Access Credit Union - Board of Directors' Elections

There are three vacancies for Access Credit Union’s Board of Directors to be filled by Members-at-Large. Member voting will be open on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. CDT until 5:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Members of Access Credit Union are invited to vote online at accessvotes.ca. Each member may vote on a personal electronic device or should any member prefer, devices for the purpose of voting will be available at all branches of the Credit Union during operating hours. Voting results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of Members held April 16, 2025.

Why are we voting online?
By providing electronic voting, members will be able to participate from any device in any location. We have successfully facilitated online voting in several past elections and in merger votes.

Any members who may need some assistance with voting electronically will be able to visit our branches during regular operating hours during the voting period.

Voting Details

All section references refer to The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act (the “Act”) unless otherwise specified. The general rule, under the Act, is that the right to vote derives from membership, not from the ownership of one or more shares [subsection 67(2)]. Therefore every member is entitled to one vote, regardless of the number of shares held by the member.

Save the Date!

Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Virtual Meeting at 7:00 p.m. CDT

Registration closes at 4:00 p.m. CDT

There are three vacancies for Access Credit Union’s Board of Directors to be filled by Members-at-Large.

Please click the picture of the candidate to review their profile and qualifications.

For the purpose of this election, the Board has chosen to endorse well-matched candidates.

Each candidate was assessed based on qualifications, competencies, and experience as supplied in the Nominations forms and on responses to questions during the interview process.

Endorsed candidates are identified with the word ENDORSED.

Clinton Skibitzky

Justin Evenden (Endorsed)

Kevin Antonyshyn

Michael Schmidt (Endorsed)

Paul Cuthbert (Endorsed)

Randy Schartner (Endorsed)

Robert Reimer (Endorsed)

Robert Riddell (Endorsed)

Clinton Skibitzky has been a member of Access Credit Union and its predecessors for more than 26 years.

Clinton has opened and financed three businesses in downtown Winnipeg with help from Access Credit Union: Across the Board Game Café, which has 30 employees and has been in business since 2014, DACAPO Audio Productions which opened in 1998 and does creative audio production, and DACAPO Enterprises which owns and manages downtown Winnipeg properties. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner, Clinton worked as an economic consultant with Prairie Research Associates.

Clinton is passionate about supporting local small and medium sized businesses, as they can foster community, make an immediate impact on our local economy, help keep wealth in Winnipeg and Manitoba (instead of flowing away to multi-nationals) and they often significantly improve the socio-economic opportunities of employees. In this capacity Clinton brings a wealth of both real-world experience and theoretical business knowledge to the board of the Credit Union by drawing on a quarter century of experience running his own businesses, and a solid post-secondary education in Economics.

Education
Clinton has a BA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Winnipeg, and a Master’s in Economics from Queen’s University.

Board Experience

Clinton has significant past board experience, having been a member of the board for The Manitoba Association of Business Economists, the Advertising Association of Winnipeg, OnScreen Manitoba (as Vice-Chair of Finance), and currently sits on the board of the Winnipeg Condo Corp 456 as Vice-Chair of Finance.

Justin is an incumbent Director.

Driven by a passion for growth and community, Justin Evenden brings a proven track record of business leadership to the Access Credit Union board.

As Executive Director, Business Markets at Valley Fiber, he spearheaded the growth of the B2B sales organization, achieving significant revenue growth and building a high-performing sales team with a purpose – helping the underserved Manitoba businesses.

His experiences in telecom leadership positions have led him to develop strategic partnerships helping Manitoba organizations achieve their technology goals, both inside and outside the perimeter.

Justin's dedication extends beyond his professional life. A long-time resident of Manitoba, originally from Pinawa, he actively participates in his community, now Central River Heights, coaching youth sports and engaging in personal development through running and triathlon.

His commitment to Access Credit Union is evident in his extensive board service, including roles on various board committees. He has contributed to significant decisions and strategic initiatives.

Justin's expertise in enterprise sales, team leadership, and board governance, coupled with his deep understanding of the Manitoba landscape, makes him a valuable asset to the credit union's future.

Kevin sees tremendous opportunities for Access and is excited to contribute the insights and knowledge from his 38 year multi-disciplinary career to the success of Access, its employees, members and communities. He values integrity, community, inclusivity, family and the environment.

Kevin is an experienced credit union director, including in leadership roles of several committees. He has a considerable understanding of credit unions, their employee and member needs (rural and urban), and the financial services industry. Kevin also has extensive leadership experience on numerous boards of foundations, regulatory bodies and industry associations. He has served in executive and committee chair roles and on governance, audit & risk, merger, investment, regulatory and other committees.

Kevin uniquely practices as an independent lawyer and professional accountant. He has assisted clients for 28 years with financial, taxation, corporate, employment and estate matters. He previously held positions of progressive management responsibility for 10 years in the agricultural industry in marketing, strategic planning and financial roles. The breadth and depth of his experience gives him a rare and valuable perspective.

