Nelson Sergerie

members’ usage has led the Caisse Desjardins de la Baie-des-Chaleurs to close its service points in Caplan and Nouvelle as of March 28. 

The reflection was undertaken a few months ago by the board of directors of the financial institution. 

“We are seeing a shift towards digital which is very intense and even more intense since COVID-19. So intense that we notice that only 1% of transactions are made at the counter and 3% in ATMs. You understand that with figures that speak so much, we have to adapt,” explains Caisse Desjardins de la Baie-des-Chaleurs Director, Ken Henry. 

According to the data from Caisse Desjardins, approximately 60 people use the Caplan and Nouvelle service points extensively. 

“We will contact people individually to offer them either a mode of transportation to take them to another service centre, but even more importantly, support and training to use digital platforms. They have already done this during the COVID period. We will refresh all of that and ensure that it is to the advantage of our members,” promises Mr. Henry. 

The director anticipates a certain degree of reaction from members in affected areas. 

“We expect it from those who used the counter more extensively and it is completely normal. We would like to keep the Caisse, like the church or the school, but at the same time, we must monitor the behaviour of our members,” says the Caisse Desjardins Director. 

No jobs will be lost as a result of this restructuring. Affected staff will be reassigned to other service points. 

The current property, which will be available following these closures, could find new uses. The municipalities have been informed of the decision. 

“There are projects in the municipalities’ pipeline. What we want to do is look at a collaboration that will keep the spirit of Desjardins in these environments, but not in a cashier counter, but rather in community projects,” maintains Mr. Henry. 

In parallel with the announcement of February 19, the Caisse will also remove ATMs in Saint-Omer and Saint-Siméon. 

One of the two teller counters in Bonaventure, New Richmond and Carleton-sur-Mer will be removed. 

“At the same time, if you go to these counters, removing one out of two, it will not cause lineups. There is very little traffic and the statistics confirm it. The impact on members should not be felt,” says Mr. Henry. 

Desjardins has already mentioned the disappearance of counters soon. “We expect that around 2026, the counters will be almost no longer used,” says Mr. Henry.