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

Notes