My wife was with scotia when we set up her TFSA. It tooks weeks for them to set up the account for trading. We went thru a few of their brokers (as well as the local banks financial advisors) that were convinced we were insane for thinking we could trade stock with a TFSA. In the end, we removed her contributions and openned up an account at CIBC. To avoid penalties and problems with revenue canada, we had to write letters explaining how incompetent we found scotia and thankfully they dismissed the penalties. I personaly know two collegues at work that went thru almost the same frustrating process with them. I dont blame you for considering taking your business elswhere.