Vol. 31 | No. 1 | Summer 2019 206 - 1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 | 204-889-3660 | Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 | info@rtam.mb.ca | www.rtam.mb.ca RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA CONTESTPHOTOGRAPHYWINNERS1stPlace-Vehicle "Waiting For Spring" by Marion Yamada 1st Place - Food "Les delices, Marchee des enfants rouge, Paris" by Sidney Shapira 2nd Place - Vehicle "Cuba Car 1" by Bernard Boland 2nd Place - Food "Standing Proud" by Ronal Morissette RUNNER RUNNERUPUP
CONTENTS 06 Brandon Chapter Members The RTAM Brandon Chapter Members attending the 2019 RTAM Annual General Meeting at the Clarion Hotel, Brandon MB. Thompson Retired Teachers Former Thompson teachers attending RTAM AGM in Brandon The 2019-2020 RTAM Board of Directors All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to dsage@mymts.net and received by May 9, 2018, 5:00 p.m. Materials published here do not necessarily represent the policies or views of RTAM. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received. Published by 206-1555 St. James Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: info@rtam.mb.ca • www.rtam.mb.ca Editor-in-Chief: Doreen Sage Box 252, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Email: dsage@mymts.net Office Administrator: Dennise Bellesia Member Services Coordinator: Nicole Welwood Board of Directors 2019-2020 President: Peggy Prendergast Vice -President: Peggy Prendergast Secretary: John Sushelnitsky Treasurer: Pat Bowslaugh Past President: Joan Dawson Directors-at-Large Raymond Bisson Pat BethRayLindaDoreenVelKenAlisonJoAnneGuyJackRalphBowslaughCibulaFraserHansenHoyakLoganMalcolmMcAdamSageScottSitterSmith CreativeGaylDesign:PunzalanDirector, Blue Ink Media Email: Website:gayl@blueinkmedia.cablueinkmedia.ca Images : freepik.com and pixabay.com, except the ones provided by the contributors. Copyright © 2019 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM, 206 - 1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 31 No.1 • Summer, 2019 RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA 07 President’s Message......................................................................... 3 In Memoriam / Life Members ........................................................... 8 Carol Pelton ..................................................................................... 8 Committee And Chapter Reports ..................................................... 9 Head here ...................................................................................... 27 Pre-Retirement Seminars................................................................ 29 “THE BIG PAYOFF” For Reading ..................................................... 30 A conversation with Niigaan Sinclair ............................................. 31 Denise Bellesia ............................................................................... 32 Notices & Coming Events ............................................................... 39 2 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Peggy Prendergast RTAM2019-2020President
week ago I was acclaimed President of RTAM. Thank you for the honour and the opportunity to help move this corporation further into the new world of the “older adult”. We are in a world that has never had this number of older adults over 65 actually outnumbering the number of children under 15. We, as retired educators, have the opportunity to lead people, by example, in the “good” life. We are healthier and more active as a group than those generations who lived beforeRTAMus. has established the framework of a Strategic Plan and is enacting steps to fulfill the five pillars of that plan on the RTAM Board and within out Chapter network. In the area of Advocacy for example we visit the official representative of all the government parties annually as a Board and encourage you as members of RTAM to build and strengthen your relationships with your local MLAs and Municipal Councils. We are building and strengthening our relationship with MTS. This past three years two RTAM representatives have significantly participated in the 100th Anniversary Celebrations of MTS planning, thus bringing our two organizations closer together. RTAM supported the MTS rally held at the legislature last spring and we come to hear their present concerns at the regional meetings held throughout the province in case we can be of some assistance. RTAM has added the goal of building and strengthening better community relations to our advocacy
efforts. Two of our Board members are heavily involved in the Manitoba Seniors Coalition. Some Chapters are getting involved in the October 1st World Health Organizations Day of the Older Adult celebrations or Elders Day as it is sometimes called. This year we will continue to improve the governance and meeting effectiveness of RTAM and further establish area representation reflecting the proportion of rural and urban members. We are essentially 10,000 in number, of which slightly more than half live in the Winnipeg area. We have 22 Chapters, many in smaller areas of the province , but more and more larger developing chapters in Brandon and Dauphin and in a couple located in British Columbia and Alberta. It is my personal goal to meet with as many chapters as possible this year so I can bring news of your RTAM Board to your area and hear about your concerns and successes
Wellness is an overriding objective to improve communication and advocate in the areas of health and well-being. The latest communication from the Canadian Medical Association and the University of Manitoba has as its logo “IT’S A FACT: Better Income can lead to Better Health.” GET YOUR BENEFITS is the name of the booklet and you can get your copy by visiting www.getyourbenefits.ca. I would say that is what RTAM is all about.The RTAM Board uses the Strategic Plan as its focus. Chapter grants and the new Wellness Initiative grants require chapters to identify
Next page RTAM.MB.CA n 3
A
RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
President’s Message
President's Message . . . continued from previous page 4 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
RTAM is doing a similar thing for our young relatives with the RTAM Student Award Endowment Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation. The significant young people in our lives that we influence with our ‘love of learning’ are also being supported financially now and into the future.
