OUR STORY

Things we believe

Creating unrivaled banking experiences

Together, we create a future where everyone can flourish. This is our purpose. It's why we exist. We live this out through three core values that enable us to change the way Canadians think about banking.

Authentic connection

We listen deeply to understand people’s unique needs, so we can truly serve the interests of our members, our team members and our communities.

Collective strength

We build trusting relationships within our teams, our communities, and our profession to help each other succeed.

Courageous leadership

We dare to explore new possibilities, take bold steps, and continuously learn and grow.

An award-winning culture built around purpose

We’re known for inspiring and supporting our team members to grow their career. Recognized for our admired corporate culture, for psychological safety, and as one of BC’s Top Employers, we’ve cultivated an organization that rallies around a purpose of helping members and communities flourish. And at First West, no one gets left behind. Our team members can live out their individual purpose in tandem with our shared vision around authentic connections, collective strength and courageous leadership.

“I love that my First West financial advisor helps me achieve my financial goals with a plan built around what’s best for me.”
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Sierra March, Member, Ridge Meadows branch, Envision Financial division

Financial wellbeing is for everyone

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)

First West’s foundational values demand that we, as an organization, actively strive for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We believe in cultivating an environment in which every First West team member, member and community partner—both present and future—is valued for their uniqueness and is empowered to flourish.

First West was formed in 2010, but our roots date back to 1946

Our brands—Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial—each have decades of history as locally known and trusted institutions. They were built through entrepreneurial spirit, seeking to address unique or unmet financial needs in their communities. Today, as First West Credit Union, we’re still driven by this same solution-oriented, inspirational mindset.

Recent milestones

A clear and compelling vision for the future has produced years of successful growth and transformation at our credit union, from welcoming new brands to First West, to introducing innovative new products, to making impactful contributions to our communities.

2020

2019

2018

2016

2015

2013

2012

2011

2010

First West Foundation launches $600,000 Community Response Fund

As the charitable sector faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, First West Foundation responded by establishing a low-barrier Community Response Fund aimed at helping local charities as quickly as possible. Grants helped these organizations continue delivering programs and services to those most vulnerable in communities served by First West’s divisional brands.

Island Savings raises 650,000 meals for food banks

A full six months earlier than anticipated, Island Savings achieves its goal of raising funds equivalent to 650,000 meals for Island families. This accomplishment, made possible through support from members, team members and the community, is part of The Full Cupboard, our community program to raise food, funds and awareness for community food banks.

First West hits $10 billion in assets under management

Doubling in size since first formed in 2010, this milestone secures First West’s standing as the fifth largest credit union in Canada.

Also this year, First West becomes the first financial institution in Canada to offer SendGlobal™ which enables members to send money with incredible ease to more than 80 countries around the world.

Valley First raises $1 million for food banks

Valley First’s signature cause program Feed The Valley surpasses its goal of donating $1 million to local food banks—a full four years ahead of schedule. Close to 70,000 pounds of food are also donated in that time.

This same year First West launches its social vision, Lead Well, which encourages team members to volunteer their time and talents with charitable organizations.

Island Savings joins First West

As the newest divisional brand, Island Savings adds 16 locations across Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands to the First West branch network.

First West merges with Enderby & District Financial

Through the First West model, Enderby & District Financial retains its local brand identity and community focus. Residents in the North Okanagan begin benefiting from products and services not previously available in their community.

Also this year, Envision Financial launches its signature cause program, The Full Cupboard, and sets a goal to raise $1 million and 100,000 pounds of food by 2023.

Members begin benefiting from industry-leading personal banking products

Our signature low-fee chequing account is made available to members for the first time, enabling them to save money and keep personal banking fees low – or even non-existent in some cases – in contrast to the trend seen in other financial institutions at the time.

First West introduces Lean methodology

Lean tools and training are made available to team members across First West, engaging everyone as solution creators, not just a select few. This set our course as a continuous improvement organization, one that adapts to change and searches for a better way to get things done.

First West Credit Union is formed

On Jan. 1, 2010, the financial assets, membership and operations of Envision Credit Union and Valley First Credit Union are integrated under the First West Credit Union banner.