Board of Directors Elections
Electronic Voting March 13-17, 2023
There is one Board of Director vacancy in each of the Access, Sunova, and Noventis districts. Member voting will be open on Monday, March 13th, 2023 from 9:00 am CDT until 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, March 17th, 2023. Members of Access Credit Union are invited to vote online at www.accessvotes.ca. Each member may vote on a personal electronic device or should any member prefer, devices for the purpose of voting will be available at all branches of the Credit Union during operating hours. Voting results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of Members held in April 2023.
Why are we voting online?
By providing electronic voting from March 13-17, 2023, members will be able to participate from any device in any location. We have successfully facilitated online voting in several past elections and in merger votes.
By providing electronic voting from March 13-17, 2023, members will be able to participate from any device in any location. We have successfully facilitated online voting in several past elections and in merger votes.
Any members who may need some assistance with voting electronically will be able to visit our branches during regular operating hours during the March 13-17 voting period.
Voting Details
All section references refer to The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act (the “Act”) unless otherwise specified. The general rule, under the Act, is that the right to vote derives from membership, not from the ownership of one or more shares [subsection 67(1)]. Therefore every member is entitled to one vote, regardless of the number of shares held by the member.
All section references refer to The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act (the “Act”) unless otherwise specified. The general rule, under the Act, is that the right to vote derives from membership, not from the ownership of one or more shares [subsection 67(1)]. Therefore every member is entitled to one vote, regardless of the number of shares held by the member.
What are you looking for?
Meet the Nominees
There is one vacancy available in each of the Access, Noventis, and Sunova districts.
All members are able to vote for all districts, however there will be only one appointment per district: one vote Access district, one vote Noventis district, and one vote Sunova district. Please note: the credit union only received one nomination for the Crosstown Civic district and therefore no election is required for that district.
Please click the picture of the candidate to review their profile and qualifications.

Scott Beattie
Access District

Curt Letkeman
Access District
Since 1987, Scott has worked in the accounting field at firms in Winnipeg, Winkler, and Morden. In 2004, he became a sole proprietor because he enjoyed learning about individual needs and creating customized solutions. In 2010, he undertook a small business venture with a long-time friend and colleague that exceeded expectations. Additionally, he has also built a medium-sized rental business with a group of colleagues.
Scott’s professional experiences have helped him understand the work involved from a board member, and the commitment required to help an organization achieve its goals. He is also a very active user of the Access Credit Union system and keenly aware of the important role it plays in the communities it serves, and the leadership it provides throughout the province. As a prior member of the Board of Directors of Access Credit Union, he acknowledges that concern for and investment in community starts with the loans made to members – to households, businesses, and farms – and to sponsoring local initiatives. He is passionate about the value of these loans and initiatives, and is committed to helping the organization achieve its goals.
Scott’s work experience has also facilitated his participation on a number of committees and organizations, including being a board member on the 1999/2000 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, acting as a Hockey Manitoba Official at the Junior, Senior, and Minor Hockey levels, and representing Minnewasta Golf & Country Club as its President and Board Member for more than 20 years. He has also worked as the Chief Financial Agent for the Candice Bergen/Hoeppner campaigns, and has provided services to community organizations such as the Morden Community Thrift Store and the Solid Waste Area Management Project (SWAMP) landfill.
Education
Scott is a Chartered Professional Accountant, having attained his certification through the Certified General Accountants programs of studies.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
- St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pastoral Council Member
- Morden Community Thrift Store, Finance Committee
Curt has been a credit union board member for more than 25 years; first with Altona Credit Union, and then with Access Credit Union. Curt is the current Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Audit Committee. He believes the credit union exists to serve its members and build communities.
In support of this philosophy, Curt has been involved in coaching youth sports for over 25 years. He’s served on Town Council and volunteered with the Manitoba Society of Management Accountants and numerous community organizations.
Curt has widespread experience in Credit Union board leadership, having served as Board Chair and Chairs of Audit, Governance, and Community Investment committees. He values relationships with members and employees, and is a team builder, having played an integral role in the amalgamations which have built Access. He’s a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for the past 20 years.
Education
Curt obtained his Certified Management Accounting degree and was valedictorian of his graduating class.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
He is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).
Curt obtained his Certified Management Accounting degree and was valedictorian of his graduating class.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
He is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).
Current Community Involvement
- Altona Bisons Junior Baseball Club, Coach & Manager
- Seeds Community Church, Treasurer
- Build a Village, Board Member

