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Calgary Division
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Prepared by your Calgary Division
Veterans’ Advocate Committee
Click here for Demise Form
Revised: July 2008
YOUR CALGARY RCMP VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDS YOU READ THIS.
Keep this information with your Will.
In life, there are only two certainties, death and taxes and we must be prepared for both eventualities. The first prerequisite is to have a legal properly registered “Last Will & Testament” to assist your executor or executrix to manage the transfer of your assets to the beneficiaries of your estate. In conjunction with the preparation of your will, you should compile an accurate record of the assets in your estate and update annually. This record should be stored in an accessible location so your executor or executrix can settle your affairs efficiently and effectively. Obtaining the assistance of your banker or a financial consultant is often advisable. Most bankers will tell you in the event of a death they should be among the first notified. Every bank has different policies with respect to access to accounts and, therefore, it is advisable you discuss this eventuality with them so you are familiar with their process.
It is recommended that in order to elevate future access problems, both parties should be named on all land/property titles and bank accounts.
The following has been prepared in an effort by our Association to assist our membership in the event of your death after some problems were encountered by survivors in trying to initiate their benefits through Morneau Sobeco. This is not to suggest any lack of confidence in Morneau Sobeco, but as in any transition of operations, problems have been known to occur. It is always prudent to remain in control and to be aware of what is transpiring. Morneau Sobeco is to be commended for issuing recent advice dated April 13, 2004 (RCMP Pensioner Benefit Statement and Great West Life Insurance Confirmation Statement) to pensioners identifying each Members Pension and Great West Life Insurance benefits.
Calgary Division will assist family members with arranging for an Honour Guard at the Funeral / Memorial Celebration They will also assist the family with administration matters such as filling out forms and/or contacting Morneau Sobeco'
For assistance, please contact our office at calgaryrcmpvets@telus.net
A Committee Member can assist you to contact Morneau Sobeco on the family’s behalf, to ensure they initiate the process allowing the family to concentrate on funeral arrangements.
RCM Police Benefits Administration Centre
c/o Morneau Sobeco
1060 University St., 9th., Floor
Montreal, Quebec H3B 4V3
Ph: 1-800-661-7595 - 7:30 am to 7:00 pm (ET) Monday to Friday
Fax: 1-514-395-7404
e-mail www.pbs-sra.ca
It is strongly recommended a fax or letter be forwarded to Morneau Sobeco to provide them with a positive hard copy record containing the following required information:
Full Name of RCMP Pensioner
Regimental Number
Rank
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Immediate Next of Kin (Including street address and telephone number(s)
A certified copy of the death certificate will also be required in due course.
Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) of the survivor spouse & any dependant children
Although this is a very stressful time it is very important Morneau Sobeco be advised forthwith. Within approximately two weeks of Morneau Sobeco being notified, a letter should be received from them advising next of kin of benefits and options available to them. If after four weeks no advice has been received from Morneau Sobeco it is highly recommended they be contacted by telephone for confirmation they have received the previous correspondence and information. The spouse will be required to complete separate forms to establish other survivor benefits and insurance payouts if applicable. Things to be considered are:
· Taxing of the deceased Pension
· Alberta Health Care (usually taken care of by Funeral Home)
· PSHCP Extended Health
· Dental Plan
· Direct Deposit (to be set up in spouse’s name)
· CPP Lump sum benefits
· CPP Survivor Benefits
· Advice to current or previous employers, or any other Pension Plans (Federal, Military, Provincial or Private).
Note: Most benefits have to be applied for within 60 days of the date of death.