a goal in the Strategic Plan as their goal for requesting financial support. Seminars, events and workshops must do the same. As a Board we are striving to improve communication within the whole organization. We are very fortunate to have so many ways to communicate with one another, but we all don’t do it in the same way and with the same ease. As a teacher, in my working world, I lived day to day in school communicating mostly face to face with the students I saw every day, with staff and sometimes with parents. Today is different. We as a Board are striving to bring you news of our successes and when we need your help and often advice for us to move the RTAM Strategic Plan to success. As we move forward we need to use all the communication tools at our disposal to achieve these goals. That means we need people spanning over fifty years of “aging” to work together to make this happen. I implore those of you who are younger retirees to reach out and help those of us who are definitely older adults, to learn and use the new methods of communication with some of the skill you have and we as the “older” generation, who may appear less agile and even walk with some assistance like a cane, stick or walker, have experiences with coping with living that we can share with you to help you to live the “good” life for much longer than you ever imagined. Life is living the best life possible with what you’ve got and not always lamenting the physical changes that develop along the way as we live. That tiny flame of creativity to be the best we can be with what we’ve got needs to be fed and supported with novel ideas and small daily activities, often with significant others in our lives involved, before it grows to be a large noticeable effort. An example, is the idea one person in RWTA (the women’s chapter) had to help people in third world countries improve their ability to see by obtaining glasses. She suggested the chapter members look through their drawers for old eye glasses and bring them to the lunches that are held four times a year. A bag was always available and as we dropped them in one by one,
as you are now so once was I as I am now so shall you be
RTAM is “Leaving a Legacy of Learning ”with this Student Endowment Award Fund administered by the Winnipeg Foundation that is growing exponentially to provide awards to these students we care about so much. These students will be our leaders of the future. What better way to guarantee a better world than to have educated adults who have a sense of community and helping others as their core values? Our legacy to the next generation can come from our creative thinking. Our bodies may not work perfectly as we age but if we use our minds creatively we will have a passion for living and enjoying life for as long as we live.
That brings me to the topic of Ageism. RTAM needs to demonstrate to the world the value of education in our everyday life. The volunteer study we did five years ago is still valid. RTAM can help change the stereotypes that abound around aging. Through the act of volunteering, RTAM is a living sign of the value of ‘time in service for others.” The beliefs that give rise to ageism are deeply embedded in our society. Ongoing efforts to address sexism and racism have shown that it is possible to change social norms. It is time to STOP defining people based solely on their age. Life is good. Life is worth living. Building cooperative relationships works miracles. RTAM can offer a positive image of ‘Aging Well’. A&O has a saying for those younger than me that resonates with me:
she distributed them, over 1000 pairs, 100 just yesterday, in four years. A person needing sight somewhere across the world has benefited from something that is no longer useful here. Here is an example of one person making a difference to many.
