A Pension Plan Built for People.
What if your retirement plan wasn’t run for you — but by you? With the CSS Pension Plan, they make that possible.
For most of us, pensions and life insurance feel like a “future-you problem,” something you’ll figure out one day when life slows down. But even early on, the choices you make now shape the life you get to live later — and that starts with picking a provider where you actually have a stake, not just a place to stash your money.
Since 1939, the Co-operative Superannuation Society (CSS Pension Plan) has been doing retirement differently. What began as a small group of prairie co-ops pooling resources to support their employees has grown into one of Canada’s oldest and largest co-operative pension plans.
Today, CSS serves over 300 employers and 50,000+ current and former members, offering low-fee investments, personalized guidance, and a values-driven model where members are the owners.
“A pension plan built on people helping people - not profit.”
“We’re proving that business can be values-driven, member-owned, and deeply human - even in the world of pensions."
— Tami Dove, CSS Pension Director, Member Experience
CSS was born because co-operatives didn’t just want a pension plan — they wanted one that reflected their values. Instead of relying on banks or corporations, they built a member-owned model rooted in trust, transparency, and long-term security.
That co-operative DNA shapes CSS to this day. Members get access to retirement education, one-on-one support, and investment options built for real life — not speculation. Employers join because CSS aligns with their own mission to care for people and strengthen communities.
From helping first-time savers understand retirement, to guiding long-time members through their transition into retirement, CSS focuses on what matters: confidence, clarity, and financial resilience — built together.
Why Co-op?
Most financial institutions answer to shareholders seeking profit. CSS answers to its members.
That single difference changes everything.
Members elect the board.
Profits are reinvested—not extracted.
Decisions are grounded in long-term well-being, not quarterly earnings.
Shared ownership creates accountability, stability, and a pension plan built to serve people first. CSS proves that even in finance — an industry known for complexity — co-operation creates clarity, trust, and empowerment.
Partner Spotlight: Alberta Co-operative Association
This story is shared in collaboration with the Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA), which supports co-ops like CSS Pension Plan in building a more connected, resilient province.
Want to explore more co-op solutions? Visit our Co-op Resources page for tools, guides, and ways to get involved.