The RCMP will pay for the manufacture, transportation and erection of a Regimental headstone/marker if burial takes place in Canada. Non regimental headstone or marker of NOK’s choice to a maximum of $220.00 is paid, provided there is reference on the headstone or marker to the member’s service in the RCMP. Note: Regimental headstones and markers provided by the RCMP bear a uniform inscription and no change from that format is allowed. For more information contact:
Compensation Manager
NWR, "K","G","V" Divisions
Mr. Ron Campbell
780-412-5655 RON.CAMPBELL@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
or
Rev. Bob Harper
780-717-7903 Bob.Harper@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
The three options are:
1. Upright Granite Headstone
2. 2. Flat Granite Headstone (Flush with the ground)
3. Flat Bronze marker, mounted in a granite base (raised about 4" above ground)
All bear the RCMP crest, member’s name, rank, Reg. #, Date of Birth and Date of Death.
Keep this information with your will.
If you have any questions, or require clarification with respect to the information provided please contact any member of the VETERANS’ ADVOCATE COMMITTEE.
POWER OF ATTORNEY AND ALTERNATIVES
When a person can no longer handle their own affairs, what are the alternatives?
POWER OF ATTORNEY: A regular power of attorney is available from a lawyer. It is a document that allows one person to name another person to act on their behalf in specified situations, usually financial. This document is only in effect while the person giving the power of attorney is of sound mind and alive.
ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY: A legal document that allows one person to name another person to act on their behalf in financial matters if they become incapacitated by illness or accident. Usually the document comes into effect when the incapacity occurs and ends at death. Sometimes the document comes into effect when it is signed and continues in the event of incapacity. The legislation allows individuals to write their own enduring power of attorney but there are no guides or forms available to help with this. Generally a lawyer is required
PERSONAL DIRECTIVE: A legal document that allows one person to name another person to act on their behalf in personal matters if they become incapacitated by illness or accident. These personal matters include medical treatment and living arrangements. In Alberta, this is the document to prepare rather than a living will. It is often made in conjunction with an enduring power of attorney since the two documents cover different areas. The document comes into effect when the incapacity occurs and ends at death. A do-it-yourself guide to writing a personal directive is available from the Public Guardian at (403) 297-3364 or www.seniors.gov.ab.ca.
If you do desire, a Lawyer can draw up your personal directive when you either make a will or update your will.
GUARDIANSHIP: A legal relationship established by a court that allows one person to make personal decisions for another person. The guardian is appointed by the court to act on behalf of a person who is no longer mentally competent. A guardianship covers the areas of medical treatment and living arrangements. The guardianship ends with the death of the dependent adult. Do-it-yourself guardianship kits are available from the office of the Public Guardian at (403) 297-3364 or a lawyer can be hired to process the guardianship application.
TRUSTEESHIP: A legal relationship established by a court that allows one person to handle the financial affairs of another person. The trustee is appointed by the court to act on behalf of a person who is no longer mentally competent. The same person will often act as both trustee and guardian. The trusteeship ends with the death of the dependent adult. Do-it-yourself trusteeship help is available through the Office of the Public Trustee at (403) 297-6541 or a lawyer can be hired to process the trusteeship application.
ALTERNATIVES TO FORMAL TRUSTEESHIP: For someone whose only income is from government pensions, it is often not necessary to go to court for a formal trusteeship. Informal trusteeships are available directly from the Federal or Alberta Pensions Offices. For Old Age Security and Canada Pension call 1-800-277-9914. For Alberta Seniors Benefit call (403) 705-3239.
WILLS AND ESTATES: QUICK INFORMATION
WILL: A legal document that determines how property will be distributed after death. Both holograph and form wills are legal in Alberta. Due to the many legal problems that arise with do-it-yourself wills, it is often a better choice to hire a lawyer. Any changes you later may want to make to a prepared will must also be witnessed by two people.
HOLOGRAPH WILL: A will made entirely in a person’s own handwriting and signed by the person. While witnesses are not required, it is a good idea to have two independent witnesses sign the will. Holograph wills are legal in Alberta but not in all provinces.
EXECUTOR: The person or persons named in a will to distribute the assets of the estate. The role of an executor is very important and you should choose one carefully. The executor should be in complete agreement to perform this function on your behalf.
BENEFICIARY: The person or organization (such as a charity) named in a will to receive the assets of the estate. The executor and the beneficiary may be the same person.
