An update from Steven Ibbotson [March 24, 2020]

Last updated: Mar. 25, 2021 

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, so does our response. Since this unprecedented event began, we’ve had many conversations with FBC Members and staff. We know how deeply some of you are affected. Many of you are having to temporarily close your business, lay off staff, or take other extraordinary measures. Others are postponing travels, watching their savings take a significant hit, or tending to a family member who has fallen ill. There’s a whole lot of uncertainty in the world right now.

I wanted to provide another update on what we are doing, under these strange and extraordinary circumstances, to ensure that we continue to meet your tax and accounting needs while prioritizing the safety and security of all our Members and employees.

We recognize that stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus is up to all of us. We are committed to doing our part. We are also committed to you. While our top priority is the health and well-being of our Members and our staff, rest assured that our team will continue to work on your behalf so that you don’t have to worry about your accounting and tax preparation. That’s why we’re here.

Virtual Tax Calls

To continue serving our Members and minimize the risk of infection to your household or our staff, we are pleased to announce that effective immediately, FBC appointments can be completed via a virtual meeting platform. We’ll still be face to face, as you’ve come to expect from FBC, but now there will be a little more distance between us. We recommend you try the virtual appointment option. I am sure you will find it works great. If you would like to complete your tax call virtually, please contact your local branch for details.

Field Appointments

If a virtual tax call is not possible, we will do our best to conduct on-site appointments where permitted. It is imperative that no one in your household is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 infection, self-isolating or had contact with someone who is ill. We ask that if you or a family member is ill, or self-isolating, please call us. We’d be happy to reschedule your appointment or meet with you virtually.

You can be assured our staff will follow rigorous standards of personal hygiene and social distancing as directed by Health Canada. If they are ill (or need to self-isolate) they will stay home and follow the direction of the health authorities. We appreciate your understanding if we have to reschedule the appointment.

Office Closures

To protect our amazing staff most have moved to working from home so for the short term we have closed our offices to visitors. Thankfully, we come to you so this will not impact our ability to serve you. If you do need to drop something off to us, we ask that you use the FBC Tax Advantage mobile App to upload and deliver documents directly to us.

We’re here for you 24/7 through FBC Tax Advantage Mobile App

One more way to get great service and connect with us from the comfort of your home is through our mobile app, FBC Tax Advantage. With it, you can send us documents and slips, receive notifications, view your products, sign documents and return them to us simply, efficiently, and securely – any time from anywhere. Tax Advantage is part of our commitment to you, ensuring we can meet your needs as effectively and securely online as we can in the office. Call your branch for instructions on how to download and register Tax Advantage to your phone or mobile device.

Standing By To Help

We have moved the majority of the Member Support Team out of the office. Even though we may not be in the office, through the magic of technology, we are still available by phone. We can help you navigate the new regulations and programs that are being announced almost daily, if you have questions we are here, please call.

What You Need To Know

As new Government programs are being announced you can count on us to sift through the details to get the facts on each program. Now more than ever, it’s important to have all the facts. When news breaks, we’ll send you an email with the details. All updates are also available at fbc.ca. If you’re looking for answers, don’t hesitate to call. Just know that the FBC team is here for you.

We stand strong and ready—together.

FBC will continue to be here for our employees and customers, throughout this turbulent time and the inevitable recovery. FBC is a key part of your team and we stand by your side to get through this. The actions we take today will make us stronger tomorrow, I’m sure of it. Be safe. Stay well.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Ibbotson, President FBC Farm Business Consultants