PROGRAM 9:30 - 10:00 Registration 10:00 Opening remarks 10:10 - 11:45 PRESENTER: Gayl Punzalan from BLUE INK MEDIA Bring your camera – DSLR, SmartPhone, Tablet, PowerShot – any digital camera works for this workshop. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, we will take you through the whole process of successful photography. We will be working both inside and outside in the lovely fall colours found in the park and the English Garden that is close by. NOON - 1:00 p.m. Gourmet Lunch from the Restaurant 1:00 - 2:30 Photography Exercise 2:30 - 3:30 Critique and Closing Please register early – limit of 50 registrants REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP CONCERNSDIETARYEMAILPHONEADDRESSNAME SELF-ASSESSMENT Please check the items that apply to you I will bring a DSLR SmartPhone PowerShot Tablet I have attended a photography workshop before Yes No I am familiar with Exposure Triangle Composition Please send a cheque for $35.00 made out to “RTAM” together with this registration form to the RTAM Office at 206-1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 1B5 by September 13, 2019 RTAM.MB.CA n 5
RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA WELLNESS SEMINAR Creativity In Retirement Discover the creativity lurking within you. Please consider attending. Date:
2019 Place:
Time:
GRAPHYPHOTOWORKSHOP FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, Assiniboine Conservancy Tamarack Room in the Qualico Centre– Winnipeg 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Chapter presidents, delegates and board directors at Chapter Presidents' meeting
Vice-President of MTS, James Bedford brings greetings to RTAM AGM
Winners of one of Johnson Inc door prizes of $150 gas gift card
Chapter presidents, delegates and board directors at Chapter Presidents' meeting
Mel Montgomery, Lana Rinn, and Lillian Kozak at Chapter Presidents' meeting
Photos by Judy Olmstead
Registration table at AGM with Denise (from RTAM office), assisted by Ruth Bilowus and Bill Taylor
Linda Scott, chaired ChaptermeetingPresidents'
Distinguished Service award presented to Rosalie Bornn by Joan Dawson, (president) and Beth Smith, (director)
Annual General Meeting 2019
More attendees at RTAM Chapter Presidents' meeting on Tuesday, May 7
John Sushelnitsky accompanies delegates for the singing of O Canada
Johnson Inc. presenters: Jessica Simpson and Jeff Bennett
Rosalie Bornn, RTAM AGM Committee Chair
President of RTAM, Joan Dawson, and Chair of AGM, Dorothy Young
Doreen Sage and Garry Finlay enjoying RTAM AGM in Brandon
The Mayor of Brandon, Rick Chrest with his former teacher, Leota Nelson of Brandon.
Lillian and Dennis Kozak (Calgary chapter) and Garry Finlay (Van Isles chapter) attend Chapter Presidents' meeting
Chapter Presidents' meeting
Mayor of Brandon, Rick Chrest addresses the RTAM AGM in Brandon
Dorothy independentYoung,chair of AGM
Helene Beauchemin, former student, and now retired teacher, meets her former teacher, Raymond Bisson at RTAM AGM
Brad Prokop presents TRAF information to delegates
Brandon RTAM members attending AGM
Chapter Presidents/delegates attending AGM
Incoming Board of Directors
Vel McAdam
Rosalie Bornn, Past President, presents Joan Dawson with flowers for her work as President of RTAM
Former Thompson teachers attending RTAM AGM in Brandon
David Harkness, Riel Teachers' chapter delegate renews acquaintance with Lorraine Scott at AGM
Brandon Teachers' Association display through the decades for MTS 100th anniversary
Neta Agnes Dyck, Langley, BC
Robert J. Hibbert, Winnipeg, MB
Raymond Edgar Kennedy, Winnipeg, MB
Katherine M. Klassen, Winnipeg, MB
Bessie Marie Hill, Winnipeg, MB
JANUARY 2019
Jocelyn Davis, Winnipeg, MB
Garth C. Bradley, Winnipeg, MB
Constance Honor Flanagan, Winnipeg, MB
Catherine M. Thexton, Winnipeg, MB Sheila E. Wiseman, Winnipeg, MB
MARCH 2019
On April 30, in Australia, our RTAM Treasurer, Carol Pelton, passed away, suddenly, at the age of 70 years. She was just completing a three month stay in Australia and was about to return to Canada in time for the 2019 AGM.
Laura M. Hanna, Winnipeg, MB
Claudia Eisbrenner, Winnipeg, MB
Leon Joseph Albert Beauchamp, Winnipeg, MB
Shirley A. Cipryk, Winnipeg, MB
Arthur A. De Alwis, Sri Lanka, LKA
Albin J. Polz, Winnipeg, MB
Carol continued to be a member of several other organizations, including Business and Professional Women and Rotary. Her involvement had provided many opportunities to develop leadership skills and to work in a collaborative setting.
She has served both as a Director and Treasurer of RTAM since 2008, as well as, working on various committees that included Website, Public Relations, Political Advocacy, Strategic Planning, Bylaws and Technology.
Abram Peters, Steinbach, MB Ronald E. Phillips, Winnipeg, MB
Eva M. Tetzlaff, Binscarth, MB
Jacob P. Siemens, Steinbach, MB
Albert E. Parnetta, Winnipeg, MB
Ethel I. Perchaluk, Winnipeg, MB
Charles Stewart Farnell, Onanole, MB Katherine Hamm, Winnipeg, MB Richard A. Hanke, Neepawa, MB
Dorothy Wendy-Mae Jenkins, Winnipeg, MB
Sara Thiessen, Winkler, MB
Victoria Baker, Calgary, AB
Hendrika Hartman, Winnipeg, MB
Edith Irene Cooper, Chilliwack, BC
Vera E. Hanneson, Vancouver, BC
Karen Elizabeth Wark, Minnedosa, MB Tina Wiebe, Abbotsford, BC
John Joseph Stairs, Matlock, MB
FEBRUARY 2019
MARCH 2019
Esther Bornn, Winnipeg, MB
Cecile L. Granger, Winnipeg, MB
J. John Grenon, Winnipeg, MB
Carol was deeply committed to serving RTAM and spent a great deal of time and energy towards moving RTAM forward in implementing its Strategic Plan. She will be missed by all of the Board.
