May 1, 2026
Territories of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations/Vancouver B.C.
May 1, 2026 / Vancity credit union members have elected Heather O’Hara, Opreet Kang, and Christie Stephenson to the credit union's Board of Directors. The three successful candidates will join current board members Rita Parikh, Bill Chan, Joel DeYoung, Kristen Rivers, Juvarya Veltkamp, and Lynn Weaver in the governance of Vancity.
"Thank you to every member who took the time to vote in this year's election,” said Joel DeYoung, Nominations & Election Committee Chair. “As a member-owned co-operative, this democratic process is what sets us apart and how we make sure Vancity reflects the people and communities we serve. I'm excited to welcome back our successful incumbent candidates for another three-year term, as Vancity continues to be a financial force for hope."
The election took place from April 7 to April 24, 2026 with a total of 8 candidates on the ballot and 27,626 valid ballots cast. Each of the elected directors will serve a three-year term.
Here are the full results from Vancity's 2026 Board of Directors election:
- Heather O’Hara: 17,547 votes – Elected
- Opreet Kang: 15,928 votes – Elected
- Christie Stephenson: 13,176 votes – Elected
- Lindsey LeClair: 9,888 votes
- Am Johal: 6,169 votes
- Parminder Virk: 3,762 votes
- Phil Moore: 3,692 votes
- Brett Collins: 2,650 votes
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) mandates a candidate recommendation process for credit unions' board elections to ensure strong governance of large and complex financial institutions. In line with these requirements, Vancity's Nominations and Election Committee recommended five candidates based on their alignment with the board's needs and regulatory requirements. The Committee includes four Vancity members at large and two current board directors not standing for re-election.
Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its 588,000 member-owners and their communities, with offices and more than 60 branches located in Metro Vancouver and Squamish, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, the Vancouver and Gulf Islands and Alert Bay, within the territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw Peoples. With $41 billion in assets plus assets under administration, Vancity is Canada's largest credit union. Vancity uses its assets to help improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.
