COVID-19: Recent developments and how we are helping keep our workplace healthy and safe

Carte Financial Group has been closely following the global situation regarding COVID-19, which has recently escalated with the World Health Organization officially declaring it a pandemic, public schools announcing extended closure, and widespread event cancellations.

As the COVID-19 health issue rapidly evolves, I would like to reinforce the efforts and precautionary measures Carte Financial Group is taking to protect the health of our employees, consultants, advisors, vendors, wholesalers, customers and our communities.

Focusing on our people first: We continue to work with Tennyson Devoe, our Human Resources Consultant, to help guide our health and safety practices and business continuity plans across our operations to ensure we are accounting for the health of our people in every location and for every situation.

Protecting the health and safety of our corporate staff on the job: Our Mississauga Head Office is doubling down on sanitation efforts. This includes increasing the frequency of cleansing common-area surfaces, limiting public access of both advisors and clients, screening all visitors and sourcing extra cleaning supplies, such as hand sanitizer and wipes.

We have also amended all product trainings, meetings and sessions to be held exclusively online, via web conference.

Lastly, we have robust work-from-home capabilities that have been thoroughly tested. We will be leveraging this with our Head Office staff to its fullest extent effective Tuesday March 17, 2020 and do not anticipate any disruption to our service during this period.

We encourage our advisors to refrain from physically visiting our Head Office and instead leverage the use of DocuSign and other technologies, where possible, to carry on business as usual. Advisors are encouraged to communicate with our Head Office staff via phone, fax, email, mail and courier, to avoid the need to visit our Head Office until further notice.

Other business, school and public-service related closures: As you may be aware, various levels of governments have put in place restrictions, closures and other measure to prevent social contact between large groups. We understand this is an inconvenience for workforces across Canada, and we thank you for the efforts you’re making to adjust your personal arrangements in order to keep our business running. Please contact your manager or human resources business partner to discuss your specific situation.

Following proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs: Please follow all flu/virus prevention measures.
These include:

  • Choose an alternative to handshakes – consider smiling and nodding your head, a small wave, a greeting of Namaste or an “elbow bump”
  • Avoid close contact with others
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleanse your hands
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly.

Following Public Health Agency of Canada travel guidelines and COVID-19 exposure measures: If you have recently traveled internationally, or to a location with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, and are feeling ill, please stay home. Please contact your manager by phone or email and contact your local public health agency. As the situation is continually evolving, please visit Public Health Agency of Canada’s website to access the latest information on testing and exposure.

Thank you for your commitment!
Carte Financial Group provides a critical service for Canadians. We are relied on more than ever during unprecedented times like these. Your continued work efforts in spite of a difficult situation are continuing to connect Canadians and keep our economy flowing. I sincerely thank you for following all proper protocol to continue to keep our workforce, customers and communities safe.

Given the unpredictability of the situation, Carte Financial Group continues to monitor the situation and will update you accordingly. Please contact your Case Coordinator, Branch Manager or IT Support if you require additional information or assistance.

Sincerely,
Management
Carte Financial Group