Clive Richard Taylor, Brandon, MB
Geraldine F. Mayes, Winnipeg, MB
Laurena M.E. Leskiw, Calgary, AB
FEBRUARY 2019
Mary Wasylenko, Winnipeg, MB
Jack Kaplan, Winnipeg, MB
William Glitnak, Winnipeg, MB Odette Jobin, Cumming, Georgia Harry Tutiah, Parksville BC
Jacqueline Linda Liberta, Winnipeg, MB
James P. Ryan, Winnipeg, MB
William C. Klassen, Winnipeg, MB
In LifeMemoriamMembers
APRIL 2019
James Grose, Winnipeg, MB
Bernard Peter Zakaluk, Winnipeg, MB
Louis Emil Radakovits, Winnipeg, MB Nora Reid, Winnipeg, MB
Leslie M. Meadows, Winnipeg, MB
DECEMBER 2018
W. Terrence Holbrow, Winnipeg, MB
Gary Raymond Einarson, Gimli, MB
Lillian I. Hirst, Headingley, MB
Lorne L. Karlowsky, Winnipeg, MB
Bernard Michael Semotok, Killarney, MB
Carol retired from teaching in 2003. Her teaching career saw her working in varied locales with diverse cultures and teaching assignments Her extensive travel and teaching experiences had given her a very global perspective. Her last teaching assignment was in Thompson, Manitoba where she lived from 1987 to 2015 when she moved to Winnipeg.
Denyse Lucille Asselin, Winnipeg, MB
Joan Alexa MacDonald, Winnipeg, MB
Dorothy E. Mawby, Treherne, MB
Carol Pelton
8 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Larry George Genyk, Winnipeg, MB
Marlene J. Little, Brandon, MB
Mary Oliver, Winnipeg, MB
Archie D. Cameron, Stonewall, MB
L. Janey McDonald, North Saanich, BC
Fannye Andrews, Winnipeg, MB
Eva A. Gooden, Brandon, MB
2. Communication
A part-time ED was hired in 2016 with the rationale that the work of the organization was too much for a volunteer board to manage. Three years later, the ED resignation, provided an opportunity to once again review the administrative supports required to support the work of RTAM. It became clear that in order to ensure that the ED could fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position, additional adminis trative support was required.
• Guy Hansen and JoAnne Hoyak, RTAM Directors, repre sented RTAM and flew the RTAM flag at the MTS rally in Winnipeg and members of the Thompson Association of Retired Teachers carried the RTAM flag at the MTS Rally in Thompson.
Reprinted
2.1 Goal: To improve the website.
•
3.1 Goal: To improve governance and meeting effectiveness.
President’s Report
• At the November Board Meeting, James Bedford, MTS Vice-President joined us for lunch. Following which, he gave a detailed account of the preparations and events being planned for the 100th Anniversary of the creation of MTS. He stated “In its planning for the MTS 100th Anniversary, the Committee is mindful of the fact that events are intended to be accessible for all active and retired members.” He noted that the ability to work with RTAM to achieve this has been indispensable and very much appreciated. RTAM has two members who serve on this committee.
3. Governance
This goal was added in March 2019
The 2018-2019-Membership List and Website Project approved in the 2018-2019 budget has been delayed due to the time needed to resolve the motion passed at the AGM to explore the feasibility of MTS hosting the RTAM website combined with unanticipated staffing challenges discussed previously in this report. For the first half of the year, day to day website requests had been managed by the Executive Director (ED) within existing resources. As we moved into the second half of the year and the corresponding increased workload demands (e.g. Budget, AGM) it was determined that additional human and fi nancial resources would be necessary to keep up with demand. Additionally, there were requests on hold because they required technical/design expertise beyond that expected of staff or vol unteers. To ensure the update of content and maintenance of the present RTAM website, the Board approved the allocation of funding to support the outsourcing of complex web service requests to Blue Ink Media for start to finish processing. The RTAM approvals protocol remains in place.
