November 2023

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

MYNI COMPLETES MAJOR FINANCING ROUND WITH SUPPORT FROM LEADING INVESTORS

Quebec City, November 30 – Myni, a pioneer in eco-friendly cleaning products for the body and home, is proud to announce the conclusion of a major financing round totalling $2.8 million. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Myni’s quest to revolutionize the cleaning and personal care products industry.

Myni offers a doubly environmentally-friendly approach with its innovative products: cleaning solutions for the home and body, in the form of powder concentrates and tablets, formulated with wholesome ingredients. The concentrated formula, free from toxic ingredients, significantly reduces reliance on single-use plastic packaging, while promoting an experience that respects the planet and the health of users. Competing products are over 90% water, which generates large quantities of packaging.

“This financing will enable us to accelerate our commitment to the environment by continuing to develop and promote our innovative range of products,” says Marie-Hélène David, CEO of Myni.

Myni was launched in April 2020, when accountant Marie-Hélène David became aware of the corrosive effect of cleaning products when a pipe broke. The young mother set out in search of sustainable solutions and now runs a manufacturing plant in Quebec City, employing 25 people.

“Our products, initially offered online, are now available at over 1,000 retailers in Quebec and the United States. We want them to be accessible: they’re often less expensive than current solutions and just as effective, with the difference that they’re good for the environment and your health,” says the young entrepreneur.

Financial support to revolutionize the industry

This second round of financing was led by Anges Québec, AQC Capital and Accelia Capital, three key venture capital players in Quebec, along with the Quebec government, through its Impulsion PME program, and ACET Capital.

The $2.8 million investment reflects investors’ confidence in Myni’s vision and potential to redefine industry standards for personal care and cleaning products.

Quotes

“Our government supports projects like Myni’s, which offer Quebec consumers a local option while helping them reduce their environmental footprint. Thanks to the Impulsion PME program, our government is enabling young companies to move forward with initiatives that have a positive impact on the way we consume.”

– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

“Together with our partners in the financial ecosystem, we are delighted to support Myni in this important step in their history. Their products, made right here in Quebec, are sure to meet the growing demand for eco-responsible consumption. Thanks to Impulsion PME, Investissement Québec now has one more tool to support start-ups that want to compete in new markets.”

– Guy LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, Investissement Québec

“The management team in place is fully invested in its mission and demonstrates great listening skills. It’s a great start, especially as the sector is growing rapidly, and the timing couldn’t have been better to help this local manufacturer develop world-class operations and enviable brand recognition.”

– Marc-Antoine Cantin, angel lead representative for Anges Québec

“AQC Capital is delighted to support Marie-Hélène in her vision and to actively contribute, with Myni, to the creation of a world where economic development goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility.”

– Kalthoum Bouacida, partner at AQC Capital

“We are proud to support Myni in its growth and in the development of new environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. Led by a seasoned entrepreneur, Myni has succeeded in innovating and establishing itself in Canada. It now intends to conquer new markets. The Accelia team is delighted to support Myni as it positions itself as a leader in its field.”

– Christine Beaubien, co-founder and managing partner, Accelia Capital

“ACET Capital is very proud to reiterate its financial support for Myni. This second investment reflects our growing confidence in its innovative potential. With every step we take, we’re more convinced than ever of Myni’s ability to shake up the industry and create a future that’s good for the environment and good for people.”

– Dominic Denis, Investment Director, ACET Capital

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

AIRMEDIC REMAINS UNDER QUEBEC OWNERSHIP

LÉVIS, November 13, 2023– Dessercom has completed the acquisition of Airmedic, a leader in emergency air medical transport, keeping the company under Quebec ownership. This $54 million transaction will ensure the company’s long-term viability and continued growth.

This Airmedic transaction was made possible with the financial support of Mouvement Desjardins and Investissement Québec.

Anywhere in Quebec, anytime

Airmedic is the only private company to offer a safe airborne medical assistance and transport service tailored to any emergency situation. Since 2012, the Airmedic crew has completed more than 8,400 missions across Quebec.

Healthcare network organizations, businesses such as mining and forestry companies, as well as individuals in remote areas, especially indigenous communities, will continue to benefit from the expertise of the 150 employees and management team of Airmedic who remain in place. The company will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity from Saint-Hubert, Québec.

Quotes

“It is more than 10 years of experience in medical assistance services, air transport, and unique expertise in emergency medical evacuations by plane or helicopter that we welcome today into the large Dessercom team. This acquisition aligns directly with our mission to improve healthcare in Quebec, as well as with our goal of diversifying our services.”
– Maxime Laviolette, President and CEO of Dessercom.

