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Please visit your local branch or call us at 1.866.923.4778 if you have questions or need help.

Who are we?

Your local, Alberta credit union.

Every Albertan has a unique story, and we're here to help you craft the next chapter. Together, we build stronger communities and brighter futures.


Become a member➜


Our story.

Our history as a credit union began in 1939 when four neighbours came together to fund a loan for a neighbour's washing machine. The first loan was done at their house in Bridgeland which is also where we opened our first branch. For more than 80 years, we've celebrated some great milestones in Albertans' financial journeys - from supporting local business owners build their dreams to farmers feeding the nation and more. Today we have more than 40 branches across central and southern Alberta with a mission to make money make a difference and to do what’s right for every member.

Credit unions prioritize their members over profits and have been innovative over the years in offering new services before traditional banks, including the below:

1903
Credit unions were the first to lend money based on character.


1961
Credit unions were the first to lend money to women in their own names.


1977

Credit unions were the first to offer and launch full-service ATMs in Canada.


2013
Credit unions were the first in Canada to offer mobile cheque deposit.


2022
connectFirst was awarded Alberta Central's 2021 Credit Union of the Year.


We're your friends and neighbours.

And we're all connected through our shared experience as Albertans.

Our kids play hockey together. We watch the sun set behind the Rockies together. We support each others’ local businesses. We watch the price of oil rise and fall, and rise again, together. We push each others’ cars out of snowbanks.

connectFirst is a force for good. Through good times and bad, helping Albertans is our purpose, our history, our DNA. We’re a true credit union, born out of the collective legacies of four others that came before: First Calgary Financial, Chinook Financial, Mountain View Financial, Legacy Financial and SPARK the Energy Credit Union.

Let's bank on a 
brighter future

Together.

From community involvement to investment in local businesses; being a member of a Credit Union means you’re a part of the very fabric of our communities. It also means you can rest easy knowing your money is safe and 100% protected by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC.)  

What makes us different:

  • Personalized service
  • 100% Deposit Guarantee*
  • Community-focused
  • Member-owned
  • Fee-free ATM access all over Canada
Let’s have a conversation, and see for yourself how membership means more.


Full-service banking partner

Whether you're an individual, business owner, or agri-business owner, we'll make sure you have the tools to spend, save, invest, and borrow, however works best for you. Learn more.


Personalized Service

We believe the right account starts with a conversation. This helps us get to know your financial situation and build customized solutions that work for your unique needs.


100% Deposit Guarantee

Rest easy knowing your money is safe and secure. Thanks to the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation, deposits in Alberta credit unions are 100% guaranteed. Learn more.


Community-focused

We work and live in the communities we serve. The best investments we can make are the ones that support our local economies to enrich the overall quality of life in our communities. Learn more.


Our members are owners

When you become a member, you also become a part-owner through your investment in common shares. This means you can have your say in the future of our credit union. Learn more.


Fee-Free ATMs across Canada

The Ding-Free ATM network offers members convenient access to their funds (and no withdrawal fees) at thousands of ATMs across Canada, saving time and money. Find an ATM.

Let's start the conversation.

We get to know our member’s individual goals and needs. Whether you’re looking for help with your mortgage, saving towards your next big purchase, or just looking for a digital-first day-to-day banking experience, we have solutions that fit every unique situation.


*All principal and interest is 100% guaranteed by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation, excluding common shares, investment shares, and mutual funds.

Meet the leadership team at connectFirst.

Perry Dooley

Board Chair

Andrew Eberl

Board Vice Chair

Kelso Brennan

Doug Bristow

Amy Corrigan

Shawn Eltom

Danielle Ghai

Darlene Harris

Adil Lalani

Greg Nakonechny

Shannon Rennie



Carey Taubert

Become a Board Member.

Every September we ask members to nominate themselves to run in our annual Board of Directors election.

Considering the opportunity?

Ian Burns

President & Chief Executive Officer

Randy Allarie

Chief Risk Officer

Michelle Belland

Chief People and Experience Officer

Ryan Gobolos

Chief Financial Officer

Dion Linke

Chief Operating and Integration Officer

James Shore

Chief of Staff

Atul Varde

Chief Information and Payments Officer


Policies, bylaws and financial results.

Trust is built through decades of communication and transparency.

Here's how we do it:
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