Community Living Wallaceburg hosted the first in a series of financial planning information sessions for individuals receiving settlement compensation cheques resulting from the class-action lawsuits against Huronia, Rideau and Southwestern Regional Centres.
With a focus on introducing individuals and caregivers to available banking, investment and estate planning options, the session was led by a representative from the Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic and representatives from the banking industry.
The initial session covered banking basics, including types of bank accounts, available short term and long term saving account options, and an introduction into investment options.
Michael Phinney, Wallaceburg Scotiabank Branch Manager, stressed that the settlement amounts will not impact ODSP benefits.
Carmen Titus, lawyer with the Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic, encouraged individuals to consider speaking with someone who can help guide them through the will planning process.
The majority of individuals supported by Community Living Wallaceburg can receive estate planning services free of charge through the Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic.
“I was in Cedar Springs for almost twenty years,” said Mary-Ellen Fox after the session. “They did bad things to me. They tied me up. My mother took me out of there when she learned what they were doing. I’m going to use this money to do things that make me happy.”
Over 25 individuals receiving support through Community Living Wallaceburg have received cash settlements.
Individuals started receiving cheques at the end of August, nearly two years after the cases were settled.
Settlement amounts range from $2,000 to $42,000 based on an assessment of the mistreatment reported in files and by the individuals themselves.