“We are pleased to look towards the future with a partner who has been involved in emergency pre-hospital services for 40 years and shares our values of excellence and benevolence. Dessercom will bring stability, both to our operations and our employees, and will guide the direction to deepen and develop several projects that are dear to us.”
– Sophie Larochelle, Airmedic CEO.

“The acquisition of Airmedic by Dessercom, a well-established Quebec company, will ensure the continuity of emergency medical transport activities, an essential service, particularly for remote populations. We are thus preserving the expertise developed by a seasoned team over the years.”
– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Greater Montreal Area.

“Desjardins’ financial support and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins’ investment in this transaction ensures the continuity of an essential service in all communities and regions of Quebec. All Quebecers have the right to adequate healthcare services, regardless of where they live. Dessercom has been able to count on the support of Desjardins for over 30 years, and we are proud to be at their side in this new phase.”
– Jean-Yves Bourgeois, Executive Vice-President, Business Services, Desjardins Group.

About Dessercom

Dessercom, a charitable organization founded in 1968, has been providing pre-hospital emergency services since 1984, and non-emergency medical transportation since 1995. With a team of over 1,000 professionals in 14 administrative regions of Quebec, it is the largest company in Canada in this field. A major philanthropic player in Quebec, Dessercom has donated over $55 million to various health organizations and foundations since its founding. Committed to serving the population in all its spheres of activity, Dessercom works daily to improve healthcare and the well-being of the communities it serves.

About Airmedic

Airmedic is an innovative Quebec company offering ground and air medical transport and assistance services throughout the province. It is the only company in Quebec to operate its own fleet of airplanes and helicopters dedicated to emergency medical evacuations and inter-hospital transfers. Airmedic was the first private air medical transport company in Canada to obtain Accreditation Canada certification in 2016. Since that same year, it has also been accredited by Transport Canada to wear night vision goggles, and has IFR certification for its helicopter operations. These certifications are an eloquent demonstration of Airmedic’s commitment to offering high-quality care in the safest possible environment at all times.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest financial cooperative in North America and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $414.1 billion as at September 30, 2023. It has been named one of the world’s best employers for women by Forbes magazine. To meet the diverse needs of its individual and corporate members and customers, a full range of products and services is offered through its extensive network of points of service, virtual platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banking institutions by The Banker magazine, Desjardins boasts capital ratios and credit ratings that are among the best in the industry.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

2023 Philanthropic Contest
TWELVE CHARITIES IN THE RUNNING TO WIN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN DONATIONS

Quebec City, November 7, 2023– Twelve charities working in the health, environment, education or social services fields that have presented promising educational projects have been selected by the jury for iA Financial Group’s 7th edition of its Canada-wide philanthropic contest. From these finalists, the public will now be asked to choose four winners, which will each receive $100,000 to make a project a reality or to pursue their mission. The remaining eight finalists will each receive a donation of $10,000.

The public is invited to vote at donations-contest.ia.ca until December 1 for the projects that they find the most inspiring, in four different regions (Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada, Northern Canada and Atlantic Canada).

The approximately 9,000 iA Financial Group employees will also be invited to vote on their favourite charities which will each receive an additional donation of $20,000, for a total of $500,000 in donations across the country. The winners will be revealed the week of December 11.

OUR SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Social commitment is part of the DNA of iA Financial Group and its employees. It is one of the company’s fundamental values, aligned with its commitment towards sustainable development and concrete support for communities. In 2022, the Group made 8.5 million dollars in donations to over 600 charities working in the health, social services, education or environmental fields. This large-scale philanthropic contest is part of iA Financial Group’s contribution to development in the communities it serves.

“Once again this year, participation from these charities has been outstanding! I’d like to thank them all for their contributions to the wellbeing of their communities and for improving quality of life for the people who benefit from their services. They are a powerful driver for reducing social inequalities. They make a difference in the everyday lives of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. On behalf of iA Financial Group, I’d like to wish all the finalists the best of luck,” said Denis Ricard, President and Chief Executive Officer of iA Financial Group.

THE TOP 12 FINALISTS AND THEIR PROJECTS

1. Stigma-Free Society (SFS), Victoria, British Columbia

Founded in 2010, Stigma-Free Society (SFS) is a charity that promotes mental health and breaks down related stigmas through educational tools, fostering understanding and fighting against prejudices that can stand in the way of self-esteem, asking for help and the acceptance of others. This donation would be used to adapt their Stigma-Free Schools program to a virtual format and make it accessible on a national scale, leaving a lasting imprint on student wellbeing throughout the country.

2. PLEA Community Services Society of British Columbia (PLEA), Vancouver, British Columbia

PLEA’s Our Children of the Street program works to educate young people about how to keep themselves and their peers safe from all forms of sexual exploitation while also supporting children and families already affected by this crime. This donation would support the delivery of their free exploitation prevention workshops which will reach over 30,000 youth and adults every year, including many high-risk groups.