1.2 Goal: To build/strengthen better MTS relations.
Various staffing models were considered. The option seen as the best fit, which also respected human and financial resources, was to supplement the existing staffing compliment with an Office Administrator (OA). The OA position provides office management, supervisory functions, accounting services for office operations and administrative support to the ED. Such support is expected to allow the ED to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. An OA has been hired and the MSC temporary vacancy is filled through the services of a temporary staffing agency. In view of the re-structuring, the recruitment of an ED is expected to take place over the summer with a target start date of September.
• The Board participated in a workshop on Roles and Responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board facilitated by Volun teer Manitoba.
RTAM.MB.CA n 9
1.1 Goal: To build/strengthen better government relations.
• Pat Bowslaugh, RTAM Director represented RTAM at the 99th AGM banquet of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
Thesuccess.business
of RTAM is increasing every year and staff is an integral part of our team. They do a wonderful job of ensuring the office runs smoothly and the work of the Board goes forward. This year we had some unforeseen operational challenges due to the resignation of the Executive Director (ED) and the extended leave of the Member Services Coordinator (MSC).
RTAM members as observers at the MTS Regional Meet ings. Several Directors attended the meeting in their area.
1.3 Goal: To build/strengthen better community relations.
Respectfully submitted by Joan Dawson (Thompson)
• Updated Committee Member and Board Member Handbooks assist Directors and committee members to participate effectively.
At the invitation of MTS, RTAM Officers, Joan Dawson, Peggy Prendergast, and Rosalie Bornn attended a lun cheon meeting with MTS representatives, Norm Gould, President, James Bedford, Vice President and Roland Stankevicius, General Secretary. The meeting was indic ative of the success in maintaining and building RTAM’s positive relationship with MTS.
It has been a very eventful year with several initiatives to keep us busy. Our progress this year has been very positive. The RTAM Board of Directors has worked diligently to move forward with the goals set out in the Strategic Plan 2017. I would like to thank the Directors and their Committee Members for their invaluable contributions to the success of RTAM. Cooperative effort on the part of everyone brings
Committee And Chapter Reports from AGM Material
• MTS supplied the AGM committee with copies of the reproduction of the first edition of The Bulletin Of the Manitoba Teachers’ Federation and a special edition of the Manitoba Teacher to look back on our past 100 years and look forward to the next 100 years for delegates at the RTAM AGM.
RTAM once again participated in annual meetings with members of all three political parties to bring forward items of concern for discussion.
1. Advocacy
• Norm Gould, President, MTS approved the attendance of
I am happy to report that the implementation of the Strategic Plan has gone forward and is serving to guide the actions of the Board and Committees. We have continued to implement more of its goals and strategies and that is reflected in the Bylaws and Policy motions that are being considered at this AGM. Here are some of the further actions and activities initiated this year.
Rationale: Addition of the word “immediate” gives consistency and transparency in relationship to existing RTAM Bylaws subsection 7.03 b) and the past practice of the RTAM Board with regards to the Past President position. This change also aligns the Bylaws with Policy Clause 9.07(6) a) which sets out the makeup of the Officers’ Committee.
In the second year of the Strategic Plan implementation the structure to link committee project budget and expen ditures to the short and long term direction of the plan has proved to be very effective in moving us forward to ac complish the goals of RTAM and improve accountability.
1.01 m) “member” means someone who qualifies under member 1.01ship;
Add the following definitions:
The vision of The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) is the well-being of retired teachers through appropriate member services and strong partner relationships.
Bylaw Amendment Motion #3 (Smith/McAdam)
10 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Bylaw Amendment Motion #1 (Smith/McAdam)
Rationale: The Vision Statement was revisited in Bylaws review. Removal of economic only emphasizes that all forms of well-being (physical, mental, emotional, social, etc.), including economic well ness are important to RTAM members.
· Pre-Retirement seminars have taken place in Winnipeg and Brandon and one is planned for Thompson.
These are some, but by no means all of the initiatives undertaken by RTAM this year. Please take the time to read all of the Commit tee Reports to familiarize yourselves with the activities of the Board
Goal: To improve communication and advocacy on health, well ness and economic security issues for the RTAM membership.
A. BYLAW CHANGES:
and perhaps find an area of interest where you could assist either at the Board or the Chapter levels. The RTAM directors and com mittee members and our office staff have worked diligently to grow the membership and to provide services that will positively affect the well-being of our members, and thereby meet the needs of our growing organization. Please consider assisting RTAM by signing up for a committee or letting your name stand for a Director or an Officer position on the RTAM Board in the future.
