Board of Directors Election

Upcoming Elections

As part of the FirstOntario Credit Union family, Creative Arts Financial members are invited to make a personal difference by running for election to FirstOntario’s Board of Directors.

Our next Board of Directors Election will begin with the Candidate Search Period in November 2026.

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

FirstOntario’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held virtually using Webex – a live, online video conferencing platform. This platform allows members from across all our regions to participate in the AGM. Using your internet browser or by downloading the Webex app, you will be able to participate in the AGM from the comfort of your home using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

All FirstOntario, Creative Arts Financial and Saven Financial members are welcome to attend.

Important Registration Information

Members who wish to attend this year’s AGM are asked to register by 12 p.m. on April 22 through two different options (an email address is required).

Use the registration link provided in online banking and mobile app (located in your Messages).
Call our Member Service Centre at 1‑800‑616‑8878.

Please note: On behalf of FirstOntario, Webex will confirm your registration by email. Registered members will receive a second email after April 19 with additional details.

Register for the Annual General Meeting

AGM Questions

Members are welcome to submit questions in advance for the AGM via email to agmquestions@firstontario.com. Members are also welcome to submit questions during the meeting.

2025 Financial Statements

Copies of FirstOntario’s 2025 Audited Financial Statements including the Auditors’ Report and the Audit Committee Report will be available on this page and in FirstOntario branches on April 10, 2026.

View the FirstOntario Notice of AGM

Ejaz Nadeem

Board endorsed

Personal statement of interest

As a lifelong advocate for financial literacy, sound governance, and member value, I am seeking election to the Board of FirstOntario Credit Union to contribute my strategic, financial, and leadership expertise. I bring a deep understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary responsibility developed over three decades in the financial sector.

My governance experience includes serving as National Chair, Treasurer, Finance & Audit Chair, and Governance Committee member. I am committed to strong oversight, financial stewardship, and member-driven decision-making. If elected, I will help strengthen financial sustainability, support innovation, and uphold the values that make FirstOntario trusted in our communities.

What can you specifically contribute to the Board

30+ years of financial services leadership with deep operational and strategic experience
Former FirstOntario VP & Head of Wealth Management, providing direct insight into members, culture, and regulatory expectations
Strong governance background: National Treasurer, Finance & Audit Chair, Governance Committee member
Robust financial literacy from P&L leadership, budgeting, forecasting, and capital awareness
Risk-aware decision-maker, experienced in conducting risk, suitability, compliance, and audit collaboration
Constructive challenge mindset grounded in clarity, evidence, and member outcomes
Collaborative board approach that respects roles, values diverse perspectives, and supports collective decisions
Commitment to cooperative principles and long-term member value
Focus on sustainable performance, financial resilience, and responsible risk-taking

Education & Professional Designations

Master's Degree, MA (Economics) from the University of Alberta
Completed levels 1 and 2 of the Chartered Financial Analyst Program (CFA)
CFP and CLU designations

Work Experience

Management Consultant 2021 – Present
VP & Head of Wealth, FirstOntario Credit Union 2011-2020
VP (Regional) Credential/Aviso Wealth 1998-2009

Board & Committee Experience

Current:

Board Trustee, Past Chair, The Institute for Advanced Financial Education
Board Director, Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada
Member, Governance Committee, Advocis

Past:

Treasurer, Finance & Audit Committee Chair, Advocis
Board Director and Treasurer, Muslim Association of Hamilton
Board Director, Canadian Association of Gift Planners

Business U.S. Dollar Investment Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance All balances	Rate* 0.20%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Business Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $100,000.00	Rate* 0.20%
Balance $100,000.01 – $250,000.00	Rate* 0.30%
Balance $250,000.01 – $500,000.00	Rate* 0.40%
Balance $500,000.01 – $750,000.00	Rate* 0.60%
Balance $750,000.01 – $1,000,000.00	Rate* 0.80%
Balance $1,000,000.01+	Rate* 1.10%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Stu Walker

Stu Walker has served on FirstOntario’s Board of Directofor the past seven years. Stu believes he has taken the necessary steps to serve you better through experience, personal and professional development and wishes to continue using that knowledge by giving back to FirstOntario and its members. Stu is a firm believer in the cooperative spirit of the credit union system whose values and principles are about giving forward to our communities not about improving shareholder value on the backs of its members.

Now retired, Stu was employed as a Finance Manager for over 25 years, performing various senior management functions and responsibilities.

He served on the Board of Directors for Prime Financial Credit Union for over 11 years and as Chair of the Board for two years. He assisted with facilitating the successful merger with FirstOntario. While on the Prime Financial Board, Stu also served as Vice Chair for six years and Chair of the Planning Committee for three years. While on the Prime Financial Board, Stu also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton & District Chapter of the Credit Institute of Canada for six years.

Stu has completed the Credit Union Directors Achievement (CUDA) program earning the Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director designation and also holds a Chartered Director designation from Directors College. Stu also graduated from the Audit program at Directors College. He continues to maintain his standing through professional development, active participation and frequent volunteering.

In the past, Stu has participated in both of the Junior Achievement Programs; The Business Advisor program and their Project Business program. As a volunteer and a Director representing different organizations, Stu brings a well-rounded sense of what is required in order to serve FirstOntario’s members to the best of his ability. He believes that as a credit union Director, he is responsible first and foremost to the Membership by listening and enacting policies and procedures that will strengthen FirstOntario Credit Union.

Stu has served as Audit & Risk Committee Chair, Governance Committee Chair and as a member of the Strategic Oversight Committee of FirstOntario’s Board of Directors.

Dianne MacLean

Dianne MacLean and her husband Dave have both lived and worked in the Hamilton area for the past 40 years. A mother to four children, Dianne is now retired and is enjoying spending time with her seven grandchildren. In her career, Dianne attended McMaster University and Mohawk College to attain the designation of “FCCUI” - Fellow of the Canadian Credit Union Institute.

Dianne began her working career at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Canada Permanent Trust before taking a position with Keen Community Credit Union - later known as Prime Financial.

Dianne worked at Prime Financial for twenty-nine years as a Manager and Assistant General Manager. While employed with Prime Financial, Dianne managed human resources and administered the employee benefits program. Dianne particularly enjoyed interacting with members and helping them with their financial decision making.

Dianne gave her time as treasurer as a Board Member of the Fifty Point Yacht Club for three years. She also sat on the Board of Prime Financial Credit Union for a year as a member of the audit and governance committees.

A volunteer with the Cancer Society, Dianne participated in a program called “Reach to Recovery” and also volunteered with the Breast Cancer Society. Along with her three daughters, she participated in a sixty km walk to raise money for cancer research at the Princess Margaret Hospital. While at Prime Financial, Dianne organized and participated, along with her staff, in the annual Terry Fox Run at Gage Park for twenty years. Dianne’s other interests include yoga and sailing.

Dianne relishes her years working for Prime Financial and has always believed very strongly in the credit union philosophy. She and her family have enjoyed the many benefits that have come with being credit union members over the years. She has served in the position of Chair for the Governance, Audit & Risk Management, Strategic Oversight and Elections committees. During her time on FirstOntario’s Board of Directors, she has also achieved her Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director designation. Dianne is thrilled to have the opportunity to help the credit union and the membership.

U.S. Dollar Investment Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance All balances	Rate* 0.15%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Daily Interest Savings account for seniors (60+)

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $1,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $1,000.01 – $5,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $5,000.01 – $10,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $10,000.01+	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Investment Savings account

Account options	Rate*
Account options Non-registered savings	Rate* 0.30%
Account options TFSA investment savings	Rate* 0.60%
Account options FHSA investment savings	Rate* 3.20%
Account options RRSP investment savings	Rate* 0.05%
Account options RRIF investment savings	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Daily Interest Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $1,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $1,000.01 – $5,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $5,000.01 – $10,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $10,000.01+	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Friday, April 3, 2026	Good Friday
Monday, May 18, 2026	Victoria Day
Wednesday, July 1, 2026	Canada Day
Monday, August 3, 2026	Civic Holiday
Monday, September 7, 2026	Labour Day
Wednesday, September 30, 2026	National Day for Truth and Reconciliation*
Monday, October 12, 2026	Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026	Remembrance Day*
Thursday, December 24, 2026	Christmas Eve**
Friday, December 25, 2026	Christmas Day
Monday, December 28, 2026	Observation of Boxing Day*
Thursday, December 31, 2026	New Year's Eve**
Friday, January 1, 2027	New Year's Day 2027

Easter closure

Board of Directors Election

Upcoming Elections

As part of the FirstOntario Credit Union family, Creative Arts Financial members are invited to make a personal difference by running for election to FirstOntario’s Board of Directors.

Our next Board of Directors Election will begin with the Candidate Search Period in November 2026.

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Important Registration Information

Register for the Annual General Meeting

AGM Questions

2025 Financial Statements