand as their primary financial institution
  • Willingness to recommend the brand
  • Overall brand perception
Why was Conexus Credit Union recommended as the name?

The Conexus Credit Union name demonstrated the strongest brand equity both provincially and locally, offering strategic advantages in recognition and future brand-building. All three brands were positively received, and no negative indicators emerged. The recommendation is based solely on relative brand strength.

Who made the final decision?

The final decision on the name for the new credit union was made by the Boards of Directors of Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions. 

Will the logo change?

While the new credit union will carry the name Conexus, the full brand—including the logo, visual identity, and overall look and feel—is still to come. This future brand refresh will thoughtfully reflect the legacy and values of all three founding credit unions: Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy. That work will be part of the broader integration planning process.

When does the new credit union name take effect?

The new name will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.  While the legal name change happens on that date, the transition will be phased in over time. This means you may continue to see the current names on buildings, signs and materials as we work through updates across all locations and platforms.  Prioritizing these changes will be part of the integration planning.

How does the credit union name change affect services?

The new name will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.  While the legal name change happens on that date, the full integration of the three credit unions will be phased in over time. 

The three credit unions will spend the rest of 2025 planning for integration. Any changes related to your account, such as debit cards, account numbers, or online banking services, will be communicated well in advance. Members will see few changes effective January 1, 2026. We are committed to making the full transition as smooth as possible and will support you every step of the way.

Will this merger make the new credit union more Regina-centric?

Conexus is currently a provincial credit union, serving over 145,000 members from Coronach to La Ronge.

We are choosing to work together to ensure we remain strong, competitive, and committed to being a local, community focused credit union serving both today’s members and future Saskatchewan generations.

This new credit union will have 57 branches in 50 communities spanning as far north as La Ronge, south to Coronach and Arcola, east to Moosomin, and then west to Lloydminster. Your trusted advisors remain local—local people, serving local members. Decision-making will remain rooted in the communities we serve

How was the new CEO selected?

To ensure a thorough and impartial selection process, the Boards engaged an independent executive recruitment firm to assist in the CEO selection. Just like the process we followed to select the new credit union’s name, this was a joint decision made by all three Boards—together.

What happens to the other two CEOs?

Both Doug Jones and Trevor Beaton have played important roles in leading their respective credit unions and guiding us through this merger. They will continue in their current roles as CEO until December 31, 2025. No other decisions have been made at this time.

The name is Conexus Credit Union and appointed CEO is also from Conexus. Was this actually a collaboration?

This is a partnership, and we are building something new.  The Boards of Directors from all three credit unions worked collaboratively and equally throughout the process.

When it came to selecting the name and CEO for the new credit union, the Boards used independent third-party assessments to help guide their decisions. After careful consideration, they unanimously agreed on the name Conexus Credit Union and appointed Celina Philpot as CEO—both choices made with the best interests of all members across Saskatchewan in mind.

While the name and CEO come from one of the partner credit unions, the decisions were made with a focus on what would best position the new organization for long-term success.  As we move forward, the three credit unions will continue to work collectively together to build the new credit union.

What is the board composition for the new credit union?

The inaugural Board of Directors of the new credit union will be comprised of directors from each of the existing three credit unions. The new board will consist of six board members from Conexus and three directors from each of Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions. The inaugural Chair and Vice-Chair will be selected during a meeting of the inaugural Board at a future date.  

Who is the new board?

Many of the inaugural Board Members have valuable experience with credit union mergers. Specifically, the Board Members from Cornerstone and Synergy have successfully completed mergers within the last five years.

Additionally, while not specific to credit unions, some Conexus directors have significant experience with business and co-op acquisitions and consolidations. The diverse expertise ensures that the Board is well equipped to navigate the complexities of a merger effectively.

The inaugural Board of Directors consists of the following:

Conexus

Cornerstone

Synergy

Adam Hicks

Ken Kosolofski

Jessica McNaughton

Tim Otitoju

Kathryn Pollack

Pam Skotnitsky

 

Ty Kehrig

Heidi Schofer

Lyle Weichel

 

Melanie Bonnah

Neil Carruthers

Don Wheler

 

Merger Announcement FAQs

What’s happening with our credit union?

Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy credit unions are merging to form a stronger, more resilient credit union, effective January 1, 2026.

Why are we merging?

Like many industries, financial services face rising costs, new and intensifying competition, economic volatility, and increasing regulatory demands. By coming together, we can navigate these challenges while continuing to offer the service, innovation, local decision-making and community engagement you expect.

 This merger will allow us to make the necessary investments to remain strong, competitive and committed to meeting the needs of members both today and for years to come.

Did members approve this merger?

