topic 8: getting help, there are many folks you can reach ...ccsac inc. offers help with credit card...
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IT’S YOUR RIGHTProtecting Yourself Financially As You Age
Topic 8: Getting Help, There Are ManyFolks You Can Reach Out To
Contact Directory
Page 82 | A Project Established by Family Service PEI
IT’S YOUR RIGHTProtecting Yourself Financially As You Age
At one time or another most people need help. That is a pretty straightforward statement. It’s what
happens after, that gets complicated. It turns out that most people don’t like to ask for help. That may
not come as a surprise. There are many reasons why we avoid asking for help. Some may include:
1) We don’t want to look weak.
2) We don’t want to look incompetent by imposing on friends and family.
3) It won’t be done right away if we don’t take care of it ourselves.
4) We were raised to be self-sufficient.
5) It won’t be done right if we do not do it ourselves.
6) People might find out out private business if we ask for help.
The result of these beliefs, and others, can cause us to work harder than we need to, feel like we’re
doing it on our own, or that no one understands how difficult our lives are.
There are many people out there who want to help. Helping others often makes people feel good about
themselves, and gives them a sense of pride. You can ask a family member, friend, trusted professional
(banker, nurse, pharmacist) for help. You can also contact local organizations, groups, or businesses;
they all exist to help! Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a step in the right
direction!
For a broad directory of services available to PEI seniors you can contact the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat for
a copy of the Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide. The guide includes information about programs and
services provided to seniors by the federal and provincial governments, community organizations and
service providers.
PEI Seniors’ Secretariat: www.gov.pe.ca/seniors | Toll Free 1-866-770-0588
Another valuable resource, which makes reaching out for help much easier, is the PEI Helping Tree. The
PEI division of the Canadian Mental Health Association created the PEI Helping Tree. The PEI Helping
Tree is designed to inform Islanders of the many helping resources available on PEI.
To download a copy visit www.cmha.pe.ca or call 902-628-3669.
If you, or someone you know requires support immediately, you can call:
Island Help Line: Toll Free 1-800-218-2885 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Free, bilingual, confidential service for all Islanders providing information, support, active listening, and
crisis intervention on family matters, abuse, alcohol and drugs, suicide, loneliness, and other problems.
We encourage you to utilize the contacts and resources provided in this toolkit.
8 Reaching Out For HelpTopic 8: Getting Help
Page 83
Topic 1: Who Can You TrustIf you are wondering if a professional or company is trustworthy try searching for them in the telephone
book or on the Internet. You can also find more information from:
Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org | Toll Free: 1-877-663-2363
BBB helps people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. You are also
able to file a complaint if you have had a disagreement with a business.
Financial Planning Standard Council: www.fspc.ca | Toll Free: 1-800-305-9886
FPSC enforces professional standards in financial planning and can connect you with a professional near
you.
Institute of Advanced Financial Planners: www.iafp.ca | Toll Free: 1-888-808-4198
The Institute exists to provide a level of assurance and peace of mind to the public when they are
seeking advisors capable of delivering advanced financial planning solutions.
Topic 2: Lending, Giving, and DonatingIf you are asked to make a donation and you would like to know if the organization is a registered
charity, you can contact:
Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/ | Toll Free: 1-800-267-2384
CRA has a searchable list of Canadian charities with information about their finances and activities. If
you are looking for more information on the consequences of co-signing you should contact your local
bank branch (see bank contact section). Set up a meeting to learn about the pros and cons of
co-signing, or any other information you may need before making a decision.
Topic 3: Having A ConversationIf you are nervous, scared, or worried about having a conversation with your family or friends a
therapeutic counsellor may be able to help. To reach a local counsellor contact:
Family Service PEI: www.fspei.ca | Toll Free: 1-866-892-2441
PEI based charitable agency offering free credit counselling, and affordable therapeutic counselling
services (including family counselling) to all Islanders.
Catholic Family Services Bureau: www.catholicfamilyservice.ca | Charlottetown 902-894-3515
CFSB is a not-for-profit community counselling service. They provide confidential, non-denominational
individual, group, couple, and family counselling services.
A conversation with your family or friends about money may include legal aspects, such as a will or
power of attorney. If you require legal advice you can contact a local law firm by searching the
yellow pages, or contact:
Community Legal Information Association: www.cliapei.ca | Charlottetown 902-892-0853
Toll Free 1-800-240-9798
CLIA provides legal information and plain language publications. CLIA can also provide
referrals for a brief consultation with a lawyer for a small fee. Page 84
Topic 4: Scams & FraudsOne of the best ways to prevent scams and frauds from happening to you is by checking your credit
report regularly (1-2 times per year). This can be done for free. Simply contact, or visit the two local
major credit bureaus:
Equifax: www.equifax.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-465-7166, 155 Belvedere Avenue, Suite 200, Charlottetown, PE
TransUnion: www.transunion.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9980, 51 University Avenue, Suite 103, Charlottetown, PE
If you have experienced fraud in any form it is important that you contact your local police (see police
contact section) to file a report. It is also important to report the incident to our national fraud centre:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca | Toll Free 1-800-495-8501
The CAFC is Canada’s central source for data, intelligence and resource material as it relates to fraud.
