Thursday, 30 July 2020

Who You’re Giving Your Money To? - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 30th, 2020 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 30th, 2020 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on:  Who You’re Giving Your Money To?


Do You Know Who You’re Giving Your Money To?


Released on July 27, 2020
“The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) wants to educate seniors on how to protect themselves from financial scams and frauds.

“As financial abuse affects many seniors in Canada, we want to protect seniors by providing information and resources that will help them identify and avoid exploitation,” FCAA Securities Division Director Dean Murrison said.  “Seniors can protect their money by understanding the warning signs of financial fraud and by being cautious when speaking to people on the phone they do not know.”

In some cases, seniors end up losing money by giving out their credit card or banking information to fraudsters or occasionally dishonest family members.



Here are some red flags and preventative tips to help avoid exploitation:

  • If you receive “prize offers” without engaging or enrolling with the business offering the prize, do not reply to them.
  • If someone emails, texts, or calls asking for personal or banking information, do not provide the information.
  • If a stranger sends you a cheque, do not accept it as the cheque may bounce after you deposit it.
  • If you receive an email with an attachment from people you do not know, do not open or download the attachments.

For more information about senior financial abuse and tips for family members and caregivers visit https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/financial-literacy/seniors/senior-financial-abuse.”


For more information, contact:

Stephanie Wilkinson, Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, Regina
Phone: 306-787-5567 Email: stephanie.wilkinson@gov.sk.ca




https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/financial-literacy/seniors/senior-financial-abuse


Home > Financial Literacy > Seniors > Senior Financial Abuse



Senior Financial Abuse

Financial abuse affects many seniors in Canada. Because of this, seniors, family members, friends, and caregivers should be aware of tips to keep seniors’ finances safe and out of the hands of fraudsters.

For information about senior financial abuse consult the resources below.


 

Common frauds
Here are some common financial frauds that target seniors:

Investment seminars
These fraudulent seminars promote specific investments or tax breaks. These seminars often sound “too good to be true”. After taking the fraudster up on the opportunity and paying money for the seminar, you may find that the information provided is not appropriate and risky. The fraudster uses high pressure sales tactics to get you to invest on the spot.

Offshore investment scam
When you are asked to send your money “off shore” to another country to avoid taxes or make large returns. Once it’s in someone else’s control, it is virtually impossible to track your money or get it back.

Subscription scam: free trial
You receive an offer for a free trial but need to enter credit card information in order to receive the offer. Later, you will notice you have been charged monthly fees. Make sure to read over the fine print thoroughly as you might have inadvertently agreed to pay for a monthly subscription.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
You have been told you have won a lottery or sweepstakes and need to respond to the sender immediately with money or your credit card information to "claim the prize". Any money given will never be seen again.

The Grandparent Scam
A fraudster calls and pretends to be a grandchild and asks the senior to wire money to resolve an unexpected financial problem. If the money is wired, it is not traceable and the money will never be seen again.

The Gift Card Scam
A fraudster contacts you, claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and threatens that you owe money. The fraudster will say that you can pay with pre-paid credit cards or gift cards (from retailers such as Amazon or Apple Music). The CRA does not operate in this manner so do not send them gift cards.

Websites offering “Big Returns”
Fraudsters will set up highly sophisticated investing websites promising big returns for a small investment. They also issue press releases that make false claims about their website's performance. These websites are usually fictitious and if you invest, your money will be gone.



Red flags for seniors
Here are red flags that may indicate a scam or fraudster:

    • A new friend, relative, or caregiver suggests they start taking control of your finances.
    • You receive "prize offers" without engaging or enrolling with the business offering the prize.
    • Anyone asking you for large sums of money.
    • Calls from strangers asking for you to wire them money or offering to wire you money.
    • Someone offers you something that is "too good to be true".
    • You are asked to keep information secret.
    • Someone calls asking to access your computer.
    • Someone calls asking for your banking information (such as your PIN, your credit card number, or the three-digit security code on the back of the card) or your personal information (such as your birthday, social insurance number, or driver’s license number)..