Yes. Members from all three credit unions voted in favour, with each credit union surpassing the required 75% approval threshold. Here are the voting results:

  • Conexus: 87.5% in favour
  • Cornerstone: 86.5% in favour
  • Synergy: 88.7% in favour
Why was the 75% threshold required?

This is a requirement of the Saskatchewan Credit Union Act and upholds the cooperative principle that credit unions are democratic organizations controlled by their members.

Was there a minimum threshold of how many members needed to vote?

Each credit union met the quorum requirements, that was specific to each credit union, at their Special Meeting to kick off the vote. For the merger to be approved, each credit union required a 75% approval vote in favour, from those members that voted. A comprehensive member outreach campaign was conducted to ensure members were well informed about the merger and their right to vote.

What will the new credit union look like?

With a combined $15 billion in assets under management, the new credit union will serve more than 200,000 members, through 57 branches in 50 communities with 1,400 employees throughout Saskatchewan. This merger builds on the success of these three credit unions while staying true to their shared values and will create one of Canada’s leading credit unions.

Will there be branch closures as part of this merger?

Our combined network of 57 branches across 50 communities has minimal overlap, enabling us to maintain sustainability without the need for branch closures as part of this merger.

Will there be impacts to employees?

We are excited to leverage the talent we have in our existing credit unions! While there may be some changes to roles and structure through the integration process, we are committed to retaining all engaged employees who want to remain part of the new credit union. Any changes in roles or responsibilities will be managed fairly and transparently. This is the right thing to do.

Will my account or services change?

No immediate changes will happen. You’ll continue to bank as usual while we gradually integrate teams, systems, products, services, and other operations.

Will I be notified if anything changes?

Absolutely. We’re committed to transparency. If there are any changes to your account or how you bank, we’ll communicate well in advance and support you through the transition.

Can I start banking at one of the other credit unions?

Not yet. Each credit union will continue to operate independently until the end of the year. After that, we’ll provide more information on when you’ll be able to access services through the newly merged credit union.

If I am currently banking at two of the partner credit unions, is anything changing with my accounts?

No, nothing is changing right now. The three credit unions will remain separate until January 1, 2026, and we cannot view or access your accounts at the other institutions until integration is complete. You’ll continue to manage your accounts just as you do today. As we begin to integrate our teams, systems, products, and services, we’ll keep you informed well in advance of any changes.

Commitment to Members

What’s in it for me as a member?

We believe that by working together we will create a stronger, more resilient credit union that remains member-focused and upholds our shared values. Pending member approval of the merger, members can expect:   

  • Modern digital banking experience.
    We will prioritize investment in our digital banking, adding new functionality to deliver an experience that is easy, secure, and offers convenient access.
  • Branch network.
    Our combined network has no overlap, allowing us to be sustainable without closing locations as part of this merger. We will serve Saskatchewan with 57 branch locations in 50 communities – giving you more ways to bank where, when, and how you want. 
  • Competitive with low to no-fee options.
    We will offer low to no-fee options that are accessible to all while still offering competitive rates and fees.
  • Profit-sharing with our members.
    We will share our profits through a modern rewards program – putting money back in our members’ pockets.  
  • Local service and local decision-making.
    Your trusted advisors remain local—local people, serving local members. Decision-making will remain rooted in the communities we serve.
  • Enhanced lending capacity.
    We will have increased financial capacity so as your farm or business grows, we will grow with you!
  • Specialized expertise.
    We will expand access to specialized expertise like wealth management, estate service and management, and mobile mortgage specialists.
  • Personalized service and modern offerings to meet diverse needs. 
    Our team will be empowered with the required technology and insights to provide proactive, needs-based advice and solutions tailored to your financial goals. 
  • Our profits stay local.
    Our profits stay local, with 5% of pre-tax earnings reinvested into our local communities further strengthening Saskatchewan. We remain committed to making a positive impact through sponsorships, volunteering and community support.
  • Committed to employees.
    The merger will create new opportunities for current and future employees. We’re committed to retain engaged team members, invest in career development, explore new growth potential, and be a top employer in Saskatchewan.

Commitment to Employees

How will employees benefit?

The combined credit union is committed to fostering a high-performance culture centred on our members and driven by innovation. We expect this will be achieved through exciting learning and career opportunities for employees. The new credit union is committed to: 

  • Retain all engaged employees who want to be part of the new credit union. 
  • Invest in employee learning and career development. 
  • Provide new opportunities for our team members. 
  • Strive to be a top employer in Saskatchewan. 
  • Foster a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace that supports a positive and healthy work-life balance. 
Will employees be impacted?

There will be some changes to roles and structure through the integration process. However, we are committed to retaining all engaged employees who want to be part of the new credit union. Any collaboration must leverage the talent we have in our existing credit unions, and any changes in roles or responsibilities will be managed fairly and transparently. This is the right thing to do.

Commitment to Community

What’s in it for our communities?