Marlene Michno
Noventis District

Brandon Terry
Noventis District
Longstanding Directors of the Credit Union, such as Marlene, provide a respected example of community leadership. She joined the Eriksdale Credit Union Board in 1996, and from 2010 to present has been on the Noventis Credit Union Board, following the merger of several credit unions in the Interlake region. Marlene currently serves on the Audit Committee of the Access Credit Union Board.
With a background in finance and business management, Marlene is knowledgeable about human resources, and financial and governance administration. She recently retired, from her role as secretary-treasurer of a Manitoba school division, where she ensured legislative requirements are met while fulfilling accounting, budgeting, and fiscal management functions. Previously, Marlene provided accounting and management training to small and medium sized businesses as part of a Community Futures organization.
Marlene is looking forward to the Credit Union achieving creative, member-focused solutions to its owners’ needs. She also acknowledges the importance of providing community support through various avenues.
Education
Marlene’s educational background is in accounting, and possesses a Certificate in Municipal Administration (CMMA) designation.
Marlene’s educational background is in accounting, and possesses a Certificate in Municipal Administration (CMMA) designation.
She has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program as well as the Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD) Program, both designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). She is working on a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designation through the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES).
Current Community Involvement
- Living Independence for Elders Inc. (L.I.F.E.)
- Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission Inc.
As a Director with two years’ experience serving the members of Noventis Credit Union, Brandon contributed to the successful merger between Access, Noventis, and Sunova in July 2022. He is interested in rejoining the Board to further the capabilities and accessibility of banking systems in the way that best serves members of all ages and demographics. Brandon has a desire to increase the financial literacy of members as a way to advance the well-being of the Credit Union and its members.
Brandon is a business owner in the real estate and hospitality spaces. He is firefighter by trade with the Winnipeg Airports Authority and is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Brandon has a diverse background and skillset. Working in many heavily regulated industries, he is well versed in safeguarding organizations both operationally and financially.
Brandon is looking forward to re-engaging with the Executive, employees, and members to simplify interactions with financial institutions. In governing good business practices, his goal is to provide value to members through tangible personal returns and community support.
Education
Brandon is a graduate of Georgian College. He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) Level A as administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). Brandon is currently working through CCUA’s High Performing Boards program.
Brandon is a graduate of Georgian College. He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) Level A as administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). Brandon is currently working through CCUA’s High Performing Boards program.
Current Community Involvement
- Cancer Care Manitoba fundraising campaign participant
- Firefighter Burn Fund fundraising campaign participant
- MS Society of Manitoba fundraising campaign participant
- Winnipeg Airports Authority, Direct Economic Impact Working Group member

