Calgary Co-op Employees Ratify New Five Year Collective Agreement

October 25, 2005, Calgary, Alberta - The Calgary Co-operative Association is pleased to announce that on October 24, 2005, employees represented by the Union of Calgary Co-operative Employees ratified a five-year collective agreement with Calgary Co-op. This new contract will conclude in October 2009.

"We believe this contract is fair and equitable, and rewards our employees for their hard work and commitment in making Calgary Co-op the premier shopping destination in the communities we serve," says Ken McCullough, chief executive officer of Calgary Co-op.

"The terms of the new contract provide our employees with a fair compensation package that reflects the competitive retail marketplace. The contract also includes enhancements around work scheduling that will provide employees with greater work-home life balance, while ensuring that Calgary Co-op is able to compete in today's highly competitive retail food industry," states Rick Noonan, vice president of human resources. Specific terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with 3,700 employees, 396,000 members, assets of $287 million and sales of $752 million. In addition to its head office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Calgary Co-op operates 20 retail shopping centres, 21 gas bars, 12 travel offices and 13 liquor stores in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta.

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For more information, please contact:

Rick Noonan, Vice President, Human Resources
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025

Donna Burn , Director, Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025