Do you know the differences?
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The Caisse populaire | The bank |
| Nature | Financial services cooperative | Private establishment |
| Owners | Caisse populaire members (you, your parents, your neighbours, etc.). | A few shareholders |
| Objective | The economic and social well-being of all its members and economic development of its community by, for example:
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Works to enrich shareholders. |
| Management | Each Caisse populaire is managed locally by elected officials and members. | Managed by the head office that is often located away from its clients’ community. |
| Participation in the annual general meeting and vote |
All members can take part in their Caisse populaire’s Annual General Meeting, vote and run for the position of elected officer. 1 member=1 vote |
Only shareholders can attend the bank’s Annual General Meeting. 1 share=1 vote |
| Distribution of surplus earnings | A portion of their surplus earnings is given back to their members and community through member dividends, when possible. | A portion of the profits is given to a small group of shareholders through dividends. |