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Comtech Fire Credit Union Announces Enhancements to Electronic Funds Transfers

Comtech Fire Credit Union is pleased to announce a change to the processing of electronic funds transfers (EFTs) that will greatly improve the speed and availability of funds moving across the clearing/electronic funds transfer system.

Members will see a significant decrease in the delay time it previously may have taken to have an EFT deposited in the recipient’s account. Depending on the when an EFT was initiated, it could take up to three days for the funds to reach the destination account (particularly ahead of weekends). With this enhancement, depending on when the EFT is initiated, funds will reach the destination account the same day, or the next day, 7 days a week.

This enhancement will provide even greater flexibility for members who utilize Interac E Transfers, avoiding potential service charges in the process.

For more information, please contact your Branch.

Possible Canada Post Strike

There is a possible postal strike that could begin as early as September 26th, 2018. In the event of a strike, Comtech Fire Credit Union Visa Card balances are still payable on the due date as always.

Cardholders can continue to make payments through online banking or in person at your branch.

Balances, payment amount/minimum payment and due dates are available through MyCardInfo by clicking this link, or by contacting Card Services at 1-855-341-4643

Electronic statements are also available through MyCardInfo.

If you require more information, please contact your branch.

August Monthly Statements Are Now Ready

The monthly statements are now available online.

2018 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament Raises $12,000

Event Brings 6 Year Total Contribution in excess of $82,000!

Toronto, Ontario, September 14, 2018:

Comtech Fire Credit Union announced today that the 2018 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament raised a total of $12,000, bringing our six year total contribution to the Foundation to over $82,000!

“The Foundation is extremely grateful for the partnership we have with Comtech Fire Credit Union”, said Captain Robert Kirkpatrick of Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services, and President of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “The annual golf tournament and yearly ceremony sponsorship is a great example of how much one organization can help the Foundation reach its goals to operate the national firefighters memorial ceremony and provide support programs for the families of fallen firefighters", added Kirkpatrick.

“Six years ago we decided to support a cause that is of fundamental significance to many of our members”, said Kevin Connolly, Chief Marketing Officer of Comtech Fire Credit Union. “The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation through its national support programs does exceptional work with the families of the heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public, and we are proud to support their work”, added Connolly.

Comtech Fire Credit Union operates six branches in the GTA, Kingston area and in Ottawa and serves the financial needs of 16,000 members and their families throughout Ontario. The Credit Union has over $530 million in total assets.

The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created to HONOUR and REMEMBER firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty and to SUPPORT their families. The CFFF is a registered charity and operates by fundraising.

Member Update Danforth Branch

Comtech Fire Credit Union would like to update members on the status of the opening of our new branch at 531 Danforth Avenue. Our original launch schedule has been affected by construction delays and we now project that our move from Avenue Road to the Danforth will now occur in early October, with a Grand Opening celebration in early November.
In the interim, our Avenue Road Branch will continue to be open providing member service as usual. Members may also use our King Street location as well.
We will keep members up to date as we near completion of our new Branch.

Monthly and Semi-annual Statements

The monthly and semi-annual statements are now available online.

Semi-annual Statements

Quarterly paper statements will now move to semi-annual statements to save your Credit Union money, and to help save the environment. We hope that you agree that this move makes sense in a lot of aspects, particularly when you consider that statements can be printed at home as you require them directly from your online banking program.

You will receive your June semi-annual statement in July, with the next printing in January of your December statement. Please contact your branch if you would like to discuss other options that may be available.

We appreciate your support as we make this change going forward.

February statements, T5 and RSP Receipts

February statements are now available. T5 and RSP Receipts are also now available online.

Comtech Fire Credit Union Welcomes Ottawa Decision On ‘Banking’ Terminology

Toronto, ON, February 28th, 2018

Comtech Fire Credit Union welcomes the Federal Government’s decision on banking terminology for credit unions. This decision provides flexibility for Comtech Fire Credit Union to continue using terms ‘bank’ and ‘banking’ in serving our members.

