Financial Counselling is defined as providing all CF members and their families with the required assistance in resolving their financial problems as well as providing them with the required tools, techniques and knowledge to maintain sound personal financial management practices.

The service is available to all serving members and their spouses. Dealing with both the member and spouse is encouraged to ensure that the entire family situation is assessed.

Financial Counselling is free!

All information obtained through the financial counselling process is strictly confidential and can only be released with the member's express written consent. However, if in a situation where a CF member is referred by the Unit CO, a follow-up report will be prepared and submitted outlining the members involvement with the financial counsellor without providing any details of the financial situation. In the event the member has sought financial counselling services voluntarily, the CO will only be advised when, in the judgment of the financial counsellor, the financial situation is of such a nature that it may present a security risk or that it may present a risk to the operational effectiveness of the CF.

The financial counsellor will assist the member to collect information regarding their situation. After a detailed analysis of the information, the counsellor will provide the member with various available options. Once the member has determined which plan of action to pursue, the counsellor will assist the member in its implementation.

Financial counselling is available to all active members and their families. This includes Regular Force, Reserve A, B and C.

We will provide you with various plans or options, which may include remedial, preventive or informative counselling, a CFPAF loan or grant, recommendation to third party professionals for assistance with Debt Consolidation, Orderly Payment of Debts, Consumer Proposal or Assignment in Bankruptcy.

Through CFPAF's Financial Distress Program, upon meeting certain criteria you could qualify for distress grants to a maximum of $5,000 and/or low interest distress loans to a maximum of $25,000. Loans are also available to a maximum of $4,000 through the Self Improvement Loan Program. In order to access any of these CFPAF programs, you must contact your local SISIP FS financial counsellor.

The details of a bankruptcy will remain on your Credit Bureau Report for 6 years after your Discharge has been granted. During that period, it could be difficult to obtain credit. Our financial counsellors may be able to assist you in avoiding this "last resort" and all its associated repercussions. However, should you be forced to avail yourself of the bankruptcy process they will lend you support in your rehabilitation in order to allow you to rebuild your life financially.