With such an impressive list of clients, why have we never heard of Sigma Assistel?

Actually, if you have never heard of us, that is a good thing! It confirms that we are very transparent to the people who use our services. When we create a program for a client, we learn as much as we can about them and become an extension of their business. This is not about us, it's about creating added value for your customers. When we get a call, we answer with a message that is personalized to your business, and your customers will never know that the person helping them is not one of your employees.

Sigma Assistel is a subsidiary of a large insurance group that belongs to a major financial institution. However, you provide services to customers, members, employees and beneficiaries of other large Canadian companies. How do you ensure confidentiality and protect the personal information they share with you?

The notion of confidentiality is essential to our survival. Being a subsidiary does not mean we share our customer information with our parent company. In fact, we are totally independent from Desjardins Financial Security. Our systems, databases and offices are clearly separate, and information held by Sigma Assistel cannot be accessed by people other that those who have to use it in the course of their duties. Only lawyers can view the contents of legal assistance files. Our employees sign strict confidentiality agreements when they join and the issue is discussed regularly.

Essentially, only the people who have authorized access to your client lists, whether they be in paper, encrypted or electronic format, will handle them and only for the purpose for which they have been provided.

How long does it take to launch an assistance program?

It varies depending on the complexity of the program and the timing of the launch. Standard services could be launched in as short as 30 days after a formal agreement is signed, but in most cases 45 to 60 days are needed. Our business development team will usually discuss this aspect before a business proposal is provided.