Along with other credit unions across Canada, last year Comtech Fire Credit Union had requested the federal government to review Bank Act restrictions on the ‘banking’ terminology. We have always used terms like ‘bank’ and ‘banking’ while serving our members, all the while proudly disclosing that we are a credit union and not a bank.

Canadians use these terms in dealing with deposit-taking institutions like a bank or a credit union and we need to speak a language Canadians use and understand.

“We are happy with this decision by the Finance Minister”, said John Mach, CEO of Comtech Fire Credit Union. “This decision helps clarify the ambiguity in the Bank Act concerning credit unions and banking terminology, and for that we would like to thank Minister Bill Morneau and the team at the Department of Finance”, added Mach.

Comtech Fire Credit Union would also like to acknowledge the advocacy efforts of MPs from all parties and the All Party Credit Union Caucus, a body formed last spring to facilitate communication between legislators and credit unions.

Comtech Fire Credit Union is a full service Credit Union, based in Toronto, Ontario with branches in Ottawa, Kingston, Amherstview, Toronto (3) and Mississauga. With over $600 million in assets, the Credit Union serves over 20,000 members.

For more information contact:
Kevin Connolly, Chief Marketing Officer
416-598-1197, ext. 2239. kevin.connolly@comtechfirecu.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL COMTECH FIRE MEMBERS/ON LINE BANKING SERVICE INTERRUPTION

January 31^st, 2018, 5:00 PM 

Over the next 24 hours we will be undertaking a banking system conversion incorporating our Kingston and Amherstview branches into the Comtech Fire Credit Union banking system. As a result of this, our broader member family may experience temporary interruptions on our on line banking and in branch systems.  Details below: 

1. Avenue Road, East York, Princess Street and Amherstview branch members’ withdrawal limits will be restricted during the actual conversion and will go into effect at 5:00 PM on January 31^st. These limits will be $500 for ATM withdrawals and $1,000 for point of sale transactions for Avenue and East York members. These limits will remain as such until we complete the conversion at about 10:00 AM February 1^st, at which point the normal limits will be re-established. 

2. Our entire banking system will be off line for roughly 2 hours, currently scheduled between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on February 1^st. This is an estimate and could occur several hours sooner depending on the progress of the actual conversion. During this period, all members from not included above will experience withdrawal limits of $500.00 for ATM transactions and $1,000 for POS transactions.  

3. In addition to this all member web services will be temporally disrupted between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on February 1^st.  This interruption will include on-line banking, Mobile web and the Mobile App for both Apple and Android. 

We apologize for this temporary inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete the system conversion. Everything should be back to normal at approximately 10:00 on February 1^st.

CFFF Charitable Golf Tournament

Registrations and Sponsorships Now Open For 2018 CFFF Golf Classic. Click Here

East York & Avenue Road Branches to be relocated to new location on Danforth Avenue

January 15th, 2018

Dear Members,

I am writing to share some exciting news about the opening of a brand new Comtech Fire Credit Union Branch at 531 Danforth Avenue. This new, state of the art branch, is scheduled to open in June, 2018. The branch location was selected after a detailed member concentration analysis was conducted. Comtech Fire Credit Union has a significant number of existing members located in the area who will now be able to take advantage of a new local branch. We have very few members who reside within the immediate neighbourhoods around either East York or Avenue Road, so we are hopeful that disruptions will be kept to an absolute minimum as we transition.

The new branch will be consistent with Comtech Fire’s commitment to state of the art member service; while providing an environment that honours the connection to our past history and reflects the importance of continuing traditions that now span almost 80 years!

When Comtech amalgamated with Fire Services Credit Union in 2016, assurances were made to the Fire membership that our commitment to them would be as strong as ever and that our emphasis on preserving a focus on Fire Fighters and their families would be preserved. I hope you will see that reflected in how we are developing the décor of the new branch, along with the functionality and services that our membership enjoys in our recently opened branches in Toronto and in Ottawa, as an example.

The opening of our new branch on Danforth Avenue will signal the relocation of our Avenue Road and East York staff to the Danforth, and in conjunction with the move, the East York and Avenue Road branches will be decommissioned.

The East York branch will be closed permanently end of business on March 22nd, 2018.