Red flags for family members and caregivers
Here are some red flags that may indicate a senior has or is being targeted by a fraudster:

    • A senior starts talking about a new “friend” and their helpful financial advice. 
    • A new friend, relative, or caregiver starts conducting financial transactions on behalf of the senior without proper authorization or through an unexpected power of attorney.
    • The senior expresses excitement over a financial windfall or prize cheque.
    • Sudden appearance of uninvolved family members or friends claiming rights to the senior's possessions.
    • Noticeable changes in banking habits, such as NSF (non-sufficient funds) activity or inconsistent transactions.
    • The senior withdraws large sums of money from their bank accounts.
    • Suspicious signatures on cheques.
    • Behavourial changes such as depression, fear and/or memory loss.
    • Reluctance to talk about financial matters.
    • Isolation from family members and friends.
    • Missing appointments to go over finances.
    • Change in signing authority on accounts.



Preventative steps for seniors
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

    • If someone emails, texts or calls asking for personal or banking information, do not provide the information.
    • Get independent legal advice before signing contracts or agreements involving your bank accounts, property or purchasing of investments.
    • Never wire money to a stranger and never accept money from a stranger. 
    • Before making financial decisions, talk to a financial professional.
    • Be proactive and discuss with your advisor how to operate your accounts should you not be able to do it yourself.
    • Do not let family members or caregivers pressure you into making financial decisions.
    • If appointing a power of attorney, make sure it is with someone you trust and consult a lawyer.
    • Add anti-virus software to your computer.
    • If someone calls asking for money and they claim to be someone you know, do not give them the money until you verify their identity and the situation.
    • Do not download email attachments from people you don’t know. They could be trying to gain access to your computer.



Preventative steps for family members and caregivers
Here are some steps you can take to protect a senior from scams:

    • Tell them not to give out personal or banking information if someone emails, texts or calls asking for it.
    • Make sure antivirus software is installed and up to date on their computer.
    • Tell them not to reply to sweepstake offers and unsolicited mail.
    • Stay actively involved in their day-to-day life and ask what happened during their day.
    • Tell them to call you or someone they trust before they make a financial decision.



Reporting a fraud
If you or a loved one has faced financial exploitation or if fraud has occurred, contact the following organizations:

    • Local police or RCMP
    • Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority - contact Shannon Ash at (306) 787-5936 or shannon.ash@gov.sk.ca




Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority

Suite 601, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive

Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4H2

Tel: (306)787-5645  Fax: (306)787-5899  Email: fcaa@gov.sk.ca



https://youtu.be/snpwJ6jM10s



 Events:

Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace - Minimum Jack-Pot is now at a $11,926.
Follow the Lions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/



The Town Newsletter for July/August has information about upcoming events.

Previous newsletters can be found on the Recreation page.

Non Events:


- Construction is well under way on the towns $5.1 Million Wastewater Project
Upgrades funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments
Town of Preeceville news release - Issued May 20,2020

​Click HERE to read the News Release

- Construction is also done on the new Coop Project. Opening soon. Paving upgrades done.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events  Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

Follow the Mayor on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/




follow  me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris







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Thursday, 23 July 2020

Responsibilities, Time Commitment and Conflict of Interest - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 23rd, 2020 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 23rd, 2020 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on:  Responsibilities,  Time Commitment and Conflict of Interest


Responsibilities Once Elected

If you become a member of a municipal council, you must take an Oath or Affirmation of Office in the prescribed form prior to carrying out any power, duty or function as a member of that council.
The Local Government Election Act, 2015 requires a Public Disclosure Statement be attached to your nomination paper. 
Once elected and within 30 days, you will have to submit another Public Disclosure Statement to meet the requirements of The Municipalities Act.
This document will need to be updated annually by completing the Public Disclosure Annual Declaration on or before November 30.
If any changes occur throughout the year, elected officials shall complete a Public Disclosure Amendment Form at the time the change occurs.
All decisions of council must be made at meetings open to the public with a majority of council members present. 
At these meetings, it is important for council members to listen to each other and collectively reach decisions that are in the best interests of the municipality. 
An individual member of council, including the mayor or reeve, does not have the authority to commit the municipality to any expenditure or direct the activities of municipal employees.

