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Laurentian Bank is reaching out to the 73% of Quebecers who are without a retirement plan.

To help prepare them financially, Laurentian Bank is offering a range of adapted services and has hired 20 new financial planners to better serve the needs of their clientele.

Free of charge, Laurentian advisors will provide clients with retirement forecasting, a process which allows clients to determine the amount they need to invest today in order to achieve their specific retirement objectives.

The advisor will prepare an action plan taking into account such factors as existing investments, revenues, inflation, as well as the pace of life that the client wishes to maintain after retiring.

If the client wishes to go that extra step, a financial planner will develop a detailed retirement plan encompassing all the assets, liabilities and their tax situation.

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CIPF rolls out website enhancements

The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) has added some enhancements to its web site at www.cipf.ca.

Not only has it launched a bilingual website but it has expanded the “About Us” section to included more information on governance, improved access to current and archived CIPF publications and policy statements as well as launching an enhanced FAQ section.

The new site also features improved navigation, providing links to other investment related organizations including securities commissions and similar investment protection organizations in other countries.

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CIBC makes Montreal donations

CIBC has announced three multi-year financial commitments to two hospitals, a business school and an art gallery in Montreal, totalling nearly $4 million.

The funding includes $3,000,000 for the McGill University Health Centre (CUSM) and the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, $500,000 for Concordia’s John Molson School of Business and $400,000 for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

The funding announcement coincides with the bank’s annual shareholders meeting being held today in Montreal.

“At CIBC, we believe in making a difference where we live and work by supporting causes that matter to our clients, employees and our communities,” said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC president and CEO. “With close to 3,300 employees working in Montreal, we are pleased to announce these commitments that will fund improved health care services in Montreal, help young people access higher education, and support one of Canada’s top museums of fine arts.”

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Manulife commits to Halifax United Way

Manulife Financial is committing up to $85,000 in matching contributions to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Halifax United Way. To qualify for the matching grant, individual donations must be at least $1,000.

Joanne Keigan, vice-president operations of group benefits at Manulife, is the co-chair of the 2010 Halifax Region United Way Campaign.

“Manulife and our executives have demonstrated a clear and sustained belief in the value of matching donations to leverage generous giving,” Keigan said. “Employee, retiree and advisor gifts are already matched by Manulife. This new Leadership Challenge grant will extend beyond our own annual campaign and encourage giving at more significant levels right across our community.”

(02/25/10)