Members who use the East York Branch will be happy to know that the new Danforth branch will be located less than 2 kilometers from the East York Civic Centre and will now provide members with full branch service, including cash transactions, lending, wealth management and ATMs, which the current location at East York does not provide. Members will continue to deal with our existing staff who will be relocated to the Danforth branch.

The Avenue Road branch will be decommissioned at some point during the second quarter of 2018, after the staff is located to the Danforth. There is no “hard” close date at this point, our objective being an orderly transition from Avenue Road which has much more member traffic than East York. There are no immediate plans to sell the building at 1997 Avenue Road as yet, and we will keep our members informed about any decisions that are made in this regard. Upon the opening of our Danforth location, we will begin a feasibility study on an additional satellite branch location in the eastern GTA for members who may find the Danforth location difficult to access after the decommissioning of Avenue Road.

We are committed to the constant improvement of our in-branch and on line services as we focus our energies on creating an even more member-focused Credit Union going forward. Please check in regularly with our web site at comtechfirecu.com, for periodic updates on the progress of our Danforth opening.

We look forward to improving our service to you in the months and years ahead!

Yours sincerely,

John Mach
Chief Executive Officer

CFFF Golf Tournament is May 28th, 2018

Our recent Dispatch indicated that our annual Golf Tournament in support of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation would be held on March 28th, 2018. It would be a little cold in March! The actual date of the Golf Tournament is actually May 28th, 2018 at the Markland Wood Golf Club in Toronto. Registration details will be available on our web site in January. We apologize for the confusion.

ClickSWITCH Partners with Comtech Fire Credit Union

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (December 11th, 2017) ClickSWITCH, a turnkey solution that simplifies the switch of recurring payments and deposits for a financial institution’s new and existing account holders, today announced that Comtech Fire Credit Union has selected their automated account switch product. ClickSWITCH will enable Comtech Fire members to easily migrate their recurring transactions with web based automated technology in branch or online at their own convenience.

Comtech Fire Credit Union chose ClickSWITCH based on their industry experience, technology, and positive user-experience. ClickSWITCH effectively reduces the number of inactive accounts, increases cross-selling opportunities and improves switch process efficiency. The fully automated account switch process eliminates the hassle of transferring recurring payments and increases activation rates. With ClickSWITCH, account holders can initiate a switch from a financial institution to a new or existing account in as little as 10 minutes using a mobile device, personal computer, or by visiting their financial institution.

“We consistently hear that the biggest barrier for members to move their full account relationship to us is the time and effort involved in moving direct deposit and automatic payments, said Kevin Connolly, Chief Marketing Officer of Comtech Fire Credit Union. “ClickSWITCH uses a simple online process which guides members along the way until everything is switched to the new account. This service is a great enhancement for members opening new accounts at Comtech Fire.”

“We are excited to be selected by Comtech Fire Credit Union to provide our automated account switch tool,” stated Cale Johnston, Founder and CEO of ClickSWITCH. “Comtech Fire has a strong vision for ClickSWITCH, making the relationship a natural fit. With their newly expanded Branch network, ClickSWITCH will make it easy for new members to transfer their existing accounts.”

View Full Release

Winter Edition of the Comtech Fire Dispatch Now Available

Winter Edition of the Comtech Fire Dispatch Now Available. Click Here

Important Notice to Members - Credit Union Mastercard Program

On January 1st, 2018, Comtech Fire Credit Union will be introducing an exciting new family of both personal and corporate Visa cards. Our new card offering will provide excellent options to our members, with cards that can specifically suit their individual credit card needs, both for personal use and for business.

Please note that Members may continue to use their existing Comtech Fire Mastecards issued by CUETS Financial beyond January 1st, 2018.  If you have any questions regarding your current Mastercard you should contact the number on the back of your credit card.

We will keep you informed and provide greater detail on our new credit card program as we get closer to launch.

2017 RRSP Contribution Deadline Looming

Your RRSP contribution limit for 2017 is 18% of the earned income you reported on your tax return in the previous year, up to a maximum of $26,010. If you have a pension plan, your RRSP contribution limit is reduced.