 Time Commitment

Being elected to your local council means a big time commitment on your part. It's important not to underestimate the amount of time and dedication required to be an effective member of council, especially if you have a full-time job as well.
If elected, you will serve a four-year term. During that time you should plan to attend the following:
  • regular and special council meetings;
  • meetings of council committees;
  • meetings of other boards and agencies as a representative of council;
  • conferences, seminars, workshops, and conventions for training and discussion; and
  • events that promote or represent your municipality.
You may also need to spend a significant amount of time talking to the public, businesses, colleagues in other municipalities, municipal staff and your administrator. Continuing interaction with these groups is an essential part of making an informed decision as a council member.


 Conflict of Interest


Citizens expect integrity in the decisions and day-to-day operations of their public institutions and elected officials at all levels — including municipal governments and municipal officials.
Identifying, addressing and managing conflicts of interest are key to good governance and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in their public institutions.
The province has strengthened municipal legislation to help municipalities ensure proper policies, procedures and practices are in place.

Conflict of interest provisions are found in Part VII of The Municipalities Act, Part VII of The Cities Act, or Part VII of The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010.
It is important to recognize that the legislation regarding conflict of interest is not the only word on the matter.
There is a great deal of common law regarding conflict of interest and the conduct of elected officials in potential conflict situations that may apply if legislation does not fully address the matter.

A conflict of interest occurs when a person in public life is in a position where a private interest may, or may appear to conflict with his or her role as a municipal council member.
Conflict of interest provisions recognize that the judgement of even the most well-meaning person may be impaired when their own interests or the interests of someone close to them are affected. Conflict of interest provisions exist because council members must make decisions in the best interest of the municipality first and foremost.



If you have any questions please contact our town office or myself and we would be pleased to help.

 Events:

Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace - Minimum Jack-Pot is now at a $11,028.
Follow the Lions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/


Latest Newsletter is out http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/calendar.html  

http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/recreation-news.html   May June 2020    2019  newsletter


Non Events:


- Construction is well under way on the towns $5.1 Million Wastewater Project
Upgrades funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments
Town of Preeceville news release - Issued May 20,2020

​Click HERE to read the News Release

- Construction is also done on the new Coop Project. Opening soon. Paving upgrades done.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events  Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

Follow the Mayor on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/




follow  me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris





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Thursday, 16 July 2020

Governance and Accountability of Council - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 16th, 2020 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 16th, 2020 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Governance and Accountability of Council

Governance and Accountability of Council

 What you need to know

What is a Municipality? Simply put, a municipality is the first “front-line” level of Government. Saskatchewan has three types of municipalities:

• Urban (cities, towns, villages and resort villages);

• Rural; and

 • Northern (towns, northern villages, northern hamlets and the district).

 What powers does a Municipality have? 

Provincial legislation gives a municipality autonomy to act according to its own direction on matters within its jurisdiction. It has natural person powers, with limitations, and governmental power to enact bylaws and to raise revenues through taxation. Natural person powers mean that a municipality has the same privileges as an ordinary citizen and can exercise actions that are not explicitly set out in legislation. The elected council can hire staff to manage daily administration and provide municipal services (e.g. roads, utilities, recreation facilities).

A municipality has the power to adopt bylaws to:

• Provide for the health and safety of its residents;

• Regulate activities, businesses, nuisances, streets and roads, transportation and transportation services; 

• Control land development and zoning;

• Regulate vehicle and pedestrian traffic;

• Regulate wild and domestic animals and their activities;

 • Borrow money; and

 • Set local tax policies and rates to cover the costs of providing municipal services.