At AGM 2018 in Winnipeg last year, an important budget project connected to our Strategic Plan was brought forward after considerable research. The intent of the approved project was a) to proceed with the development of a Membership Database for RTAM and b) to significantly improve the RTAM website. Unfortunately, the delay in getting the project started due to the resolution of the AGM motion referenced previously (see also 2.1) and unforeseen staffing challenges, the project could not be successfully undertaken this year As a result, the approved budget allocation for the 2018-2019-Membership List and Website Project has been carried over to the 2019-20 RTAM Budget. It is the recommendation of the current board that the Project receive top priority from the incoming RTAM Board. It is recognized that mov ing forward with the Project will require that the Executor Director position be filled by September as planned.
• The Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards Commit tee developed and posted a survey to the RTAM website asking for information on the types of seminars that members would like to attend and other feedback. The in formation gathered will be used in planning future events.
• A Wellness Seminar on the topics of health care direc tives, wills and power of attorney was offered to the membership.
The following recommendations are from the Bylaws and Policy Com mittee October 18, 2018 and January 17, 2019, meetings.
Under ARTICLE 2 – OBJECTS
· In response to a request from ACER-CART an email was circulated to Chapter Presidents, Board and Committee members encouraging RTAM members to participate in the Government of Canada consultation on enhancing retirement security.
4. Member Services
· The Pension Committee has reviewed and revised the RTAM NOMINATION PROCESS for TRAF BOARD APPOINTMENT and continues to advocate for input into the nomination of an RTAM representative on the TRAF Board.
1.01 k) “officers” means those directors of the Corporation who are its President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and immediate Past President.
n) “educator” is a person who provides instruction or education, a certified teacher.
•
Rationale: For transparency purposes, for the way decisions to grant Full Memberships are being made and clarification of intent of the Bylaw in place.
Bylaw Amendment Motion #2 (Smith/McAdam)
3.2 Goal: To revitalize the Board by encouraging and recruiting new Directors from across the province.
5. Wellness
New Bylaws addressing term limits and Board makeup are being put forward at this AGM.
4.1 Goal: To build, maintain and serve the RTAM membership.
RTAM BYLAW AND POLICY CHANGES
4.2 Goal: To improve overall membership support.
I would like to thank the membership for this opportunity to serve as President of RTAM and to really learn what a Board is all about. It has been a very interesting year with a steep learning curve. I recommend the experience to anyone. Have a wonderful summer, enjoy the sun and take time to smell the flowers.
In 1.01 k), add the word “immediate” in front of “Past President” to read as follows:
· An RTAM submission was made in response to the Manitoba Government’s Pre-Budget 2019 Consultation initiative.
In 2.03 Vision Statement - Delete the word “economic” in front of “well-being” to read as follows:
Under ARTICLE 1 – DEFINITIONS
Policy Motion # 1 (Smith/McAdam)
Clause 8.01 President e) KIT, add the following clause as i. and renumber the existing duty as ii.
B. Policy Changes:
a) The directors shall hold office for a term of one (1) year.
Any person qualified for such membership shall become a Full Member upon payment of the set membership fee.
The Board shall consist of not fewer than twelve (12) and not more than fifteen (15) directors. The quorum for the trans action of business, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, shall consist of a majority of the directors.
6.04 Election and Term of Office
6.01 Number of Directors and Quorum
Under SECTION – DEFINITIONS (p.1)
The following may be considered a full member (herein after defined as member) of RTAM:
b) The Board may, from time to time, confer Honourary Membership on a person who is not an RTAM member.
b) a retired Manitoba-certified teacher with five years of teaching experience in Manitoba who is not eligible to receive a pension from TRAF.
Under SECTION 7 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Under ARTICLE 6 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rationale: Research has been done into the benefits and detriments of large versus small Board sizes. For many years, when facilitators were engaged by RTAM for guidance on governance matters, cautions were always given as to the fact that the RTAM Board is very large for a not-for-profit organization.
a) If a director/officer misses three (3) consecutive Board meetings other than for unforeseen circumstances, (as determined by the officers), that director/officer is deemed to have immediately resigned from the Board and that director’s/officer’s responsibilities shall be reassigned for the balance of that operating year.
n) “officers” means those Directors of RTAM who are its Pres ident, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and immediate Past President.
Under ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP
3.03 Life Member and Honourary Member
Subsections 6.01 Number of Directors and Quorum and 6.04 Election and Term of Office be revised as follows (changes are in bold):
c) Fees shall be waived for Life and Honourary members.
d) An incumbent director, if qualified, is eligible for re-election to the Board.
Bylaw Amendment Motion #4 (Smith/McAdam)
ARTICLE 3 be revised as follows (changes are in bold):
Rationale: This amendment is an effort to tighten up full membership criteria to keep it more in line with what is required by retired teacher organizations in other provinces. It cleans up the language and makes the membership criteria more transparent in how membership has been considered in the past.
In n) “officers”, add the word “immediate” in front of “Past President” to read as follows:
Rationale: To synchronize with the definitions of Officers between the Bylaws and Policy Manuals and Policy Clause 9.07(6) a) which sets out the makeup of the Officers’ Committee.
Policy Motion # 2 (Smith/McAdam)
Rationale: Statements are in keeping with the overall responsibility of the President for oversight of communication coming from the RTAM organization.
ii. Approve each issue of KIT prior to its printing.
3.01 Full Members
Under SECTION 8 – DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS (p. 9)
RTAM.MB.CA n 11
b) Term Limits for Board Members be five (5) consecutive years on the Board commencing with members who were on the Board since 2017.
e) KIT:
i. Submit a President’s Report for each issue of KIT.
a) a certified teacher with five years of teaching experience in Manitoba in receipt of a pension from TRAF, or
a) A current RTAM member who reaches the age of ninety (90) shall be granted Life Membership in RTAM.
c) The term of office for a Board shall be immediately follow ing the AGM at which the Board was elected to the end of the next AGM.
Rationale: Attending Board meetings regularly and doing the work of the Board consistently, as required, are considered vital fiduciary responsibilities of not-for-profit Board members. Other boards have similar policies.
Rationale: This amendment aligns with the Strategic Plan which was implemented in 2017. The third pillar, Governance Goal 3.3, to revitalize the Board by encouraging and recruiting new Directors from across the province.
Subsection 7.05 Removal of a Board Member (p.8), add the follow ing clause as a) and renumber the remaining clauses b) to f):
Policy Motion # 3 (Smith/McAdam)
Rationale: “as determined by the Officers” gives the decision-making in such cases a smaller, less public and more confidential venue to recommend to the full Board what is best for the RTAM organization, as a whole. It also eliminates unilateral power of a President alone, having to make such decisions.
AGMCOMMITTEESandElections
Usually, much of the AGM preparations are managed by the RTAM Office Staff, in close communication with the Committee and the President. This year, RTAM is most fortunate for and appreciative of the support of a dedicated and enthusiastic group of WREA volun teers for their assistance with the planning and facilitation of compo nents of AGM 2019.
9.07 (4) (i) KIT Sub-Committee
The Communications Committee shall:
Member: Pat Bowslaugh (Brandon)
9.07 (4) Communications Committee
a) violated the Code of Conduct in subsection 2.10, and/or
As is past practice, AGM for the following year will revert to a Winni peg location.
(Smith/McAdam) That the present Bylaws and Policy Committee be authorized to update the RTAM Bylaws Manual by incorporating the AGM 2019 approved Bylaw changes.
The Board may remove a Committee Chair or Mem ber, who has:
The Election process for AGM 2019 is under the oversight of Commit tee members, Rosalie Bornn and Pat Bowslaugh.
a) Once the issue of KIT has been approved by the President, the KIT Sub-Committee shall direct the printing and distribution of the magazine to members and to others includ ing: ACER-CART President, retired teach ers’ organizations in other provinces, MTS
a) The Website Sub-Committee shall annually, be responsible for recommending to the Board by the April Board meeting, the guidelines, in writing, for the design, content standards, and development of the Website.
c) not fulfilled the duties of his/her position, and/or
Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn, Chair (Dauphin)
Note: Typos, punctuation, capitalization, eliminating pronouns and updating page numbers will be reviewed once Bylaw and Policy changes have been approved at the AGM and prior to printing.
Under SECTION 9 – COMMITTEES (p.11)
d) missed, without adequate cause (as determined by the Officers), three meetings, and/or
Rationale: All of the changes in this section are in keeping with the Communication pillar of the Strategic Plan 2017. As well, the changes reflect a serious effort by RTAM to improve its communica tion networks with its current members, future and potential members, partners and stakeholders, as well as the public, in general.
9.07 (4) Communications Committee (p.16) be revised as below with changes in bold (except for headings) and strike through for deletions.
REPORTS OF THE RTAM STANDING & AD HOC
9.04 Removal of Committee Chairs or Members
Benefits
e) requested that he/she be removed.