Eligible RRSP Contributions made after the 2016 deadline (March 1st, 2017) and during the first 60 days of 2018 may be claimed as a deduction from your income for the 2017 taxation year. The deadline for 2017 contributions is March 1st, 2018.

RRSP contributions made after March 1st, 2018, are not eligible for deduction from your 2017 tax return, but would be eligible for deduction in the following taxation year (2018). Contact your branch for assistance in making sure you are well positioned to take advantage of this important tax savings program, including the availability of RRSP loans where appropriate.

Important Announcement/Statements

Beginning in 2018, members who received quarterly paper account statements will now receive semi-annual statements. Full-service chequing account members who receive monthly paper statements will continue to receive their monthly statements at the current cost of $3.00 per month.

Members will receive full statements for their December activity and balances (mailed in January) and for June (mailed in July).

Members can access their activity and balances at any time by utilizing Comtech Fire’s Member Direct online banking system, or by adding the Comtech Fire Credit Union mobile app to your mobile device. Members can also request a copy of their statements at any time at a cost of $3.00 per statement. Statements can also be printed at home using Member Direct on line banking.

We appreciate your support as we work towards our environmental protection objectives of reducing the amount of paper and other materials we consume in our day to day operations.

Read the Genworth FALL/WINTER 2017 HOME OWNERSHIP DIGEST

https://genworthassetlibrary.s3.amazonaws.com/digest/fall-winter-2017/en/index.html?page=1

Recent Statements

We are aware that some statements issued recently inadvertently show a different Personal Financial Officer (PFO).  We would like to reassure you that your PFO has not changed. 

Your next statement will accurately reflect your branch contact. 

We also wish to confirm that the contact telephone number for Aida Felix PFO is 905-625-6662.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and thank you for your patience and continuing loyalty to your credit union.

Comtech Fire Credit Union introduces VirtualWealth® robo-advice

Now investors have a new way to save for their financial goals

Toronto, Ontario, March 30th, 2017—Until recently, investors could work with an advisor or they could self-manage their own investments. Now there’s another option: robo-advice (or digital advice). In partnership with Qtrade Financial Group, Comtech Fire Credit Union is offering VirtualWealth to its members.

VirtualWealth is a simple, easy-to-use online investing service that matches investors with a tailored portfolio based on their goals, timeline and tolerance for risk. Each portfolio holds a professionally managed, well-diversified mix of low-cost exchange-traded funds, which is automatically rebalanced to the investor’s target asset allocation.

“We’re proud to offer this innovative service to our members, because it provides them with more choices and more flexibility when it comes to investing, said Comtech Fire’s CEO John Mach. “Investors who value a face-to-face relationship can have expert advice from a qualified advisor. And those who want a really simple and convenient online portfolio service can choose VirtualWealth.”

“We’re excited about introducing a high-quality digital advice service that extends our partners’ suite of competitive wealth management solutions and enhances their ability to meet the advice preferences of all their members,” said Catherine Wood, Senior VP and Head of Online Brokerage and Digital Advice with Qtrade Financial Group. “VirtualWealth delivers the ease-of-use and personalized approach that investors now expect from digital services.”

Getting started with VirtualWealth is quick and easy. Investors answer a set of risk- and goal-based questions, and the service suggests a portfolio designed to deliver the right balance between growth potential and capital protection. The entirely digital (paperless) onboarding and funding process takes just a few minutes to complete.

About Comtech Fire Credit Union

Comtech Fire Credit Union is a full service Credit Union, based in Toronto, Ontario with branches in Ottawa, Kingston, Amherstview, Toronto (3) and Mississauga. With over $500 million in assets, the Credit Union serves over 16,000 members.