What is council?

The council of an urban or northern municipality has a mayor (elected at large) and at least two councillors. Some urban municipalities are divided into wards and voters elect at least one councillor for each ward. General elections in urban and northern municipalities are held every four years. 

Each rural municipality is divided into numbered divisions. Each division has an elected councillor; the reeve is elected at large. Members of council are elected to four-year terms. General elections in rural municipalities are held every two years on a rotational basis. In the 2020 general election, elections will be held for reeves and oddnumbered division councillors. In 2022, elections will be held for even-numbered division councillors.    

 What are the responsibilities of council? 

Collectively council has the power to make decisions about municipal services, establish policies and provide direction for the operation of the municipality. Council makes decisions about what services to provide, how those services will be delivered and at what levels. Members of council are accountable to the people who elect them.

What is the administrator’s role? The administrator is appointed by council to manage the general operations of the municipality. The administrator is responsible: 

• To advise the council on its legislative responsibilities; 

• To advise council on operational and legislative matters; and 

• For overall day-to-day administration, financial management and human resource management of the municipality in accordance with council’s policies and priorities.

 Who can run for council? To become a candidate for mayor, reeve or councilor in your municipality, you must meet certain qualifications. Check the information item, “Running for Municipal Council: What You Need to Know,” on qualifications for candidacy and for questions about running for council. You can also search “Running for Municipal Council” on the Government of Saskatchewan website (www.saskatchewan.ca).

What can I do to keep my council accountable? 

As a private citizen, you can become involved in the governance and electoral process of your municipality and the decision-making of your council.  

 You can become informed about council matters by: 

• Attending council meetings as a spectator; and 

• Accessing municipal documents such as minutes and bylaws.

 

You can actively participate in council affairs by:

 • Writing letters to council;

• Debating council decisions with elected;

• Attending council meetings as part of a delegation to speak to matters;

• Petitioning for a public meeting;

• Petitioning for a referendum; and

• Petitioning for a management or financial audit.

 

Where can I obtain more information? You can find detailed information in A Citizen’s Guide to Shaping Council Decisions.  This document can be found by searching “council procedures” on the Government of Saskatchewan website (www.saskatchewan.ca).

Answers to questions or concerns may also be obtained by contacting a municipal advisor. 

Ministry of Government Relations Advisory Services and Municipal Relations 1010-1855 Victoria Avenue Regina SK S4P 3T2 Phone 306-787-2680 Email: muninfo@gov.sk.ca 

Running for Municipal Office

Thank you for thinking of running for your local municipal council. Saskatchewan municipalities need citizens like you to assume leadership roles to represent the people in your community or region, and to provide direction on the policies and programs that will lead to better quality services for communities.

Serving in elected positions is not easy, but being a member of council offers a lot of personal satisfaction. The information below will help you decide if you want to run as a candidate for municipal council. (Visit Information for Council Members to learn more about your new role, if elected.)

  1. How Municipal Government is Structured
  2. Council Roles and Powers
  3. Time Commitment
  4. Running for Municipal Office
  5. Government Employees Seeking Nomination as a Candidate or Becoming a Candidate
  6. Campaigning for Election
  7. Responsibilities Once Elected


 Events:

Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace - Minimum Jack-Pot is now at a $10,474.

Latest Newsletter is out http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/calendar.html  

http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/recreation-news.html   May June 2020    2019  newsletter


Non Events:


- Construction is well under way on the towns $5.1 Million Wastewater Project
Upgrades funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments
Town of Preeceville news release - Issued May 20,2020

​Click HERE to read the News Release

- Construction is also done on the new Coop Project. Opening soon. Paving upgrades done.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events  Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

Follow the Mayor on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/




follow  me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris





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