Connect First Credit Union Ltd. and Spark The Energy Credit Union Limited announce merger.

Calgary, AB — On March 24, 2021 , following unanimous board approval and member support in an AGM Vote on March 23, Spark The Energy Credit Union Limited (SPARK) and Connect First Credit Union Ltd. (Connect First) announced they will amalgamate effective November 1, 2021, subject to regulatory approval.

Together, SPARK and Connect First will serve approximately 130,000 members in 44 different communities in Alberta and employ almost 750 Albertans. The amalgamated credit union will operate under the legal name of Connect First Credit Union Ltd. and with approximately $6 billion in assets, it will be one of Canada’s largest credit unions.

“Serving members is our priority”, says Tim Rose, Board Chair, SPARK. “SPARK and Connect First share deep credit union values and through this amalgamation we will be able to provide additional products and services to our members, coupled with the outstanding service they’ve come to expect from us over for over 67 years.”

“Bringing our two credit unions together will make us stronger and enable us to build a better future for Alberta,” said Andrew Eberl, Board Chair, Connect First, “Collectively, we will make money make a difference”.

About Connect First Credit Union Ltd:

Connect First, one of the largest and most successful credit unions in Canada, is a full-service financial institution with over $6 billion in assets under administration. Connect First employs 750 Albertans who provide a range of financial products and advice in more than 40 communities across central and southern Alberta. It serves 128,000 members through its trusted local brands of First Calgary Financial, Chinook Financial, Mountain View Financial and Legacy Financial and a community-focused approach to banking.

About Spark The Energy Credit Union Limited :

SPARK has been helping Albertans with their financial needs for over 67 years and offers a full array of banking, investment and lending products. SPARK serves over 5,000 members through their main branch in downtown Calgary and an office in Fort Saskatchewan. Between the two locations there are over 30 full time employees.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Teri Buckley

Director Corporate Communications

Connect First Credit Union Ltd

403 312-8749 tbuckley@connectfirstcu.com

Carol Rogalski

Vice President Brand and Growth

Spark The Energy Credit Union Limited

403 718-7770 Carol.rogalski@sparkcu.ca