About Qtrade Financial Group and VirtualWealth

VirtualWealth capitalizes on the award-winning financial technology capabilities of Qtrade Financial Group. A national, integrated financial services company, Qtrade Financial Group provides selfmanaged brokerage services to individual investors through Qtrade Investor, one of Canada’s top ranked online brokers. Qtrade Financial Group also provides full-service brokerage, wealth and investment management platforms and services, custodial services, introducing broker services, insurance solutions, and now, robo-advice, to meet the diverse needs of over 150 financial institutions, as well as their members and clients, across Canada. More information is available at www.qtrade.ca. VirtualWealth is a trade name of Qtrade Securities Inc., Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

For further information, please contact:
Kevin Connolly
Chief Marketing Officer
416-598-1197, extension 2239
kevin.connolly@comtechfirecu.com

Sean Kelly
Senior Communications Specialist
Qtrade Financial Group
778 328 7583
media@qtrade.ca

CFFF RK Meritorius Service Award 2016

Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation President Robert Kirkpatrick Awarded Meritorious Service Medal by Governor General

OTTAWA --  Robert Kirkpatrick, president of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation and 32-year veteran Captain with the Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by His Excellency, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

In a statement from the Governor General of Canada website, “The Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country.”

Captain Kirkpatrick spearheaded a national fundraising and awareness campaign to establish the Canadian Firefighters Monument in Lebreton Flats in Ottawa in 2012. His Excellency, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada officiated the unveiling of Canada’s newest monument, recognizing the tireless efforts of the Board of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation and its president, Robert Kirkpatrick.
 
Captain Kirkpatrick worked closely with The Ministry of Heritage to provide partial funding for the new monument, a tribute to firefighters across Canada, 80 per cent of whom are volunteers, and in particular, to all those who have died in the line of duty since 1848.  

The acclaimed author of several books -- Their Last Alarm, honouring Ontario’s firefighters, editions 1 & 2; Reflections of a Proud Heritage: History of the Oakville Fire Department and The Canadian Firefighters Memorial – Captain Kirkpatrick is also the recipient of:

• The Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery
• The 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
• The Canada Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal
• The Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal
• The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
• The Ontario Provincial Police Award for Bravery
• The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Bravery Award
• The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Bill William Humanitarian Award
• The Toronto Fire Services Credit Union John Rider Award
• A two-time recipient of the Mississauga Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year Award

“The Canadian Firefighters Memorial is a symbolic landmark in the heart of the Canada’s Capital region where Canadians can now come to reflect and pay tribute to the men and women in the fire service who lost their lives while on duty to help in communities across Canada,” said Captain Kirkpatrick. “I am grateful to the long-serving directors of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation who led this initiative with me, and to the many sponsors and supporters, who have helped me accomplish an important mission for the fire service and citizens of Canada."

Captain Robert Kirkpatrick received the Meritorious Service Medal on November 25, 2016 from His Excellency, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada

For more information:
Kathryn Hendrick
Director of Communications
Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation
hendrickkathryn@gmail.com
416.277.6281
www.cfff.ca

2016 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament raises $16,000

Sold-Out Event Brings 4 Year Total Contribution in excess of $61,000!

Toronto, Ontario, August 8, 2016:

Comtech Fire Credit Union announced today that the 2016 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament raised a total of $16,000, bringing our four year total contribution to the Foundation to over $61,000!

“The Foundation is extremely grateful for the partnership we have with Comtech Fire Credit Union”, said Captain Robert Kirkpatrick of Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services, and President of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “The annual golf tournament and yearly ceremony sponsorship is a great example of how much one organization can help the Foundation reach its goals to operate the national firefighters memorial ceremony and provide support programs for the families of fallen firefighters", added Kirkpatrick.

“Four years ago we decided to support a cause that is of fundamental significance to our members”, said Kevin Connolly, Chief Marketing Officer of Comtech Fire Credit Union. “The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation through its national support programs does exceptional work with the families of the heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public, and we are proud to support their work. We look forward to our fifth annual golf classic on May 29th, 2017 at the Markland Wood Golf Club where we will once again welcome our generous sponsors, Professional Fire Fighter Associations and fire fighter friends from across Ontario”, added Connolly.

Comtech Fire Credit Union, and its subsidiary Limestone, operates seven branches in the GTA, Kingston area and in Ottawa and serves the financial needs of 20,000 members and their families throughout Ontario. The Credit Union has close to $500 million in total assets.

The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created to HONOUR and REMEMBER firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty and to SUPPORT their families. The CFFF is a registered charity and operates by fundraising.