Ottawa, ON – September 8, 2021– On September 30th, 2021, Alterna Savings will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which commemorates the tragic history of residential schools in Canada, and the lasting impact they have had on Indigenous survivors and their communities.

“This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect and learn,” said Rob Paterson, President & CEO. “As a provincially regulated credit union we are not obligated to observe this federal holiday. However, as an organization with strong community-based values, Alterna Savings has chosen to mark the day this year by closing our branches and offices and joining in a time of learning and reflection with our team.”

Alterna has provided resources and are asking employees to take time to engage in learning and reflection about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the legacy of residential schools. There may also be related community events that day that this time will enable employees to support and attend.

On September 30th, all Alterna Savings branch locations and offices will close, while our Contact Centre will remain open to serve our members.

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, which reads: We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

September 30th also coincides with Orange Shirt Day which invites Canadians to wear orange shirts to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.

About Alterna Savings
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has been the good in banking for 113 years and, based on assets under management, is the 9th largest credit union in Canada. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank. Together, we have $10 billion in assets under management.

As the first full-service, member-owned co-operative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with more than 185,000 members through a network of 36 branches across Ontario, that includes partner Peterborough Community Savings; as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage, investment management services, and have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.