“A NEW APPROVAL POLL of INSTITUTIONS SHOWS Banks

Tools and Resources for Credit Unions • DECEMBER 2013

Trends and Topics Ne w $5 a n d $10 Po l y m e r Ba n k No t e s No w in of the Month Ci r c u l a t i o n On November 7, Bank of Canada “A Ne w Ap p r o v a l Po l l Of Governor Stephen S. Poloz launched the $5 note at the Canadian Space In s t i t u t i o n s Sh o w s Ban k s Agency in Saint-Hubert, Quebec. Ar e Se c o n d Fr o m Th e Bo t t o m ” He was joined by Chris Hadfield, retired Canadian astronaut and The results of a new poll have just former Commander of the Inter- been released. national Space Station. The $10 It lists the approval ratings for most note was launched at an event held major institutions. simultaneously at Vancouver’s train station by Senior Deputy Governor The next to lowest approval rating Tiff Macklem and VIA Rail Canada went to banks — only slightly above President and Chief Executive the rating for Congress. Officer Marc Laliberté. “With the introduction of the Yes, people strongly feel they cannot $5 and $10, we complete the rollout trust banks. of a series that is at the frontier of bank note technology and sets a Consequently, one of our biggest challenges is to prove global benchmark for bank note to our Members that their Credit Union can be trusted. security,” said Governor Poloz. No tricks … no deceptions … no undercover tactics. “These leading-edge notes are not only hard to counterfeit, but they That’s the way many successful Credit Unions have shown are also designed to be easy to how we differ from banks. We can be trusted. No gimmicks. check. All five denominations in And these CUs have found that this is the major factor for the Frontiers series carry the same increasing Member loyalty. security features that help Canadians verify them with ease and ensure Consequently, is it “Caveat Emptor” (Let the Buyer Beware) that counterfeiting levels in Canada or the assurance that the Credit Union can be trusted? remain very low.” For the first time since the 1954 This month’s American Income Life Blue Paper discusses series, the Bank of Canada issued this decision. It’s titled,“A Ne w Ap p r o v a l Po l l Of two notes on the same day. This In s t i t u t i o n s Sh o w s Ban k s Ar e Se c o n d Fr o m helped manufacturers, owners and Th e Bo t t o m .” ◆ operators of bank note equipment upgrade their machines at a lower For your complimentary copy, just contact your AIL representative or call the cost. Since 2009 and through the AIL Credit Union Center at 800-278-6661. launch, the Bank of Canada worked continued on page 2

Published as a public service by the Credit Union Center of American Income Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2608, Waco, TX 76797. Call The Credit Union Center Hotline at 1-800-278-6661 with suggestions, questions and requests. Visit our website at: www.ailife.com 2 • December 2013 • Credit Union Lines

CU Trends and Topics continued from front page closely with Canada’s financial sector and the cash-handling industry to support a successful transition to polymer notes. The themes of the denominations are: n $100 Medical Innovation — celebrating Canadian innovations in the field of medicine (Portrait: Sir Robert Borden) n $50 CCGS Amundsen, Research Icebreaker — reflecting Canada’s commitment to Arctic research and the development and support of northern communities (Portrait: William Lyon Mackenzie King) n $20 The Canadian National Vimy Memorial — evoking the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians in conflicts throughout our history (Portrait: HM Queen Elizabeth II) n $10 The Canadian train — representing Canada’s great engineering feat of linking its eastern and western frontiers by what was, at the time, the longest railway ever built (Portrait: Sir John A. Macdonald) n $5 Canadarm2 and Dextre — symbolizing Canada’s continuing contribution to the international space station program through robotics innovation (Portrait: Sir Wilfrid Laurier) ◆

He l p i n g Yo u n g Ad u l t s Serving the Community CU “St u f f s t h e Bus ” w i t h Fi n a n c i a l Li t e r acy w i t h Fo o d f o r Fr i e n d s FirstOntario Credit Union in Hamilton, Beaubear Credit Union in Miramichi, Ontario, has launched a financial literacy New Brunswick, joined forces with program designed to give young adults 95.9Sun FM radio and Miramichi City tips to help them manage their money Transit to hold the first annual Food and make informed everyday financial for Friends - Stuff a Bus Food Drive. decisions. Initially, the food drive was going to be The credit union kicked off the program with the launch of held later in the month of October, but after learning that MoneyOnTrees.ca, a blog dedicated to providing answers the needs of the Miramichi Community Food Bank were to common questions faced by young adults. FirstOntario immediate, the credit union launched the food drive is also launching a social within days. The radio station promoted the food drive medical campaign using and challenged businesses to participate. Twitter and Facebook to On October 5, build community among this age group. The program will the community include participation in a number of youth-oriented events showed up to sup- in the communities where FirstOntario has a presence. port the Miramichi “Young adults are faced with challenges that are very Community Food unique to their generation, and in many cases the odds Bank. The credit are stacked against them like never before,” said Dave union was pleased Schurman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating to have local Mem- Officer, FirstOntario. “Our hope is that MoneyOnTrees.ca ber of Parliament will provide them with Tilly Gordon arrive straightforward, no-nonsense with food. Gretna information about everyday Green Cubs and Scouts helped carry donations, and the financial challenges.” Miramichi Timberwolves, the local Major Junior Hockey The blog will cover a broad range of topics, from cut- League team players, came to endorse the event. ting back on spending and how to save for major life mile- In total, Miramichiers generously donated $1,067 stones, to a section devoted to issues related to consumer and 4562 food items. rights. Readers can also get access to a resource library The bus was stuffed! ◆ featuring a range of third-party informational resources, such as personal finance blogs, financial calculators, and other links geared to young adults. ◆