Several members of the Caisse Desjardins condemn the closure of 30% of service centers and ATMs across Quebec by December 31, 2026.
• Also read: Desjardins will close 30% of service centers by the end of 2026
• Also read: Closure of several service centers by 2026: Girard trusts Desjardins
They met at the exit of their financial institution on Wednesday and did not bother to reveal their state of mind.
“I don’t know where they are going with their director [Guy Cormier]said Jean-Paul Dubé. They have no regard for their elders.”
“They don’t care about us. I've been burning since I heard the news. It makes no sense.”
Mr. Dubé has been a customer for 60 years and goes to his checkout several times a week. If it were to disappear in the next few years, he would be desperate.
“Technology is great, but I’m not comfortable with it,” he laments. I have to fight with companies to stop them from paying my bills online.
“I don't trust. We don't have time to get used to it. It's happening too fast for us.”
Comments that resonate with another customer.
“I make all my payments and withdrawals at the ATM,” says Ms. Hébert. You should wait a bit before closing everything. I am not ready!”
The Journal noted that some ATMs have already been removed from service. Mathieu Boulay – Le Journal de Montréal
Girard trusts
For his part, Finance Minister Eric Girard continues to have confidence in Desjardins.
“It affects communities, members and staff, he said. That’s the context and I trust Desjardins is aware of that.”
This is no surprise for the politician.
“Desjardins is implementing a plan they announced in 2015,” Mr Girard added. This is the continuation of that. “There is nothing new, although it is extremely difficult for communities every time a service closes.”
“The other element is the pandemic. It is certain that it has accelerated digital technology and reduced the number of branch transactions.”
Jobs at risk?
Desjardins did not disclose which service centers will be affected by closures in the coming years. The decision is made by the funds, which assess the needs in their respective regions.
Small towns or villages are reportedly losing their service centers.
“It's unfortunate,” says Sylvie Rochon as she leaves the financial institution. It is a shame to know that regional funds will be affected.”
We also do not know how many jobs could be lost as a result of this restructuring.
“There is no direct connection between the development of the distribution network and possible job losses at Desjardins,” mentions Jean-Benoit Turcotti. The goal is not to reduce positions, but to adapt to members’ new trading habits.”
Entrepreneurs who still regularly deposit cash at the counter are in the same situation as other members.
“There are solutions,” Mr. Turcotti added. We invite people who need it to turn to their funds to discover the solutions available to them based on their reality.”
It is also unclear how many closures will be announced annually.
“It’s too risky to give a number. There will remain ATMs and service centers to support our members in their financial lives.”
Service centers and ATMs have been down for five years:
Service centers
2023: 669
2022: 732
2021: 790
2020: 859
2019: 887
2015: 1122
ATMs
2019: 1689
2020: 1687
2021: 1679
2022: 1654
2023: 1559
2015: 2152
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