PROBATE: Probate is the process by which a will is accepted as valid by a court and the appointment of the executor is confirmed. The court issues a document known as Letters of Probate which the executor requires in order to distribute the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries. By planning ahead, it may be possible to avoid probate. Property that is held jointly with a spouse or other person is not subject to probate. Prior to any transfer of assets it may be advisable to obtain legal and accounting advice due to the costs involved and income tax consequences. Where the estate is small, probate is usually not necessary. Probate is only required when an asset such as a house or investment is solely in the name of the deceased person. In practice a will needs to be probated if an entity such as a financial institution or the Land Titles Office asks for it to be probated. Applications for probate are generally made by lawyers but a lawyer is not required. Probate forms can be purchased from the Queen’s Printer at (403) 297-6251, or most stationary stores. Clerks at the Court of Queen’s Bench (403) (297-7538) will supply limited guidance to individuals wishing to apply for probate without a lawyer.
INTESTATE: When a person dies without a valid will. Contact a lawyer or the Public Trustee (403) (297-6541) for further information on handling this situation.
Public Pensions - Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Human Resources Development Canada - Income Security Programs
(Consult the Government of Canada pages of your telephone directory)
1-800-277-9914
Web site: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/isp/
Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP)
Toll free in Canada 1-800-661-7595 or contact Sun Life @ 1-888-757-7427
Web site: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/
Veterans’ Affairs Canada: PO Box 7700, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8M9
· For information on programs & Benefits – 1-866-522-2122
· http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca
NOTE: The following booklets and associations may be of interest and provide some guidance to our readers.
1. Alberta Seniors - “Saying Farewell”- A helpful guide with information and forms to assist you through the death and dying process. To obtain a copy of this booklet telephone Alberta Seniors @ 1-800-642-3853
Web site: www.seniors.gov.ab.ca
2. Seniors - Directory of Services - 2005. Booklet can be obtained from the Kerby Centre, 1133-7 Avenue SW, Calgary @ (403) 705-3216.
Web site: www.kerbycentre.com
3. “You and Your Survivors” - a workbook. A copy can be obtained by joining the Federal Superannuates National Association.
Web site: www.fsna.ca
ABOUT THE FEDERAL SUPERANNUATES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (FSNA)
With more than 130,000 members and 83 branches, FSNA is recognized by the Government of Canada as the major representative of pensioners - and their spouses and survivors - from the Canadian forces, the Public Service of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and of Federally appointed judges.
A national non-profit organization, FSNA has been successfully protecting and enhancing retirement and health insurance benefits since it was founded in 1963.
Should you wish to obtain additional information on FSNA or obtain a membership application, please contact the Calgary branch of FSNA at (403) 265-0773, or e-mail @ fsnacalg@telusplanet.net. The yearly membership dues is $30.00 single or $40.00 dual. Dues can be deducted at source (pension). FSNA’s national Web site is www.fsna.com
Government of Canada – Veterans Ombudsman (NEW)
The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman was created to ensure the fair treatment of concerns raised by the Veterans, their representatives, and their families as they relate to Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Bill of Rights and the Veterans Charter.