Jodi Carradice
Sunova District

Michael Schmidt
Sunova District
Jodi’s 30-year corporate career was anchored in Human Resources and Communications with a focus in the insurance industry. Jodi’s most recent role was as Wawanesa Mutual Insurance’s SVP and Chief People & Culture Officer. She recently retired after serving the organization for 15 years.
Jodi is known for having a consultative approach and exercises an open mindset to help drive decisions that are aligned to the right fit for purpose. As a senior HR Executive, she gained extensive experience in creating organizational people strategies that strengthen culture, promote employee growth, enhance company performance, respond to business challenges, and positively impact employee experience. Her areas of expertise include Executive Compensation, Employee Value Proposition, Leadership, Succession Planning and Talent / Human Capital Risk.
With her continued dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility, and commitment to governance, she has made significant contributions through her board experience, namely with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Independent Director and Chair of the Human Resources Committee), United Way Winnipeg (Independent Director and Member of the Governance Committee), Western Financial Group and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (Independent Director).
Jodi believes strongly in and is supportive of member-owned organizations and is passionate about serving organizations that contribute to creating strong and resilient communities. She is looking forward to applying her solid business and governance experience to add value and strategically contribute to Access CU’s continued success.
Jodi lives in Stonewall with her husband. She is excited for the opportunity to serve a leading Manitoba based credit union.
Education
Jodi has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D).
Jodi has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D).
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary, is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP).
Current Community Involvement
- Habitat for Humanity, Independent Director, Chair Human Resources Committee
- United Way Board of Trustees, Independent Director, Governance Committee Member
With 12 years of experience in banking and financial services, Michael has established himself as a skilled leader, strategist, and forward-thinking innovator. Throughout his career with the Royal Bank of Canada, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and manage teams in diverse settings, having held leadership roles in retail banking, capital markets, and wealth management in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Prior to joining RBC, Michael served as Vice-President at the Quick Transfer Group of Companies in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Currently, Michael is a private investor based in Oakbank, Manitoba, where he lives with his wife and three young children. He is passionate about giving back to his community and helping others through his work. With a strong background in corporate strategy, product management, and digital innovation, Michael is excited to collaborate in the creation of meaningful and impactful financial solutions through the co-operative model.
Currently, Michael is a private investor based in Oakbank, Manitoba, where he lives with his wife and three young children. He is passionate about giving back to his community and helping others through his work. With a strong background in corporate strategy, product management, and digital innovation, Michael is excited to collaborate in the creation of meaningful and impactful financial solutions through the co-operative model.
Education
Michael holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba.
Michael holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba.
Who Can Vote
GENERAL VOTING GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION
- Must be a member – one share one vote.
- Must be over the age of 18 years.
- Members who have a joint account at legacy Sunova or legacy Amaranth share a membership number so only one member from these joint accounts is eligible to vote. (enter your membership number OR debit card number)
Businesses
VOTING ON BEHALF OF A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION
A member that is a corporation or association must appoint a representative to vote on its behalf by completing a resolution [refer to: subsection 68(1) of the Act].
The Board of Access Credit Union appreciates your engagement in the democratic process.
In accordance with the voting Notice, all Corporate Resolutions were to be received by Friday, March 17, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
The deadline for submissions has expired.
TYPES OF CORPORATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS
- Registered corporations, for example:
- ABC Sewing Inc., ABC Sewing Ltd., ABC Sewing Corporation; ABC Sewing Corp.
- Non-profit organizations - active and organized sports teams
- Where there are several sub accounts under the same business (applies to corporations and non-profit organizations) that entity has one vote, for example:
- XYZ Church Ltd may have a separate missions account, youth group account, ladies group account or Sunday School account, they are deemed to be one entity – under the primary account holder, in this case XYZ Church Ltd. is allowed one vote.
Types of Business that are not allowed to vote as they are not considered a body:
- Sole Proprietorship/Trading As Businesses, for example:
- Joe Smith operating or trading as Joe’s Hauling
Proxy Voting
Access Credit Union’s by-laws do not allow voting by proxy
Access Credit Union’s by-laws do not allow voting by proxy
Trust Accounts
- Not eligible for voting
- The trustee cannot vote on behalf of the beneficial owner as that would be deemed to be voting by proxy (conclusion drawn in consultation with Financial Institutions Regulation Branch “FIRB”).
Estate Accounts
- Not eligible to vote – executors would be deemed to vote by proxy and the by-laws do not allow a proxy vote (conclusion drawn in consultation with FIRB).
Powers of Attorney
- Not eligible to vote - It is the principal (the real owner) who has the only right to vote. A power of attorney is equivalent, in this respect, to a proxy, and is not permitted. The member alone has the right to vote, and if the member has ceased to have the capacity to cast a vote, the attorney cannot act on behalf of the member as proxies are not permitted.
New Memberships
New Memberships & Voting Eligibility
- The cut-off for voting eligibility is governed by Section 62 of the Act, which states that the record date for determining which members are entitled to receive notice of a meeting of members is the closing of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which notice is given.
- Notice will be posted in the local newspapers, therefore in order to be eligible to vote the membership must have been opened by the close of January 24th, 2023.
Minors' Voting Rights
No member who is under the age of 18 may vote [subsection 67(1)].
To obtain a copy of the Access Credit Union by-laws, please visit your local branch.
How to Vote
Voting will be available on March 13 from 9:00 am until March 17 at 5:00 pm
Go to: accessvotes.ca
Voting will be accepted electronically only:
- Personal devices (cell phones, iPads, tablets, etc.)
- Home Computers
Please note that devices will be set up in each branch for member use for those members that require it.
For any corporation or associations that are appointing a representative to vote, the resolutions must be received electronically by 12:00 p.m. on March 17th.
Member authentication required to vote electronically:
- Personal members – members will be required to enter:
- Member # OR Debit Card # AND
- either their date of birth or their postal code
- Representatives of a Corporation or Association – reps will be required to enter:
- Organization’s member # OR debit card # AND Corporate address postal code; AND
- The representative if a member:
- Member # or Debit Card # AND
- Either date of birth or their postal code
- The representative if a non-member
- Date of birth and their postal code
- Date of birth and their postal code
NOTICE OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS ELECTRONIC VOTING
MEMBERS OF ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
(the “Credit Union”)
NOTICE OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS ELECTRONIC VOTING
MEMBERS OF ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
(the “Credit Union”)
As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on January 25, 2023.
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CREDIT UNION
VOTING FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TAKE NOTICE THAT voting for the Board of Directors is open to all members who have a share at any Access Credit Union branch. Voting will be done by electronic ballot and will be tallied electronically by a third party provider. Voting will be open from 9:00 am CDT on Monday, the 13th day of March, 2023 until 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, the 17th of March, 2023. Members of Access Credit Union are invited to vote online at www.accessvotes.ca. Each member may vote on a personal electronic device or should any member prefer, devices for the purpose of voting will be available at all branches of the Credit Union during operating hours. Voting results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of Members held in April, 2023.
DATED this 25th day of January, 2023
ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
By Order of the Board of Directors
ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED
By Order of the Board of Directors