The CAFC provides timely, accurate and useful information around all types of scams and frauds.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can provide you with more information around different types of scams
and frauds. You can also find additional information on this topic by visiting these national resources:
Canadian Bankers Association: www.cba.ca | Toll free 1-800-263-0231
CBA promotes financial literacy to help Canadians make informed financial decisions. The Association
also works with banks and law enforcement to help protect customers against financial crime and
promote fraud awareness.
RCMP- Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security:
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/ccaps-spcca/pdf/seniors-aines-eng.pdf
Competition Bureau- Little Black Book of Scams:
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00176.html
Topic 5: Tips & SafeguardsThere are a number of pre-cautions you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing theft. The
Government of Ontario has published a Home Security Audit Guide. This guide has many useful tips for
making your property more secure. This guide can be found online at:
Government of Ontario - Home Security Audit
www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/police_serv/HomeSecurityAuditGuide/home_security.html
Remember, theft is against the law! If you have experienced theft in any form it is important
contact your local police (see police contact section).
Your local bank (see bank contact section) should be able to provide you with information about
protecting yourself from theft, whether that is on the Internet, or in the community. If there is
anything you feel unsure about, such as using cheques versus online banking, ask to set up Page 85
an appointment with your local bank to get more information. Remember, you should always feel safe
and secure!
If you wish to obtain tips and tools for protecting yourself, you can also visit:
Canadian Bankers Association: www.cba.ca | Toll Free 1-800-263-0231
CBA promotes financial literacy to help Canadians make informed financial decisions. The Association
also works with banks and law enforcement to help protect customers against financial crime and
promote fraud awareness.
Topic 6: Plan For Your FutureIf you require help organizing your finances, paying down debts, making a budget, learning how to
manage your money and track your expenses, you can contact:
Family Service PEI: www.fspei.ca | Toll Free: 1-866-892-2441
PEI based charitable agency offering free credit counselling, and affordable therapeutic counselling
services (including family counselling) to all Islanders.
Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada: www.solveyourdebts.com | Toll Free 1-888-753-2227
CCSAC Inc. offers help with credit card debt, budgeting, and debt consolidation as well as financial
education.
If you are looking for service in another area of Canada: Credit Counselling Canada has a list of
accredited agencies.
Credit Counselling Canada: www.creditcounsellingcanada.ca | Toll Free 1-866-398-5999
Credit Counselling Canada is a national association of non-profit credit counselling agencies. Members
provide education and guidance in money management, credit counselling and debt payments.
Coping with the death of a loved one is difficult. If you feel you would benefit from seeing a therapeutic
counsellor please do not hesitate to contact Family Service PEI (listed above).
Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/lf-vnts/dth | Toll Free: 1-800-959-8281
CRA has a publication – What to Do Following a Death- which may be very helpful in answering some
of the questions you have: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4111/README.htm
Service Canada: www.servicecanada.gc.ca | Toll Free 1-800-622-6232
Charlottetown- 191 University Avenue O’Leary- 371 Main Street
Summerside- 294 Church Street Montague- 491 Main Street
Souris- 173 Main Street Wellington- 48 Mill Road (scheduled outreach site)
When preparing legal documents, such as a Power of Attorney, you may wish to contact a
assist. You can search for a local lawyer in the phone book, or the Internet. If you are unsure about
where to go, or require additional information, you can always contact:
Page 86
Community Legal Information Association: www.cliapei.ca | Charlottetown 902-892-0853
Toll Free 1-800-240-9798
CLIA provides legal information and plain language publications. CLIA can also provide referrals for a
brief consultation with a lawyer for a small fee.
If you or someone you know is alone and does not have anyone to make decisions on their behalf
should they become incapable please contact:
PEI Office of the Public Guardian | Charlottetown 902-368-6506
The purpose of the Office of the Public Guardian is to provide as a last resort a substitute decision
maker for those who are not capable of making their own decisions in regards to personal matters.
If you or someone you know gives Power of Attorney and has concerns about how the POA is being
used, you can contact:
PEI Public Trustee | Charlottetown 902-368-4561
The Public Trustee has the power to take over administration of your finances if your attorney has not
been acting in your best interest.
Topic 7: Financial AbuseIf you, or someone you know is in immediate danger call 9-1-1. If you are not sure if you are experiencing
abuse, call the police (see police contact section). They can listen to your story and help determine if
you have been a victim of a criminal offence. Remember, there is nothing wrong with checking!
