The Energy and Natural Resources Credit Union is not a credit union like any other. It is the only credit union exclusively dedicated to professionals and businesses in the energy, metallurgy, mining and forest products sectors, and it serves all of Quebec. It is a group credit union and assumes provincial leadership in the development of the Energy and Natural Resources sector within the Desjardins Movement (historical profile of the credit union)
The importance of the energy transition and sustainable development
Since the 2019 merger of two savings credit unions that operate notably in the Natural Resources sector, one in Baie-Comeau and the other in Sept-Îles, the Caisse carried the name Caisse des Ressources naturelles, but given the growing importance of the renewable energy sector in Quebec, the Caisse officially changed its name to Caisse de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles just last week.
“This will allow us to contribute more to the development of a sector linked to the energy transition and sustainable development and to carry out our mandate by supporting sector initiatives that aim in this direction,” explains Mr. Steeve Chapados, General Manager.
A full-fledged partner with its sector
Among its partners, the Caisse counts notably Propulsion Québec, the cluster for electric and intelligent transport (TEI), with whom it collaborates as part of high-potential initiatives for the sector, as is the case with the Impulsion Montréal 2021 event. The Caisse will be pleased to present the panel on the use of TEI in industrial and plant contexts as well as the practical applications that result from it.
“We always maintain a holistic view of our sectoral environment and we take advantage of opportunities that arise to enrich the academic path of postsecondary students enrolled in programs related to our sector of activity. These are the future professionals of the sector and the companies in our groups need a skilled and competent workforce. That is why we will offer two passes for the Impulsion MTL2021 event to students from École Polytechnique de Montréal, members of the Polyloop committee (the first Quebec team to delve into the design of a Hyperloop technology pod, possibly the next great revolution in transportation). We are proud to offer students in our sector support that goes beyond finances,” says Natalia Marcilese, Director of Communications and Community Life.
The Caisse’s vast affinity network linked to the Energy and Natural Resources sector (employers, unions, associations, government, Indigenous organizations, NPOs and educational institutions) becomes a major asset for its members, who benefit from it throughout their professional and personal lives.
Focused on employability in the sector
Its commitment to counter the labour shortage experienced by employers in its groups is at the heart of all its strategies. That is why the Caisse has implemented several actions aimed at graduating students from programs related to its sectors of activity in order to favour their employability, notably the creation of two scholarship programs, namely Study Scholarships for a total of $10,000 and First Job Scholarships for a total of $5,000 to be won per year (www.BoursesDesjardinsCRN.com) as well as the organization of student-company networking activities. It also supports educational projects and structuring initiatives specific to the sector via its Community Development Assistance Fund (FADM).
Exclusive benefits for businesses and professionals in the sector
- Preferential financing for companies from the Energy and Natural Resources sector;
- Support for employers in recruiting workforce, notably access to pools of postsecondary students. The more our groups have access to qualified labour, the better their economic well‑being will be, and that is our main objective;
- Coverage of the employees’ financial education component through the organization of group workshops. The better trained employees are in healthy financial management, the lower their stress levels, the better their performance, and the fewer injuries, absences and illnesses;
- Group RRSP allowing employees of our groups to benefit from a discount on collective management fees;
- Increased support from a team with in‑depth knowledge of the workplace characteristics and professional reality of the Energy and Natural Resources sector;
- Access to the competitive and exclusive benefits of La Personnelle insurance;
- Flexibility and understanding with members during special events (e.g.: payment suspension during a strike);
- Access to a mobile team of expert advisors and to virtual and telephone appointments.
Caisse Desjardins de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles in numbers
- 7,200 members mainly from the Energy and Natural Resources sector;
- Over $660M in assets under management;
- Around forty directors, managers and employees, including a mobile team available for people working in the Energy and Natural Resources sector;
- Head office located in Sept-Îles with business establishments in Baie-Comeau, Montreal and Quebec City;
- A total amount of nearly $50,000 awarded each year in scholarships to students and new graduates entering the workforce in the Energy and Natural Resources sector in Quebec;
- Nearly $100,000 invested per year in structuring projects and specific initiatives related to the energy, mining, metallurgy and forest products sectors.
Contact
Natalia Marcilese
Director of Communications and Community Life
Phone: 418 296-1519 ext. 7200314
natalia.marcilese@desjardins.com
Business locations: Montreal, Quebec City, Sept-Îles, Baie-Comeau
Website: www.desjardins.com/cern
Facebook: Caisse des Ressources naturelles
LinkedIn: Caisse des Ressources naturelles
This sponsored content was produced as part of the Impulsion MTL 2021 event – The international forum on fleet management.
