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The SISIP Financial Services experience ... through the years

By Marie Navarro B.A. Comm., Communications Coordinator, SISIP FS

It is 1984: “I was in the rehab centre thinking: where am I going to live now, what am I going to do for work? I have to get work; I can’t just sit staring out the window for the rest of my life! Then a SISIP Financial Services (SISIP FS) Rehab Coordinator came to see me and we discussed what SISIP FS is all about.” 

At this point in his life, after a car accident left the former military aircraft technician a quadriplegic, Lawrence Aucoin found the support he needed, thanks to the SISIP FS Long Term Disability (LTD) and Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VRP). “Being a quadriplegic, it is impossible to be in a community and support yourself without some kind of income and SISIP FS is always there.” When he required a new vehicle, SISIP FS facilitated an interest-free loan and paid for the modifications to his new car:
“It is hard to believe how big a factor a motor vehicle can be in your life, the freedom to go where you want …and these people kept me going!”

By 1994: “Even though I am totally independent [now] and live on my own in the community, when I need something, I call and they [SISIP FS] do everything in their power to help me. I had to rebuild my life and in order to rebuild your life, you need the tools; SISIP FS has been there to provide me with those tools.”

It is 2007: a Private stares in dismay at his first cell phone invoice: $158,000 in extra charges for only one month’s use; he had connected his cell phone to his computer, using it as a modem to access the internet, incurring extra costs beyond the $10.00/ month plan. In his most desperate hour, he too turned to SISIP FS. His financial counsellor contacted the cell phone provider and was able to reduce the bill by 90% during a preliminary exchange. This still left the distraught Private with a $15,800 debt, which he could reimburse over the course of 1 year, at a 26% interest rate! The financial counsellor persevered and, pointing out that general policy requires the company to set up a credit limit for new clients – and that this had obviously been overlooked – made them agree to further reduce the balance to a mere $2,000. Not content with this result, the financial counsellor reviewed the contract yet again with the company official, requesting they show where the contract stipulated that extra charges could be incurred. Unable to comply with her request, the agent agreed to write-off the balance completely and to send a written confirmation stating that the matter had been settled. Finally, the financial counsellor took the added precaution of setting up her client with a $500 credit limit to protect him in the future!
 
It is 2009: …and so it has been, since 1969, for countless Canadian Forces (CF) members in their time of need: through LTD, VRP and many of life’s financial pitfalls in between, SISIP FS professionals (insurance reps, financial counsellors and financial planners) have not hesitated to go that extra mile. Unwavering support, guidance, and a little extra, that is what we celebrate.  In the words of SISIP FS President André Bouchard: “We look back on these 40 years – through the changes and enhancements to our programs, products and services – and celebrate our anniversary with pride as we look forward to 40 more years providing financial solutions and serving those who serve!”

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