Our Future Together

East Coast Credit Union, Acadian Credit Union, iNova Credit Union and Teachers Plus Credit Union are recommending a merger of their four credit unions.

This merger is focused on creating a strong province-wide credit union that offers enhanced growth, innovation, and sustainability. It will also strengthen our ability to evolve and respond so we can best meet the changing needs of our members and communities.

The recommendation comes after several months of collaboration which saw the four credit union boards working in partnership to create a business case to explore the opportunity and benefits.

Members will be asked to vote on the merger in the Fall of 2026. We urge you to look closely at the benefits for all involved and hope we can count on your support.

Statistics of a Merged Credit Union

Members

65K

Assets

$2.0B

Employees

400

Locations

Expected Benefits

For Members

Members will continue to benefit from the personalized service from staff they know

Access services from a network of 24 locations, including a virtual branch, in communities across Nova Scotia

Building from the services available from Acadian’s Chéticamp branch, we will expand the delivery of French services, so they are available from our website, online banking, mobile app and through our virtual branch

Combining operations enables savings that can be reinvested to enhance member services – including new products and digital banking solutions to bring more choice and convenience to all members

For Employees

A stronger, growing organization supports us in retaining and attracting the talent needed to support our members and business goals

A larger employee group means additional support is available to enhance service delivery and employee development

For Community

Local decision-making in the best interests of our collective membership and the communities we serve

Strengthened community support and engagement with opportunities to build partnerships that create meaningful impacts across Nova Scotia

Locations for our Combined Member Network

Members will continue to benefit from locally based banking and personalized service from staff they know.

Antigonish
Baddeck
Bridgewater
Dartmouth
Elmsdale

Fall River
Halifax (Downtown)
Havre Boucher
Inverness
Louisdale

Lower Sackville
L’Ardoise
Mabou
New Glasgow
Port Hawkesbury

Port Hood
Sheet Harbour
St. Andrews
St. Peter’s
West Bedford

Acadian (Chéticamp)
iNova (Halifax)
Teachers Plus (Bedford)
Virtual Branch

Important Dates

Fall 2026

Member Voting

2026

The Boards of Directors from the credit unions agree to explore a potential merger.

June 2026

Business Case Approval

Fall 2026

Member Information and Voting

2027

Legal date for merger

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the boards recommending a merger?

Our credit unions continuously look for ways to increase the value we provide to members, employees, and local communities. This partnership will allow us to invest more resources in digital services, provide ongoing training and career development for our employees, and increase our investment in the communities we serve. The Boards believe there could be significant value gained from a merger.

If the merger receives the approval of members and the regulator, when would it take place?

The merger date would be January 2027.

If we merge, what will be the name of the credit union?

The merged credit union will continue to operate under the East Coast Credit Union name and will also adopt a French name, Caisse populaire Côte-Est.

Future branch names and signage for Acadian, iNova, and Teachers Plus locations will be informed by what matters most to the members and communities served by each location. There will be no changes to East Coast’s current branch names or locations.

Will the merged credit union offer French services?

Building from the services available from Acadian’s Chéticamp branch, the merged credit union will expand the delivery of French services, so they are available from the website, online banking, mobile app and eventually through the virtual branch. For a period following the merger, phone services for French speaking members from Acadian will remain at the Chéticamp branch. This approach will evolve gradually to help ensure French-language service is sustained and expanded as part of the merged organization.

How do members benefit from this merger?

This merger brings many benefits to members.

All members continue to benefit from the personalized service from staff they know in their local branches.
Over time, French-speaking members will be able to access expanded French-language services through the credit union website, online banking, mobile app and virtual branch.
Acadian, iNova and Teachers Plus members will gain access to East Coast’s broader range of products and larger service network with 24 locations, including a virtual branch, in communities across Nova Scotia. In addition, commercial and organization accounts will benefit from East Coast’s scale and expertise, which will enable more tailored solutions for larger and more complex needs.
For East Coast members, the merger will also create new opportunities to strengthen relationships and expand access to services across Nova Scotia.

Is our credit union in financial trouble?

All the partner credit unions are financially strong. This merger demonstrates the shared goal of looking for opportunities to increase the value we provide to members, employees, and local communities. By combining our strengths, we’ll be better equipped to invest in technology, enhance our product offerings, increase career opportunities for employees, and deliver long-term value – ensuring our credit union is a competitive banking choice to serve members and communities across Nova Scotia.

Why do we need to be bigger?

By coming together, we can scale and be better prepared for the future, while at the same time maintain the benefits and advantages of a community focused credit union for years to come.

How are members affected by the merger?

We see only positive benefits for members. Working in partnership, we will be able to provide better service with an expanded product portfolio, digital services, enhanced member support, and more competitive rates and fees.

Are there risks or challenges with the proposed merger?

There are potential risks to the merger that could temporarily impact members. These include operational impacts, technology and systems challenges as we work to bring our credit unions together. These risks have been considered and documented in the merger business case. We are committed to making sure that any known impacts will be communicated with members well in advance so they can continue to bank with confidence and receive support from our dedicated staff.

How will employees be affected?

We are committed to maintaining current levels of employment. There will be no job losses because of the merger. Employees will have more opportunities and support to grow their careers in the credit union without the need to relocate.

What is the timeline?

Members will be asked to vote on the merger in the fall of 2026. In addition to the membership, the provincial regulator must also approve. Following a successful member vote and regulatory approval, the merged credit union would come into effect in January 2027.

Connect with us

Your participation, input and perspectives about this credit union merger are important. Simply click on your credit union’s name below and send us a brief message.