We will be a catalyst to drive economic growth in Saskatchewan. Our profits will stay local, with 5% of pre-tax earnings reinvested into our local communities further strengthening Saskatchewan. We remain committed to making a positive impact through sponsorships, volunteering and community support. We will help Saskatchewan thrive!

How will my community be heard by the new credit union?

Your community voice will be heard by the new credit union the same way as it is today, through the Board of Directors. The Board is elected by members and is accountable to members and the communities it serves. Your trusted advisors will remain local with decision-making remaining in the communities.

Member Experience and Services

Will there ever be branch closures?

Our combined network of 57 branches in 50 communities has no overlap, allowing us to be sustainable without closing branches as a part of this merger. 

As a part of our operations, we regularly review all channels (ATM, digital, contact centre, branches, etc.) to ensure we are evolving with our members’ needs.

Will there be changes to member accounts?

As we transition to one entity, you can be assured we will be here supporting our members every step of the way as we always have. 

Any changes related to your account, such as a new debit card, account number, or online banking services, will be communicated well in advance. We are dedicated to making any necessary transitions as smooth as possible and will support you every step of the way with early and transparent communications.

Will we have to move to a new online banking platform?

One of our goals in working together is to combine our resources and strategic investments to offer a differentiated and modern member experience, while gaining efficiencies that will benefit our members, employees, and the amazing communities we serve across Saskatchewan.

This also means that the new credit union will need to select one platform to invest in. Some members will need to transition to a different online banking platform. 

We will support those members every step of the way and prioritize investment in our digital banking, adding new functionality to deliver an experience that is easy, secure, and offers convenient access.

Will there be a No Fee account?

The new credit union will offer low to no-fee options that are accessible to all while still offering competitive rates and fees. We know that this is important to our members, so the new credit union is committed to providing options.

Will Cornerstone go back to having a No Fee Account?

Once the new credit union is established, we will offer low to no-fee options that are accessible to all. Cornerstone Credit Union, on its own, will not offer a No Fee Account.

What happens if members are doing business at more than one of our credit unions?

We understand the value of personal relationships and trusted advice. If you already work with advisors at multiple credit unions, that’s a great advantage—you’re familiar with the strengths each of us brings. Through this transition, you’ll continue to work with your trusted advisors. Our teams will support you every step of the way to ensure a beneficial experience going forward.

How long until we will start to see changes?

The three credit unions will spend the rest of 2025 planning for integration. It is unlikely members will see immediate changes and when we are ready and confident to start transition with our members, we will be with you every step of the way.

When will members be able to get service in any branch?

Each credit union will continue to operate independently until the end of the year. After that, we’ll provide more information on when you’ll be able to access services through the newly merged credit union. 

Will members have access to a debit Mastercard?

Today, only Conexus Credit Union offers this product. Through integration, the new credit union will offer this option to all members.

How will profits be distributed back to members?

As a member-owned co-operative, the new credit union will remain committed to sharing our profits through a modern rewards program – putting money back in our members’ pockets. It will be up to the new Board and management to define how it will be delivered.

How will the new credit union still give personalized service like a smaller credit union?

Your trusted advisors remain local—local people, serving local members. Decision-making will remain rooted in the communities we serve. 

Our combined branch network will have 57 branches serving 50 different communities, giving you more ways to bank where, when, and how you want. In addition, we will expand access to specialized expertise like wealth management, estate services and mobile mortgage specialists.

Approvals and Timelines

What approvals have to happen for the merger to move forward?

To move forward with the merger, two key approvals are required:

  1. Member Vote: Each of the three credit unions must have 75% of their voting members vote in favour of the merger. This has been achieved.
  2. Regulatory Approval: We need consent from the provincial regulator and clearance from the Competition Bureau. We’ve already received clearance from the Competition Bureau.
If approved, when will this merger be effective?

The effective date for the new credit union is January 1, 2026.

Timeline

November 2024 to March 2025
April 2025 - June 2025
June 2025
Dependant on Vote
January 1, 2026

Intent to Explore

A regulatory milestone was achieved with clearance from the Competition Bureau.

Recommendation

A business case was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors in April, recommending a merger to our members.

Member Vote & Results

Members of all three credit unions will have the final say in shaping the future of their credit union through a member vote.

Regulatory Approvals

Following the member vote, we require consent from the provincial regulator.

Merger

If approved, the new credit union will take effect January 1, 2026

Quotes from current Board Presidents

The new credit union will have branches located throughout Saskatchewan as indicated on the map below. We believe that local credit unions should understand their members and communities better than any other financial institution.

Name, Detail

The new credit union will have branches located throughout Saskatchewan as indicated on the map below. We believe that local credit unions should understand their members and communities better than any other financial institution.

Name Detail

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