Power to our Stz'uminus branch in Oyster Bay Village has been restored, and the branch will be open for business as usual from 9:30 - 5:00.
Service Disruption Notice: Due to the nationwide Canada Post strike, physical mail and parcel services may experience delays. To minimize any inconvenience, we recommend the following options:
  • Sign up for e-Statements: Login to Online Banking to view and print your e-Statements.
  • Visit our branch: Our team can print your statement for you upon request.

Thank you for your understanding, and please reach out if you have any questions.

To provide an improved user experience, Interac e-Transfer email notifications now have an enhanced look and feel. Learn more.

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We offer MORE

Did you know LDCU is not just a full-service financial institution? We also offer insurance and wealth management services through our subsidiaries, LCU Insurance Agencies Ltd. and LDCU Financial Management.
 
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Join LDCU

 
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Your Credit Union

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Careers

 
 
 

Who We Are

We have been an integral part of the Ladysmith community since the Credit Union was established in 1944, and we believe in providing an exceptional level of service to our members. We are an active business leader, believing strongly in supporting and participating in community development.

 
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History of LDCU

Ladysmith & District Credit Union (LDCU) was founded on May 18, 1944, with charter 116 and a common bond of residents of Ladysmith, BC north to the Nanaimo River and south to Newcastle district boundary.

Established in 1944 as a community-focused financial institution, Ladysmith & District Credit Union has played a significant role in the economic and social development of Ladysmith, B.C.  

The first Credit Union in BC to elect a woman President,  LDCU has a proud role in the history of Credit Unions.  LDCU was also the first Credit Union to use the international symbol of the Credit Union movement in its signage (cupped hands and globe). That logo symbolized the financial security and support offered by the international Credit Union network, as well as the fact that the success of the movement is in the hands of its members.

It’s those members that have contributed to LDCU’s great success over the decades.  Celebrating 80 years of commitment to serving the local community, LDCU has grown to include LCU Insurance Services and LDCU Financial Management.  With 42 employees and over $370 Million in Assets Under Administration,  LDCU continues to be a cornerstone of the Ladysmith community, dedicated to fostering financial literacy, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall well-being of its members.

We are excited to continue providing superior service to Ladysmith and the surrounding area as your community-based, independent Credit Union.

Afterall, it’s our tagline.

Our Community.  Your Credit Union.

For more information, pick up your copy of our book 
Ladysmith
Our Community. Your Credit Union. 
A History

by Patrick A. Duane

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About LDCU

LDCU offers competitive, flexible and creative solutions for your investment and borrowing needs.

At LDCU, deposits are guaranteed by the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (CUDIC), up to the limits prescribed by the Financial Institutions Act. This makes us one of the safest and most secure financial institutions to invest your money in. Come in to see us, you will find our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff eager to provide the outstanding service that is the foundation of our success.

Our Mission

Building on our proud history as a community Credit Union, our passion is to have a positive impact on our members, neighbours and community.

Our Vision

Upholding our legacy of financial stability and community support, we inspire trust, loyalty and commitment with our members. We are the financial institution of choice in our community.

Our Values

Our values represent the ideals of the organization, and the foundation from which our conversations, actions and decisions are based.

  • Integrity
  • Prosperity
  • Innovation
  • Social Responsibility

We will deliver our vision through the skills of our staff who share a passion for the opportunities of our members, community and Credit Union.

 
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Governance

Like all governing bodies, the Ladysmith & District Credit Union Board of Directors are guided by a number of important policies. As a credit union, LDCU has a set of formal rules.

Ladysmith & District Credit Union and its Board of Directors must act in accordance with the Credit Union's Rules.

Our Rules govern how the Credit Union operates. They are based on strong governance principles and take into account the Acts under which we function: The Financial Institutions Act and the Credit Union Incorporations Act. The Rules are reviewed at least biennially by the Board of Directors and any recommended changes must be approved by the membership by way of a Special Resolution vote at a duly constituted Annual General Meeting. Prior to approval by the membership, any amendments must first be approved by our regulators, The British Columbia Financial Services Authority, (BCFSA). Once approved by the membership, the amended Rules are then submitted to the Registrar of Companies.

Credit Union Rules

This policy outlines the standards of conduct imposed by law, provides guidelines for honest and ethical conduct and offers guidance to help directors recognize and deal with ethical issues that may arise during their tenure, and defines conflicts of interest that may arise and how conflicts must be disclosed and managed.

LDCU Market Conduct Code

This Policy ensures that problems and complaints initiated by Members, Account Holders, or Customers are handled with the utmost respect and care, whether they are related to a product, service, advice or process.

LDCU Complaint Handling Policy

At Ladysmith & District Credit Union, (LDCU), we value our members’ and customers’ business and our goal is to manage complaints and resolve problems effectively and transparently in a manner that is appropriate for both LDCU, and the affected Member, Account Holder, or Customer. It is understood that the individual raising the issue may not always be satisfied with LDCU’s response.

The following procedures outline the steps to take when a problem or complaint has been brought forward by a member or customer.

LDCU Complaint Handling Process

This form is for completion by individuals who have a concern/complaint regarding an interaction with LDCU/LCUI or LDCU Financial Management. In addition, this form can be completed by those who have already been in contact with LDCU staff and have not had their complaint resolved satisfactorily. At LDCU we welcome your feedback, and we look forward to working with you on a resolution!

LDCU Complaint Information and Resolution Form

 
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CEO and Board of Directors

Ladysmith & District Credit Union's Board is made up of elected members who live within our community. As a Credit Union the Board is accountable to our members. The Board's mandate is to focus on the strategic direction of the Credit Union.

If you have a professional or business background and previous board experience, and would like to contribute to the continued growth and service excellence offered by Ladysmith & District Credit Union please contact us. Elections for directors are held once a year at our Annual General Meeting.

