Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-02-01, Page 17Wednesday, February 1, 2017 • Signd Star 17 Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance recognized for its commitment to organ donation Justine Alkema Postmedia Network The Huron Perth I iealthcare Alliance (Clinton, Seaforth, St. Mary's, Stratford hospitals,) was recently recognized along with nine other Ontario hospitals for its commitment to organ donation. Out of 70 hospitals/hospital alliances, only nine achieved a "100 per cent routine notifica- tion" rate for the first and sec- ond quarter of the Trillium Gift of Life Network's fiscal year. The HPHA was part of those nine in both quarters (some were differ- ent in either quarter) from April 1 -June 31 and July 1 -September 30 (information past September 30 is not yet available). "100 per cent route notifica- tion" means 100% of all deaths were recorded to the Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario's organ and tissue donation agency. This might not mean any of the deceased were able to be donors, but that the hospital did their due diligence in reporting the deaths. While the average rate of routine notification in hospitaLs in Ontario is 95 per cent, not many hospitals report every single death. "If [the Trillium Gift of Life Justine Alkema/C(mton News Record Clinton Publicpital is one of four in the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (others are Seaforth, St. Mary's and Stratford); the alliance was one of nine out of 70 hospitals in Ontario that recorded all its deaths to Ontario's organ and tissue donation agency in the first and second quarters last year. Network] is not called, there's no way for donations to happen," said the Network's Media Rela- tions Coordinator Jennifer Long. "It really is amazing to be part of those top nine hospitals," she noted especially for the two quarters in a row. Canada Revenue Agency scammers trying new tax fraud on old victims Dale Carruthers Postmedia Network They've already fallen victim to high-pressure fraudsters claiming to be Canadian tax officials. Many handed over thousands of dollars — often paying in iTunes gift cards -- to settle what they believed were out- standing tax bills. In Southwestern Ontario, more than three dozen residents lost more than $140,000 to the scam last year. Now, imposters are targeting these same people with a new fraud, police warned this week. The original scam involved callers posing as Canada Reve- nue Agency workers who con- tacted residents across Canada, including the London region, threatening fines, asset seizures and even jail time if they don't send money for overdue tax bills. Canadian police reported a sharp decline in reports of the so-called CRA scam since their Indian counterparts raided "call centres" serving as alleged oper- ations bases last fall, arresting dozens of suspects. But now scammers are email- ing victims of the CRA fraud, offering to refund their lost money. The catch? All they have to do is pay a one-time, five per cent administration fee. "Basically, they try to scam you a second and third and fourth time," said Nancy Cahill of the Canadian Anti -Fraud Centre. Some recipients are asked to click a link in the email and pro- vide personal information that may be used to steal their iden- tity, Cahill added. Authorities are warning citi- zens to be vigilant and never send money or personal infor- mation to anyone claiming to be from the CRA, Immigration, Ref- ugees and Citizenship Canada, or police agencies. "Always be aware of unsolic- ited emails," Cahill said. "Just go with your gut. If you're not expecting something, just delete it." Const. Sandasha Bough, a London police spokesperson, said the department's fraud unit gets daily calls about phishing scams. About 2,000 people have CRA scam by the numbers $6.2M: Total lost 2013: Year scam was first reported 39: Victims in London region last year $143,135: Amount London area residents lost fallen victim to the CRA scam since it was first reported in late 2013, forking over $6.2 million, according to the Canadian Anti - Fraud Centre. And those numbers only rep- resent about five per cent of total cases, because most vic- tims are too' embarrassed to report they've been defrauded, police said. Last year, 39 people in South- western Ontario reported falling victim to the scam, losing $143,135. The anti -fraud centre logged 514 reports of the scam from the region. Frauds should be reported to local police as well as the Cana- dian Anti -Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Is your RRSP advice all about 'the ds Coaches take a more holistic approach call Planning. Spend 30 minutes with us, refresh your ong=terra RRSP, but also plan for living today (and maybe that trip next year). It's all possible when you work with a Libro Coach; an expert who actually cares about you. Refresh your investment plan at Libro; enter to WIN a $4,000 travel voucher. Visit libro.ca/refresh Tocay! • Libra CREDIT UNION prosper here.