Credit unions offer financial services to their members.
You need to have an account to be able to cash a cheque made out to you or to make it easier and safer to pay your bills. People in Canada don't keep a lot of cash in their pocket. To open an account you need two pieces of identification, immigration papers and your SIN card or referral. Try to find a the financial institution that best suite your financial requests. Look for a bank, trust company or credit union that is close to your place or residence and which has low maintenance and service fees.