3. United for Literacy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

United for Literacy is a national charity supporting the right to literacy. In collaboration with volunteers and community partners, the organization provides free academic supports to learners of all ages in the city of Saskatoon. This donation of $100,000 would sustain literacy programs that provide essential tools for developing reading, writing, and math skills, to make sure everyone has an equal chance to develop their literacy and unleash their full potential.

4. I Challenge Diabetes, North York, Ontario

I Challenge Diabetes was founded by Chris Jarvis, a Canadian Olympic rower with type 1 diabetes, to support people living with diabetes with the resources necessary to lead healthy, inspired lives. This donation would go to support the Diabuddies School Tour project, a campaign that aims to raise awareness about diabetes, reaching almost 3,000 students in schools across Canada. This tour will increase understanding of diabetes and healthy lifestyles, promote accepting and inclusive school communities and improve confidence of students with diabetes.

5. Junior Achievement of Central Ontario (JA Central Ontario), Toronto, Canada

JA Central Ontario’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks they need. This donation would support the delivery of JA’s four financial literacy programs to 2,000 young people in grades 3-12 across central Ontario. Students will learn important money management skills in spending, budgeting, saving and using credit, all of which will lower their risk of irresponsible financial behaviour.

6. Trails Youth Initiatives, Stouffville, Ontario

Trails Youth Initiatives was created to help youth, especially those facing barriers based on race, income, education and neighbourhood. Trails uses outdoor experiential learning to cultivate social and emotional skills, improve physical and mental wellness and support success. This donation would support the 4 Seasons-4 Years-4 Life outdoor education program for vulnerable youth from Toronto’s at-risk communities. The program focuses on non-violent communication, conflict resolution, leadership, critical thinking, goal setting, stress management and reflection.

7. Hope for Dementia, Saint-Laurent, Quebec

Hope for Dementia is a charitable organization whose mission is to support the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of dementia and other cognitive disorders. This donation would go towards Hope for Dementia’s Intergenerational Learning Program, which aims to reduce the risks of dementia in seniors and raise awareness among youth about dementia. Youth volunteers will teach seniors how to use applications on tablets and iPads that promote cognitive stimulation and learn about the ways to reduce the risks of dementia.

8. Je Passe Partout : Services de soutien scolaire et intervention familiale, Montreal, Quebec

Je Passe Partout (JPP)’s mission is to foster success and encourage young people in difficult situations to succeed and prevent them from dropping out by working together with parents, schools, social services and the school environment. This donation would allow them to help over one hundred young newcomers to Quebec and their families to integrate into the Quebec school system, learn French and take advantage of the resources available within their community.

9. Le Centre pour l’intelligence en ligne (Le C.I.E.L.), Quebec City, Quebec

Le CIEL’s mission is to start a conversation about the risks that digital technology poses to our wellbeing, specifically with a prevention program about the risks of screen time for young people in elementary and secondary school. This donation would support the development of a program for preventing the harmful effects of screen time for children and adolescents all across Quebec. The program will be based on a scientific and rigorous approach, with the aim of stimulating young people’s critical thinking while encouraging them to adopt a more thoughtful approach to using social media and video games.

10. Every Student, Every Day (ESED), Whitehorse, Yukon

ESED is a funding program working to support increased student attendance throughout the Yukon. Funding is made available each year to all Yukon schools, First Nations governments and organizations, and community organizations to promote innovative local solutions that support attendance and success. With this donation, ESED will support funding for a Science, Technology, Trades, Engineering, Arts and Music program, schools in Whitehorse, mental health programs and initiatives to support girls.

11. Camp Canak, Kedgwick, New Brunswick

The primary mission of Camp Canak is to provide children, adolescents and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities an unforgettable stay through diversified, enriching, safe and appropriate activities, while offering their families a peaceful break. A donation to the ASD Respite program would allow them to implement a program focused on learning and development of new skills and activities for a more personalized and specialized approach for people living with autism spectrum disorder aged 16 to 45.

12. Parker Street Mission, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Parker Street Mission is a dedicated community organization committed to its mission of providing essential support to those in need, including food, furniture and emergency assistance to foster independence. This donation would go towards their Parker Street Food Program which aims to alleviate food insecurity within their community by offering meals as well as education about proper nutrition, cooking techniques and sustainable food practices. The target population comprises more than 11,000 residents representing diverse social and economic backgrounds.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION
Our sustainability ambition is to be a company that contributes to sustainable growth and wellbeing for its clients, employees, partners, investors and communities.

Sustainability is a priority that guides our day-to-day achievements in environmental, social and governance matters, which we demonstrate with the use of the iA Sustainable pictogram.

iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is one of Canada’s largest public companies and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares).