Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation) has selected a location for an advice centre in La Loche. The Credit Union will lease the former Friendship Centre building on Fountain Avenue and hopes to begin serving community residents in the fall of 2024.

Innovation announced in January the intention to establish financial services in the northern village, so they are thrilled to see this partnership with the Town Council, community organizations, local Nations, and businesses come to fruition.   

“We’re so honored to include La Loche in our Innovation network,” says Innovation Board Chair Russ Siemens. “Our purpose is to simplify banking. With the help of outstanding community partners like the Friendship Centre and Town Council, we’re able to do just that – bringing financial services to deserving communities like La Loche to make banking that much easier.”  

Innovation’s CEO Daniel Johnson also highlights the importance of inclusion. “Establishing a new advice centre in this vibrant, underserved community is more than just a business decision for us; it’s a commitment to fostering financial inclusion, empowering local dreams, and building a brighter future together.”

“Today, as community citizens, we can better ourselves by utilizing a greatly needed institution that will ensure our banking needs are met,” says La Loche Friendship Centre Executive Director Leonard Montgrand. “Today has been that day where we no longer need to go south to do our banking. Thanks to Innovation Federal Credit Union in realizing this service was greatly needed, With NexGen being a player, anything is possible. This ensures our community and other smaller community needs are met.”

“Our government appreciates the collaboration between the town council, local Nations, organizations and businesses with Innovation Federal Credit Union to bring essential financial services to our region,” says Jim Lemaigre, MLA for Athabasca. “This milestone will significantly benefit La Loche and the northern and Indigenous communities for years to come. As the MLA for Athabasca, I’m proud to see this initiative and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the advice centre will bring. Thank you to the CEO of Innovation Federal Credit Union, Daniel Johnson, Mayor Georgina Jolibois of La Loche, and all local partners for their dedication.”

La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois is also pleased to see the advice centre coming to fruition, something the community has been working on for over 20 years. “I look forward to Innovation opening a credit union in the community.”

The advice centre will have on-site advisors, a video-capable ATM, and a confidential meeting space (with video conference technology) providing members direct access to any Innovation experts without having to travel.  

Innovation is accepting applications to work at the new La Loche advice centre. Visit their Careers page for details.