Who is credited with opening the first credit union in North America?

Alphonse Desjardins is credited with opening the first credit union in North America in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec. He founded this institution with the intention of providing a more inclusive financial alternative for the working class, enabling them to save and borrow at reasonable rates. Desjardins's work laid the groundwork for the cooperative finance model that is foundational to credit unions today. His vision extended beyond just providing financial services; he aimed at promoting the principles of cooperation and mutual aid among the community members. This initiative was significant in the evolution of credit unions as a movement that emphasizes member ownership and democratic control, setting the stage for their proliferation across North America and beyond.