 


Meet the current CEO and Board of Directors

John de Leeuw has been the CEO of Ladysmith & District Credit Union since 2005. Prior to acting as CEO he worked at the Credit Union as Operations Manager for 10 years. John has been working in the Credit Union system for over 32 years in Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC. In his role as CEO, John has assembled an excellent Executive Team consisting of Senior Manager, Operations, and Managers of Financial Services, Member Services, Human Resources, Insurance Services and Wealth Services.

John currently serves as a Trustee on the BC Pension & Benefits Trust, as well as spending many years serving on the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and other community boards. When not at work he enjoys spending time camping with his wife, playing golf and hockey, and travelling.

Ross was born and raised in Ladysmith, was appointed Director in 2012, and has been associated with the Credit Union since the early 60's.

Ross was Manager of Millstores/Purchasing for the Crofton Division of Paper Excellence and, since retirement, works as consultant in the procurement/inventory management field.

His interests include travel and camping with family and friends.  He is also a member of Ladysmith’s, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.

Ross currently serves on the Audit & Risk Committee, and is the Chairperson of the Donation Committee.

Ross has a Business Administration Certificate from UVIC, is a Credit Union Director Achievement Program Graduate, and an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director.

Gerry moved to Ladysmith in 1988 and became a member of LDCU shortly thereafter, and has resided in Cedar by the Sea since May of 2021.

He has been active in the Ladysmith and area community for many years, having joined the Ladysmith Eagles in 1995 having served two terms as president. He has been a board member of the Eagles Home Society since 1996, and has also served on the Town of Ladysmith Advisory Planning Commission serving two years as Commission Chair.

Gerry started G.R.Clarke Contracting in 2001 and is a ticket Red Seal Carpenter.

He married his wife Erica in 1989 and they have three children. His many hobbies include antique automobiles, Labrador Retrievers, gardening, and working on his farm.

He currently serves on the Investment & Lending, Governance, Audit & Risk, Conduct Review and Credit Committees. Gerry is also a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program

Elaine joined the Credit Union in 1992 when she and her family first moved to Ladysmith.

Elaine is a Chartered Professional Accountant and owns and operates The Layman Group, a full-service accounting and financial planning company in Ladysmith.

Elaine has been active in the Ladysmith community for many years; she has previous experience serving on boards as she was the President of the Ladysmith Resource Centre and the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce for several years.

Elaine was appointed to the Credit Union Board in the fall of 2009, she is Past President and currently serves as Secretary. In addition, she is the Chairperson of the Audit & Risk Committee and on the Conduct Review, Governance, Credit and Scholarship Committees.

Elaine is a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program, and has her Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD) and Canadian Credit Union Director (CCD) degrees.

She has also attained the prestigious Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D).

Rob has been a member of the Credit Union since 1972; he joined the Board as a trainee in the fall of 1990 and was then elected to the Board in 1991.

Rob worked at Western Forest Products in Chemainus as an accredited Red Seal millwright and crew lead hand.

In his retirement, Rob is enjoying traveling, fly fishing, and the outdoors.

During his time at the Chemainus Sawmill, Rob served for many years as Chairperson of the Chemainus Mutual Benefit Association, a co-operative insurance society.

In years past, Rob helped many youth in our community learn about forestry and develop outdoor skills as a leader of the Junior Forest Wardens.

He currently serves as Chairperson for the Governance Committee and is also on the Scholarship Committee. Rob is a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program.

David has lived in Ladysmith since 1985 and raised his family here with his wife Terrena.

He joined the Credit Union in 1995 and became a board member in 2010.

David practiced law in Ladysmith for 34 years as a self-employed lawyer, and is now retired from the practice of law.

David has a strong commitment to community values which, together with his legal expertise, makes him well suited to serve on the Board.

David currently serves as Chairperson for the Conduct Review and Nominating Committees and is also on the Investment and Lending, Credit and Scholarship Committees. Dave is also a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program.

Carol moved to Ladysmith in 1983, and has been here since, raising her three children and now enjoying her grandchildren in this great community.

After moving here and purchasing her first home in 1985 she has continued to be a member of the Ladysmith District Credit Union, grateful to have chosen a financial institution that assisted her with the purchase of her first home, during a time when rates were very high and employment was scarce.

Believing that "giving back to community" is one of her core values, Carol has been, and continues to be, a member of different service groups and committees, such as the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ladysmith Rotary, and the Ladysmith Ambassadors throughout the years.

Carol's passion and enthusiasm for real estate led her to becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2010. Prior to becoming a realtor, she worked for a local oil company for seventeen years, and during this time she also was, (and continues to be), heavily involved in the business of building and developing land, as a Licensed Builder and Developer.

In Carol's spare time she enjoys travelling and exploring different places in the world, spending time with her children/grandchildren, along with camping and fishing.

Carol currently serves on the Investment & Lending, Governance and Credit Committees and is also a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program.

Julie and her family have lived in Ladysmith since 2008 and are active members of our Community.

Julie joined the Board of Directors in January 2023, and brings extensive experience in financial services, including:

  • project and strategic management;
  • coordinating service, product, and systems training programs; and
  • corporate and branch audit and compliance.

She has served as an Executive on two Ladysmith schools Parent Advisory Councils, and has helped local community organizations with volunteering and fundraising campaigns.

Julie and her family are avid animal lovers, and they have adopted rescue cats and chinchillas. Julie's hobbies include pickleball, rollerblading, and sea glass hunting at the beach.

Julie currently serves on the Audit & Risk, Governance, Investment & Lending, Conduct Review, Nominating, Credit, and Scholarship Committees. Julie is also a graduate of the Credit Union Director Achievement Program.

 
 
 
 

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