Kevin holds B.Comm.(Honours), MBA and LL.B degrees [University of Manitoba], and a CPA designation. He received the Manitoba gold medal as an accountant, achieving top marks in Canada in taxation and finance, and Dean’s Honour List and other awards in law school. He also completed a Strategic Management Course [University of Saskatchewan], a Leadership Course [Niagara Institute], and the CCUA Credit Union Director Achievement Program. He has presented on complex tax topics and is a published author.

Michael Schmidt is a community-focused financial leader with 12 years of experience in banking, innovation, and strategic growth; uniquely positioning him to contribute to Access Credit Union’s mission to cultivate financial well-being in a changing world through innovation and accessibility.

His career at Royal Bank of Canada spanned leadership roles across retail banking, wealth management, and capital markets, where he led diverse teams focused on delivering customer-centric solutions through digitization, process automation and product innovation.

Committed to the co-operative model’s core principles, Michael seeks to leverage his background in corporate strategy, product management, and governance to help guide Access Credit Union in navigating evolving economic landscapes while advancing its role as a catalyst for financial health in Manitoba’s communities.

Prior to RBC, Michael served as Vice-President at Winnipeg’s Quick Transfer Group. He is currently a private investor, based in Oakbank, Manitoba, where he actively serves within his local church community.

Education
MBA - University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) - University of Manitoba, I.H. Asper School of Business.

Paul is an incumbent Director.

Paul is a collaborative director with over twenty-five years of credit union board leadership experience. His expertise in governance and financial literacy is supported by an understanding of the strategic priorities essential to Access’s continued success.

Paul currently serves as the Access Vice Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee. He also serves as a director on the board of Credit Union Central of Manitoba and is Chair of the Governance and HR Committee.

Paul served as the CEO of Evergreen School Division from 2003-2015. Since 2015, he has been providing consulting services in governance and leadership for education organizations. Paul holds a BSc from the University of Winnipeg and a MEd from University of Manitoba.

Paul is committed to ongoing professional development and being current on emerging issues and trends in the financial services sector. This is reflected in his achievement as a graduate of the Canadian Credit Union Director Achievement program and as well as an Advanced Certified Credit Union Director designation through CUES and the Rotman School of Management.

In addition to his board experience with Access and former legacy credit unions, Paul has had the privilege of serving on local and national boards, gaining invaluable insights and perspectives to inform his work as a credit union director.

Paul is a champion of the cooperative principles and the credit union system in Manitoba. He believes that credit unions support the financial well-being of our members as well as the sustainability of our communities and our environment.

Randy is an incumbent Director.

Randy has proudly served as a Board Member since 2014, bringing a deep understanding that people are the driving force behind the Credit Union’s success. He is passionate about ensuring a member-first approach, prioritizing their needs and experiences.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Randy recognizes the importance of tailored lending solutions and secure, innovative technology. With over 15 years of leadership experience in multinational business environments, he has built a strong reputation for operational excellence and strategic innovation.

Throughout his career, Randy has founded or co-founded four successful start-ups, including one acquired by Priceline.com, a publicly traded global company. He is also a dedicated real estate and development entrepreneur.

Randy has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program, designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

With a track record of leadership, vision, and commitment to the Credit Union’s mission, Randy is dedicated to driving continued success and innovation.

Robert is excited to bring 40 years’ varied experience in business and governance to enable Access Credit Union to best serve its members through innovative services while protecting the financial health of the members and our Credit Union.

Robert is the CFO at The Petals Group, the largest wholesale distributor of flowers and plants in western Canada. He is responsible for accounting, technology, regulatory compliance, and contributes leadership to human resources, operations and strategy.

Previously, Robert was a senior Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 35 years, responsible for building Canadian and regional practice areas in risk management, technology, cyber security, internal audit and management consulting. He advised private and publicly traded businesses in most industries across Canada.

Robert has advised Manitoba and Saskatchewan credit unions, including legacy Crosstown Civic, Carpathia, Access credit unions, and the three prairie Credit Union Centrals. He will bring relevant ideas from consulting to Canada’s banks, investment and insurance companies, and Manitoba’s co-operatives.

Robert has been recognized as a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCA), and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Manitoba. He achieved his Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation at Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.

He is a lifelong Manitoban and invested in his family and our community.

Active at Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church
Victoria Hospital Foundation: Secretary, Governance/Human Resources/Nominating Committee Chair, Audit/Risk Committee
Victoria Lifeline: Chair
Youth for Christ: Past Chair
United Way: Past Executive Committee, Technology Committee Chair
Asper Business Strategy coach
Hockey and soccer coach

Robert is an incumbent Director.

Robert is an experienced Credit Union Director, having served on Credit Union Boards since 2007. Over that timespan he has held the position of Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Corporate Secretary.

Current Roles at Access CU

Chair, Community Investment Advisory Committee
Member, Risk Committee
Member, CUCM Democratic Control Review Committee

Robert is an ardent supporter of the Credit Union System and the community initiatives that it supports. He believes that a strong credit union is, and will continue to be, an important part of the bedrock that provides support to its members and communities.

