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December 2017
FAIR Canada is On the Move


 
When: December 19, 2017

Where: 36 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5C 3B2

How to Reach Us:

Frank Allen, Executive Director
frank.allen@faircanada.ca
Phone number: 647-256-6693

Marian Passmore, Director of Policy & COO marian.passmore@faircanada.ca
Phone number: 647-256-6691

Samreen Beg - Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary samreen.beg@faircanada.ca
Phone number: 647-256-6692

Maricela Morales - Executive Assistant & Office Administrator maricela.villaltamorales@faircanada.ca
Phone number: 647-256-6690

 
Support the Work of FAIR Canada
As you think about charitable donations for 2017, we ask that you consider FAIR Canada. 



FAIR Canada is a unique national charitable organization that has been representing the interests of investors and financial consumers for the past 9 years. FAIR Canada is the preeminent representative of the Canadian investing public in securities regulation. 
 
As regulators and governments consider complex issues affecting the financial well-being of most Canadians, FAIR Canada ensures that the retail investor and consumer perspective informs the discussion. FAIR Canada's work includes advocating for change to help you, such as:
 
  • Co-founding Canada's first Investor Protection Clinic with Osgoode Hall Law School, with funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario's Access to Justice Fund;
  • Co-authoring a report with Canadian Centre for Elder Law with funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario Acess to Justice Fund on Vulnerable Investors and Elder Financial Abuse, Undue Influence and Diminished Mental Capacity, which makes 6 recommendations to help protect investors;
  • Requiring firms and their representatives to act in the best interest of financial consumers;
  • Banning embedded commissions (also known as trailing commissions) in mutual funds and discontinuing other conflicted compensation structures so that financial consumers are not harmed and we have fair and efficient markets that result in effective competition;
  • Urging regulators to support the mandate of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments in providing a single, independent dispute resolution service for investment complaints that is fair, low-cost and effective, including binding decision-making; and
  • Improving the regulatory framework including compliance and enforcement so that investors are better protected from being victimized by financial fraud. 
We will continue to work on your behalf, focusing on our  strategic priorities.To continue this work on a sustainable, long-term basis, FAIR Canada needs your financial support.
 
How to Donate
 
You can make an on-line donation to FAIR Canada through  CanadaHelps.org.  Easy and secure online donations can be made by credit or debit card. As FAIR Canada is a registered charity, you will receive an online tax receipt for your donation.
 
Donations of securities are also greatly appreciated, and that can also be done online through  CanadaHelps.org. There is no capital gains tax on donated securities, so your donation benefits from both a charitable deduction and exemption from capital gains tax.
 
You can also donate by sending a cheque to our mailing address in which case you will receive a tax receipt by mail. 
 
If you are generously considering a donation in excess of $1,000, we ask that you contact our Executive Director, Frank Allen by email at frank.allen@faircanada.ca or telephone at (416) 214-3443 to make a donation directly to FAIR Canada.

Things to Consider as We Approach the Holidays
1. Saving for Your Child's Education
 
If you are expecting or recently have had a child, consider carefully your options in opening a registered education savings plan. Read more here
 
Want to Know How Much Have You Saved?
 
If you have an RESP, consider requesting a  Statement of Account.  The statement will provide information on the amount you have contributed, the financial institution where it is held and the associated amount of grant provided.

2. How to Understand How Your Investments Have Performed and What You've Paid in Fees
 
Review your annual account statement so as to better understand your investments - including what you have made and what you have paid. See our video series that can guide you through the information.
 
3. Considering an Investment?
 
If you are considering an investment, remember to Check Registration and to review our 5 Rules for Avoiding Investment Fraud.
 
4. Looking for a Financial Planner?
 
If you think you want to engage a financial planner, then take your time and do your homework. You can start by reviewing this.
 
5. Want to Use Online Investing or Robo-advice?
 
If you think you want to use a robo-advisor or discount broker, again, take your time and do your homework. You can start by reviewing this. If you need to transfer your investments or funds from your current firm to another firm (including a discount brokerage), then start here.
 
6. Putting in Place Arrangements to Protect Individuals from Elder Financial Exploitation or Diminished Mental Capacity
 
When gathering over the holidays, people may wish to consider what they can do to help protect themselves or someone they care about in the future from elder financial exploitation or diminished mental capacity.

Many investment firms and their representatives do not have robust protocols in place to address the issues of elder financial abuse, undue influence and loss of mental capacity and, while wanting to assist, are often "damned if they do, and damned if they don't" given the current framework and rules. Some firms, on the other hand, have developed protocols to try to address these issues.

Canadians should know that elder abuse in Canada is surprisingsly prevalent. 8.2%  of Canadians have been victims of elder abuse, according to a recent national survey and, according to a recent VanCity credit union study, 41% have had at least one situation of financial abuse. Elder abuse is often perpetrated by family members, friends, caregivers or those close to the older individual (two-thirds of all elder abuse).

Individuals may want to consider the risks and benefits of granting a power of attorney, or designating someone on the account as a trusted contact person if their firm now provides this option on a contractual basis as part of the client relationship process. Contact your Province or Territory's securities commission or provincial guardian and trustee for specific information about  powers of attorney in your province.


FAIR Canada's Board of Directors and Staff wish you a safe and happy holiday 
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About Want to know more about FAIR Canada?
Who is FAIR Canada and what does FAIR Canada do? Find out more about us here.
 
FAIR Canada | 416-214-3440 | info@faircanada.ca | http://www.faircanada.ca
1 Yonge Street
Suite 1801
Toronto, M5E1W7