Here's a fact that many CFPSA employees may not know: CANEX is a major revenue generator of non-public funds (those funds which don't come from the government's Public purse) that provide a host of quality programs and services for the men, women and families of the Canadian Forces (CF). In short, CANEX provides a direct return on investment for the CF. The more money generated at CANEX outlets, the more is returned to the respective ocations through the Base/Wing/Unit Fund.

CANEX sells merchandise and services to the CF community. They do so at a limited profit in order to return funds to Bases/Wings/Units for them to provide non-public fund activities and services like sport, recreation and fitness programs, as well as hobby clubs and other services. At the same time, CANEX must provide value for money, along with quality and brand names at a competitive price to other retailers in the community.

The Goods

So what kind of facilities does CANEX operate at Bases/Wings and Units? They provide retail stores, grocery stores, SuperMarts, ExpressMarts, gas bars and food services that include:

• Harvey's
• Pizza Hut
• Swiss Chalet
• Tim Hortons
• Robin's Donuts

as well as snack bars, canteens, coffee shops and cafeterias. CANEX also runs barber shops, cinemas, vending operations and warehouses. When it comes to specialized services, CANEX also offers group home and auto insurance plans and a home heating oil discount plan. Through a number of concession agreements, CANEX provides pharmacies, florists, legal offices, butcher shops, dry cleaning, tailors, opticians, medical/dental/chiropractor services, real estate offices, postal services, auto repair centres, travel agencies, banks/credit unions and of course, where would any community be without a McDonald's restaurant! CANEX literally provides a self-contained retail world within the CF. In some locations, CANEX is the sole provider of services for the military community, which is why their range is so extensive (for those of you in Goose Bay, you'll know what we mean).

CANEX international - or better known as NATEX, in its operation at the NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, also provides products and services for its European-based operations. They supply goods to CF members and families based in Europe and to deployed members at five Canadian camps in Bosnia.

Membership Rewards

One of the most popular components of CANEX's value-added service is the customer loyalty Club XTra program. Customers use their Club XTra card to accumulate points from goods purchased at CANEX outlets (these include the grocery store, ExpressMart, retail stores, SuperMarts, FurnitureMarts and Electronics stores). Each dollar spent reaps 10 points. Twice a year, gift certificates are issued to Club XTra members for the value of points accumulated.

Gift certificates can be redeemed at any participating CANEX outlet.

Simply The Best

CANEX customers can rest assured that their shopping experience is a productive one! Simply The Best is the new CANEX campaign designed to offer customers the "Best Price", "Best Brand" and "Best Quality".

How? CANEX ensures its basic staple goods such as milk, bread, butter, sugar, eggs, apple juice, diapers, and baby food. Selected brands are sold at the lowest price in the neighbourhood (Best Price). Similarly, "Best Quality" ensures that CANEX supplies the best quality product in its class for the price, and "Best Brand" offers the industry leader at a competitive price. It's all geared to delivering the best value and best service for the CF community.

Shop With Us

We're in the process of updating the look of many CANEX outlets across Canada. It's important that your shopping experience is a pleasant one in which you can find the quality goods you're looking for at the right price.

Remember, a portion of CANEX profits are returned to the local Base/Wing/Unit through the Base/Wing/Unit Fund (this allows them to reinvest in its programs and services for the military members and families). It's a win-win situation.

Visit us in person, or check us out on-line at www.canex.ca or www.cfpsa.com.