Desjardins Group Publishes its Social and Cooperative Responsibility Report

LÉVIS, QC, Oct. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - On this first day of Cooperation Week, Desjardins Group published its 2009 Social and Cooperative Responsibility Report. The report can be viewed at www.desjardins.com/socialresponsibilityreport and provides a complete overview of Desjardins Group's governance practices, its relationship with stakeholders, its community involvement, its environmental concerns and its human resources management.

The 2009 Social and Cooperative Responsibility Report is based on Global Report Initiative (GRI) performance indicators and is closely aligned with Desjardins Group's position on sustainable prosperity. 

"Sustainable prosperity is built by individuals who understand financial and economic issues and who are ready to adapt their personal finance strategies in response to these issues," noted Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, Monique F. Leroux. "Sustainable prosperity is economic growth and the creation of wealth anchored in steadfast, long-lasting foundations, with due consideration for the impact on individuals and the environment, for the benefit of both present and future generations."

Desjardins Group's level of social responsibility helped pave the way to its 7th-place ranking among the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, according to Corporate Knights magazine.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest in the world, with assets of more than $173 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario, and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.8 million members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. As one of the largest employers in the country, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 42,200 employees and the commitment of over 6,200 elected officers. For more information, visit www.desjardins.com.

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