Investors-Aid Co-operative of Canada is a national web-based co-operative and Canada’s only national consumer organization for investors and savers.

Investors-Aid is a consumer co-operative run by members for members and provides current consumer information, investor education, advisories, services (financial planning, dispute support, group plan consultation, pension consultation) and special advisory services that can significantly reduce costs using best products and practices.

We believe investing and saving should be safe, simple, and low cost.

We are independent and objective and sell NO investments, management services, referrals, or paid advertising.

Profit-sharing

Co-op profits are directed back to members by keeping membership, service, and subscription fees as low as possible.

Co-operatives in Canada

Investors-Aid is just one of thousands of co-operatives and credit unions working in Canada.

Like all co-operatives, we are an organization run by our members and guided by 7 principles:

1.    Voluntary and open membership

2.    Democratic member control

3.    Member economic participation

4.    Autonomy and independence

5.    Education, training, and information

6.    Co-operation among co-operatives

7.    Concern for community

Who we are

Board

Garth Rustand, BA (AppSc), CIM, FCSI. Executive Director

Founder of the Investors-Aid Co-operative with over 20 years experience in the investment industry. He has a BA(AppSc) from SFU, the Canadian Investment Manager's Designation (CIM); and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).

Gerald Yung, MBA, CFA, Director

President & Portfolio Manager of Claremont Advisors Ltd. Over 18 years experience in the investment industry first as a research analyst and then as a portfolio manager specializing in emerging markets.

Steve Middleton, C.Tech. Director

25 years engineering experience, most recently in construction supervision and management, Steve brings an analytical approach to investments and a keen interest in technology.

Tony Dobson, M Ed, Director

A retired teacher with 23 years experience and Masters of Education. He continues to work with a software company providing educational services and products for educational institutions.

Advisory Board

Debby Wetmore MBA CA, consultant Saltspring Island, B.C.

Dave Malcolm BCIT instructor (retired) School of Business, Burnaby, B.C.

Derek Moran BA, CFP, fee-only Financial Planner /Smarter Financial Planning, Kelowna, B.C.

Jeff Rustand LLB, Legal Advisor United Nations, Afghanistan

Michele Tao CA/CPA Claremont Advisors, Victoria, B.C.

Katharine Lamoureux, Bookkeeper

Michelle Somerville, Researcher

Supporting Groups who put on our courses and use our publications:

BC Institute of Technology
Capilano College
Vancouver School Board
Burnaby School Board
Certified General Accountants of B.C.
BDO Dunwoody Chartered Accountants
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta

We would also like acknowledge the kind support of the BC Co-operative Association.

FAQs

Who owns the Co-op?
The coop is owned by all of is members. Members also direct the broader activities of the Co-op by voting on key issues.

Why can’t I get all this information from my advisor?
Because of their compensation system, advisors and the firms they work for tend to recommend high cost products and strategies. Information on the best, low cost solutions for consumers is usually unavailable.

What is the quickest way to find out about all the Co-op products and services?
Take the website tour and then do the Investor Report Card Questionnaire.

Can I get help with investment & administrative questions?
Yes. Go to the Member to Member blog under contact to ask those questions.

Can the Co-op help me in a dispute with an investment firm?
Yes and we can direct you to other individuals or organizations who can.

Co-op Rules & Regulations

Glossary

Fair Practices

Investors-Aid_Cooperative 2011 Financials.pdf