As of this report, we are actively engaged in several national campaigns aimed at amplifying the voice of retirees on key issues related to Health Services, Finances, and Consumer Protection. Additionally, we continue to address the broader political challenges impacting us.
This week, we are honored to attend a roundtable session with the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) to review consumer protections within the telecommunications sector. While we have been frequent presenters to the commission, this unique opportunity allows us to help shape frameworks for the Act itself. A special thank you to everyone who participated in our online survey – your feedback is invaluable in representing your concerns and advancing potential solutions.
The Government of Canada continues to warn that fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Fraudsters are becoming more and more crafty, using a variety of ways to reach people, including the Internet, phone calls and even door-to-door visits. We have seen a steep rise in fraud intercepting a person’s personal banking services and have taken steps to become more involved in this advocacy.
The NPF provided a submission to the Federal Finance Department on the Status of the Financial Banking Act review. With a quick survey to our leading affiliate groups, we were able to make recommendations on changes to better serve and protect older persons who may be more unsuspecting or unaware of how to protect themselves.
The NPF now shares a unique relationship with the OBSI, Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments as a leading resource and to network with on representing our interests. We are encouraged by their reporting, shared concerns and forthcoming expansion across Canada.
You can ask OBSI to review your complaint against a bank if: your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction after following the steps of your bank’s complaint-handling process, or 56 days have passed since your bank received your complaint
External complaints bodies (ECBs) and independent complaint-handling organizations are independent from your financial institution. They provide a free and impartial review of your complaint about a financial product or service. You can involve them when your bank (including federal credit unions and authorized foreign banks) or trust and loan company couldn’t resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. The ECB can recommend a resolution for your complaint.
A bank must be a member of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI).
I always look forward to hosting our NPF affiliate leaders’ quarterly meetings, where we stay aligned on key issues and continue our advocacy efforts. Thank you for participating with us!
The National Pensioners Federation, representing over 250 affiliate organizations and individual members, invites you to join our advocacy efforts and campaigns. Your involvement will help strengthen our collective voice and drive our mission forward. Reach out to me today to learn how you can share your experiences and skills to make a difference.
Follow our website and Facebook page to learn more.
Thank you, Trish McAuliffe, NPF President.