If you know an adult who is unable to protect themselves and are experiencing abuse or neglect it is
important that you call:
Adult Protection Services | Charlottetown 902-892-4790
Adult Protection Services protects vulnerable adults who are unable to protect themselves from abuse
or neglect; designated adult protection workers can be reached in each of the Home Care offices listed
below. They guarantee that you will remain anonymous.
Home Care and Support: Charlottetown 902-368-4790 Montague 902-838-0786
O’Leary 902-859-8730 Souris 902-687-7096 Summerside 902-888-8440
If you or someone you know needs immediate support please call:
Island Help Line | Toll Free 1-800-218-2885
24/7, 365 days a year free, bilingual, confidential service for all Islanders providing information,
support, active listening, and crisis intervention on family matters, abuse, alcohol and drugs, suicide,
loneliness, and other problems.
Crime Stoppers: www.peicrimestoppers.com | Toll Free 1-800-222-8477
or online at www.peicrimestoppers.com
If you are being abused or know of an abusive situation, you can call Crime Stoppers. They do
not require your name only your information. They guarantee that you will remain anonymous. Page 87
Police ServicesAll Police Emergency Calls ........................................911
Non Emergency Numbers:
Charlottetown RCMP: 902-368-9300 Summerside RCMP: 902-436-9300
Alberton RCMP: 902-853-9300 Montague RCMP: 902-838-9300
Souris RCMP: 902-687-9300 Charlottetown Police: 902-629-4172
Summerside Police: 902-432-1201 Borden-Carleton Police: 902-437-2228
Kensington Police: 902-836-4499
PEI Banks - listed alphabetically by locationBank of Nova Scotia – Albany | Telephone: (902) 855-2233
CIBC - Alberton | Telephone: (902) 853-2102
Consolidated Credit Union - Borden-Carleton | Telephone: (902) 855-2066
Bank of Montreal - Charlottetown Mall | Telephone: (902) 894-7021
Bank of Montreal - Confederation Court Mall, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-2437
Bank of Nova Scotia - St. Peters Road, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 894-5013
Bank of Nova Scotia - Confederation Court Mall, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 566-5004
CIBC - Queen Street, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-1284
CIBC - University Avenue, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-3477
Metro Credit Union - Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-4107
National Bank of Canada - Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-7443
Royal Bank of Canada - Queen Street, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-2405
Royal Bank of Canada - University Avenue, Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 892-0104
TD Canada Trust - Charlottetown | Telephone: (902) 629-2265
Bank of Nova Scotia - Crapaud | Telephone: (902) 658-2778
Royal Bank of Canada - Hunter River | Telephone: (902) 964-2002
Bank of Nova Scotia - Kensington | Telephone: (902) 836-3333
Malpeque Bay Credit Union - Kensington | Telephone: (902) 836-3030
Bank of Nova Scotia - Montague | Telephone: (902) 838-2252
CIBC - Montague | Telephone: (902) 838-2134
Montague Credit Union | Telephone: (902) 838-3636
Bank of Nova Scotia - Morell | Telephone: (902) 961-2019
Morell Credit Union Ltd. | Telephone: (902) 961-2735
Morell Credit Union Ltd. - Mount Stewart | Telephone: (902) 676-2363
CIBC - Murray River | Telephone: (902) 962-3119
Stella Maris Credit Union - North Rustico | Telephone: (902) 963-2543
Bank of Nova Scotia - O'Leary | Telephone: (902) 859-2310
Central Credit Union Ltd. - O'Leary | Telephone: (902) 859-2266
CIBC - Souris | Telephone: (902) 687-2014
Souris Credit Union Ltd. | Telephone: (902) 687-2721
Bank of Montreal - Stratford | Telephone: (902) 569-0931
Metro Credit Union - Stratford | Telephone: (902) 569-6900
Bank of Montreal - Summerside | �Telephone: (902) 436-9231
Bank of Nova Scotia – Summerside | �Telephone: (902) 436-2204
CIBC - Summerside | �Telephone: (902) 436-2255 Page 88
Consolidated Credit Union - Summerside | Telephone: (902) 436-9218
National Bank of Canada - Summerside | Telephone: (902) 436-9121
Royal Bank of Canada - Summerside | Telephone: (902) 436-4237
TD Canada Trust - Summerside | Telephone: (902) 888-5450
Tignish Credit Union Ltd. | Telephone: (902) 882-2303
Evangeline Credit Union - Tyne Valley | Telephone: (902) 831-2900
Evangeline Credit Union Ltd. - Wellington | Telephone: (902) 854-2595
TD Canada Trust- West Royalty (University Ave) | Telephone: (902) 569-2819
Page 89
IT’S YOUR RIGHTProtecting Yourself Financially As You Age
Page 90 | www.ItsYourRight.caA Project Establishedby Family Service PEI
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