August 22, 2019
Westland Insurance acquires First West Insurance Services
South Surrey, B.C. – Westland Insurance Group Ltd. is pleased to announce the acquisition of First West Insurance Services, a subsidiary of First West Credit Union, effective Sept. 30, 2019. BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Westland and KPMG Corporate Finance acted as financial advisor to First West.
“First West Insurance Services is a landmark acquisition for Westland,” says Jason Wubs, CEO of Westland Insurance Group Ltd. “They are a pillar in the communities they serve and have built a client-centric culture that is perfectly aligned with Westland’s core values.”
First West Insurance Services provides personal, auto and business insurance in British Columbia under three regional divisions: Envision Insurance in the Lower Mainland, Valley First Insurance in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys and Island Savings Insurance on Vancouver Island and the Gulf islands.
“We were thrilled to find a partner like Westland Insurance,” says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “We believe Westland is perfectly poised to realize the incredible potential of our insurance teams and provide the best possible service for our insurance customers in B.C.”
Westland Insurance will add 300 employees and 36 offices from First West Insurance Services in British Columbia, expanding its reach to 110 locations in 56 communities across the province. Post-acquisition, Westland will have nearly 1,500 employees and more than 130 offices in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“We are excited to introduce the First West Insurance Services team to the Westland family and further strengthen our community presence in British Columbia, as well as add to our broader capabilities as an organization,” says Wubs.
Company Information
About Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union
Tru Cooperative Bank brings together the best of both worlds, combining the strength and stability of a leading Canadian financial institution, and the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. With nearly $21 billion in total assets and assets under administration, and approximately 290,000 members, Tru Cooperative Bank offers clear, practical advice and modern banking that’s designed to be digital when it should be, and personal when it matters.
Through its local brands — Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial — Tru Cooperative Bank has contributed more than $44 million back to local communities while cultivating a nationally-recognized culture shaped by courageous leadership, authentic connection and collective strength. Learn more at trucooperativebank.ca and see how we’re creating a future where everyone can flourish.
About Libro Credit Union
Libro Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with a purpose of strengthening financial well-being for a better tomorrow. On January 1, 2026, Libro merged with Kawartha Credit Union, now operating as Kawartha Financial Services, a division of Libro Credit Union. This merger brings together more than 180,000 members, with more than $12.5 billion in assets under management and administration, full-service financial solutions delivered through 57 locations and robust digital platforms. With over 80 years of history, Libro is a trusted, purpose-driven partner committed to creating positive social and environmental impact as a certified B Corporation®, an associate member of the Responsible Investment Association, and a Living Wage employer. Visit www.libro.ca to learn more.
Media Contacts
Steve Sache
Senior Vice President
Retail Operations Westland Insurance Group Ltd.
604-543-7788
communications@westlandinsurance.ca
Meredith Birchall-Spencer
Communications Manager
First West Credit Union
250-487-7335