Hailing from a Manitoba farm, he had a 40 year career in Information Technology, system design and data processing. The last three decades were spent at a large Manitoba pension fund where he held the position of Director of Management Information Services. He and his team pioneered groundbreaking advances in the administration of pension benefits and financial systems. He received an award from IBM for his achievements.

For over 10 years he served as a volunteer member of the Community Agencies’ Benefits Board. This board administers benefits for the employees of Manitoba charities. He held the position of vice-chair.

He earned a diploma (Computer Analyst/Programmer) from Red River College and has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association.

Bob is an active volunteer in the community, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and of the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame.

Businesses
Trust Accounts

Businesses

VOTING ON BEHALF OF A BUSINESS

Corporate Resolution – Business members of the Credit Union must appoint a representative to cast a vote on behalf of the organization. Corporate voting resolutions submitted for past votes remain in effect until they are cancelled or revoked in writing by the Business.

In accordance with the voting Notice, all Corporate Resolutions must be received by Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. We are no longer accepting Corporate Resolutions.

TYPES OF BUSINESSES

Registered corporations, for example:
- ABC Sewing Inc., ABC Sewing Ltd., ABC Sewing Corporation; ABC Sewing Corp.
Non-profit organizations - active and organized sports teams
Where there are several sub accounts under the same org record (applies to corporations and non-profit organizations) that entity has one vote, for example:
- XYZ Church Ltd may have a separate missions account, youth group account, ladies group account, or Sunday School account, they are deemed to be one entity – under the primary account holder, in this case XYZ Church Ltd. is allowed one vote.

Sole Proprietorship/Trading As Businesses, for example:
- Joe Smith operating or trading as Joe’s Hauling
Partnerships, for example:
- Joe Smith and Jane Doe operating or trading as J & J Lawn Care

Proxy Voting
Access Credit Union’s Bylaws do not allow voting by proxy.

The deadline to receive Corporate Resolutions has now passed.

Trust Accounts

Not eligible for voting
- The trustee cannot vote on behalf of the beneficial owner as that would be deemed to be voting by proxy (conclusion drawn in consultation with Financial Institutions Regulation Branch “FIRB”).

Estate Accounts

Not eligible to vote
- Executors would be deemed to vote by proxy and the Bylaws do not allow a proxy vote (conclusion drawn in consultation with FIRB).

Powers of Attorney

Powers of attorney may vote on behalf of another Member if the Credit Union has received a copy of the power of attorney document and the document specifies that they may vote on behalf of the Member.

New Memberships

New Memberships & Voting Eligibility

The cut-off for voting eligibility is governed by Section 62 of the Act, which states that the record date for determining which members are entitled to receive notice of a meeting of members is the closing of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which notice is given.
Notice will be posted in the local newspapers, therefore in order to be eligible to vote the membership must have been opened (or re-opened) by the close of March 26, 2025.

Minors' Voting Rights

No member who is under the age of 18 may vote as governed by Subsection 67(1) of the Act.

Voting will be available on April 3 from 9:00 a.m. CDT until April 9 at 5:00 p.m. CDT.

Members can vote for up to 3 Directors.

Voting will be accepted electronically only:

Personal devices (cell phones, iPads, tablets, etc.)
Home Computers

Please note that devices will be set up in each branch for member use for those members that require it.

The deadline to receive corporate resolutions has passed.

Member authentication required to vote electronically:

Personal members – members will be required to enter:
- Member # OR Debit Card # AND
- either their date of birth or their postal code

Representatives of a Business – reps will be required to enter:
- Organization’s member # OR debit card # AND Corporate address postal code; AND
- The representative if a member:
  - Member # or Debit Card # AND
  - Either date of birth or their postal code
- The representative if a non-member
  - Date of birth and their postal code

To find your member number, please view the voting guidelines below.

NOTICE OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS ELECTRONIC VOTING
AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (the “AGM”)
MEMBERS OF ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
(the “Credit Union”)

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CREDIT UNION

VOTING FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TAKE NOTICE THAT voting for the Board of Directors is open to all members who have a share at any Credit Union branch. Voting will be done by electronic ballot and will be tallied electronically by a third-party provider. Voting will be open from 9:00 a.m. CDT on Thursday, the 3rd day of April, 2025 until 5:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, the 9th of April, 2025. Members of the Credit Union are invited to vote online at www.accessvotes.ca. Each member may vote on a personal electronic device or should any member prefer, devices for the purpose of voting will be available at all branches of the Credit Union during operating hours.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TAKE NOTICE THAT the AGM of the members of the Credit Union will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CDT via virtual means, for the following purposes:

2024 Audited Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report
Board of Directors Report
Appointment of Auditors
Announcement of Member Rewards
Director Elections Voting Results

All eligible members wishing to participate in the AGM are required to register online at www.accesscu.ca prior to April 16, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. CDT. Instructions for voting processes and how to ask questions will be displayed on the screen commencing at 6:45 p.m. CDT. These instructions will also be reviewed at the opening of the meeting.

More information can be found at: www.accesscu.ca.

DATED this 27th day of March, 2025

ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
By Order of the Board of Directors