The Veterans Ombudsman is an independent officer that reports directly to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The office can be contacted at: Veterans Ombudsman, P.O. Box 18, Stn “B”, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6C3. Tel.: 1-877-330-4343 FAX: 1-888-566-7582 or e-mail: www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca
Bureau of Pension Advocates
The Bureau of Pensions Advocates is a nation-wide organization of advocates within Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The Bureau’s main function is to provide free advice, assistance and representation for individuals dissatisfied with decisions rendered by VAC. This may be with respect to their claim for entitlement to disability benefits, or any assessment awarded for their entitled conditions The Bureau’s mandate is to assist clients in the preparation of applications for review or for appeals and to arrange for them to be represented by an advocate at hearings before Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
All BPA advocates are lawyers and members of their respective law societies. Given their experience in pension matters, they are considered specialists in the area of claims for disability benefits. If you seek assistance from BPA, you will be treated in the same manner as if you were hiring a private lawyer to represent you. The solicitor-client privilege relationship between you and your advocate ensures that your confidentiality will be fully respected. For more information go to the Web site at www.vac.-acc.gc.ca (click on “Department Information”, then “Organization”, then “Bureau of Pension Advocates”)
Appendix “A”
Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates Sources
http://www.fsna.com/survivor/html/annex_c.htm#PublicPensions
Alberta
Alberta Registries, Vital Statistics
Box 2023, 10,365 97th Street (3rd Floor)
Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7
Tel.: (780) 427-7013
www.gov.ab.ca/gs
Fee - all certificates: -- $20.00
Fee - all wallets :--$20.00
Payable to: Provincial Treasurer
British Columbia
Division of Vital Statistics
Provincial Government
818 Fort Street, P.O. Box 9657
Victoria, BC V8W 9P3
Tel: 1 800 663-8328
Fee - all certificates:--$25.00
Payable to Minister of Finance
Web site: www.vs.gov.bc.ca
Saskatchewan
Vital Statistics & Health Insurance Registration Branch
Department of Health
1942 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK S4P 3V7
Tel: (306) 787-3092
Fee - all certificates:--$20.00
Manitoba
Vital Statistics Agency
254 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B6
Tel: (204) 945-2034 (Birth)
(204) 945-8177 (All others)
Fee - all certificates: -- $25.00
Payable to: Minister of Finance
Ontario
Office of the Registrar General
Vital Statistics
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
Tel: 1 800 461-2156
Fax: (807) 343-7459
Fee - all wallets: -- $15.00
Fee - all certificates: -- $22.00
Payable to: Minister of Finance
Quebec
Direction de l=état civil
205, rue Montmagny
Quebec ,QC G1N 2Z9
Tel: Québec (418) 643-3900
Tel.: Montréal (514) 864-3900
Elsewhere in Quebec: 1 800 567-3900
Fax: Québec & elsewhere (418) 646-3255
Fax: Montréal (514) 864-4563
Web site: www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca
Fee - all certificates:--$15.00
New Brunswick
Deputy Registrar
Vital Statistics
P O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Tel: (506) 453-2385
Fee - all wallets:-- $20.00
Fee - all certificates:-- $25.00
Payable to: Minister of Finance
Fax: (506) 444-4139
Nova Scotia
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 157
Halifax, NS B3J 2M9
Tel: (902) 424-4381
Long Distance calls within NS call Toll free: 1 877 848-2578
Fee - detailed certificates: -- $25.00
Payable to: Deputy Registrar General
Newfoundland
Vital Statistics Division
Dept. of Government Services & Lands
P.O. Box 8700
St. John=s, NF A1B 4J6
Tel: (709) 729-3308Fee - birth certificates: -- $20.00
Fee - marriage certificates: -- Free
Fee - death certificates: -- Free
Payable to: Newfoundland Exchange
Prince Edward Island
Office of Vital Statistics
Health and Social Services
35 Douses Road
P.O. Box 3000
Monteague, PEI C0A 1R0
Tel: (902) 838-0880
Fax: (902) 838-0883
Fee - all wallets: -- $20.00
Fee - all certificates: -- $30.00
Payable to: Provincial Treasurer of PEI
North West Territories
Registrar General
Vital Statistics (Dept. Health & Social Service)
Government of the NWT
Bag 9, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
Tel: (867) 777-7420
Fee - all certificates:--$10.00
Payable to Government of the Northwest Territories
Fax: (867) 777-3197
Yukon
Vital Statistics
Deputy Registrar, Govt of Yukon
P.O. Box 2703
Whitehorse, YK Y1A 2C6
Tel: (867) 667-5207
Fee - all certificates: -- $10.00
Payable to: Government of the Yukon
Nunavut
Health Insurance Programs
P.O. Bag 002
Rankin Inlet, NU X0C 0G0
Tel.: (867) 645-8017
Toll free: 1 800 661-0833