12 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
b) behaved in a disorderly, disruptive, or unprofes sional/unethical manner and/or
9.07 (4) (iii) Website Sub-Committee
C. Housekeeping Motions:
Respectfully submitted by Pat Bowslaugh, Chair (Brandon)
Policy Motion # 4 (Smith/McAdam)
Due process is to be followed in establishing that vio lations referenced in clauses a) to d) have occurred. The Committee Chair or Member must be informed of the pending motion for removal at least one month before the board meeting, at which the motion will be tabled, and informed that he/she may respond to the motion, at that meeting, by written submission before hand or by appearing in person. A two-thirds majority vote of the Directors, in attendance at the meeting at which the motion is tabled, shall be required for removal of the Committee Chair or Member from the Committee.
a) Be the chairs of the KIT, Public Relations and Website Sub-Committees, or their representa tives as appointed by the Board, as members and they will agree on which sub-committee chair will chair this Committee.
(Smith/McAdam) That the present Bylaws and Policy Committee be authorized to update the RTAM Policy Manual 2018 by incorporating the AGM 2019 approved Policy changes.
Members: Raymond Bisson (Winnipeg), Wayne Hughes (Winnipeg),
In keeping with past practice, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of RTAM alternates year-to-year between a Winnipeg location and a non-Winnipeg location. Subsequently, with the assistance of the local RTAM Chapter, the Westman Retired Educators’ Association (WREA), Brandon, Manitoba became the host community for AGM 2019. The Clarion Hotel and Suites was chosen as the location for the event.
President, MTS Local Association Presidents, TRAF, school divisions, funded independent schools and other organizations as directed or approved by the Board.
We look forward to some great Westman-style hospitality at this year’s event in Brandon.
9.04 Removal of Committee Chairs or Members d) (p.13) be revised as below in bold with the balance of subsection 9.04 unchanged.
Policy Motion #5 (Smith/McAdam)
Under SECTION 9 – COMMITTEES (p.11)
Please read the Certificate of Insurance carefully for all details. The great news is the premiums for the upcoming term remain the same as last year’s policy costs.
• Up to a $5.0 Million maximum.
Thank you to all Committee Chairs, Chapters and individuals for submitting material and photos. These are what make up KIT and make KIT what it is.
The main task of the Committee for 2018-2019 was the complete review and revision of the RTAM Bylaws Manual. In addition, the Committee dealt with recommendations, additions and updates of bylaws and policies that were referred for consideration by the Board of Directors, through the RTAM committee channels and by Staff. As a result, at the February 2019 Board meeting, four Bylaw motions were affirmed and will be brought to AGM 2019 for approval by the required 2/3 majority vote. As well, five interim policy statements are being brought to AGM 2019 for disposition.
The idea of generating a “media list” was discussed and we are in the process of looking to other organizations that may already have such a list which they might share with us.
Bill Cann (Winnipeg), Guy Hansen (Winnipeg), Ken Malcom (Dauphin), John Sushelnitsky (Portage la Prairie)
Thank you to President Dawson, Past President Bornn and the Board
Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin), Joan Goble (Thompson), Joan Rink (Brookdale), Beth Smith (Dauphin), William Taylor
a busy year for the Committee tasked with working in conjunction with Johnson Inc. as we attempt to provide the best coverages for our RTAM members.
Carol Pelton, Chair (Winnipeg)
Vel McAdam (The Pas), Judy Olmstead (Brandon), Doreen Sage
We also were recipients of phone calls and letters from members. These are appreciated and are used to negotiate new details for our plans. Most of these ongoing tips have been reported in KIT for your support.
Committee communication and collaboration throughout the year consisted of two committee meetings, with e-mail and phone commu nication between meetings and amongst members.
Respectfully submitted by Vel McAdam, Chair (The Members:Pas)
This(Neepawa)hasbeen
• Multiple trips may be taken within Canada and multiple trips of 62 days may be taken outside of Canada.
Members: Ralph Cibula, Website Chair (Gladstone), Vel McAdam, Public Relations Chair (The Pas), Doreen Sage, KIT Chair (Neepa wa)
WeAGM.addressed
The photo contest is becoming increasingly popular and we have received some great photos. Thank you to Joan Dawson for organizing this contest. Check out the new categories. With this issue, we are trying a new contest, with Beth Smith doing all the work. Do give it a try.
• Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage is now $3,000 per family.
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
Respectfully submitted by Doreen Sage, Chair and Editor Members:(Neepawa)
The Public Relations Committee met several times this year with the focal point of our agendas being the update of our “Join Us” brochure. A special thank you to committee member, Bill Cann, for all his work on the computer layout he did for the committee when all of our changes had been completed. Thanks to all of his efforts, the pamphlet has gone to print and will be ready for
Respectfully submitted by Beth Smith, Chair (Dauphin)
KIT,(Brandon)thenewsletter/magazine of the Retired Teachers’ Associa tion of Manitoba (RTAM), is published four times a year, in full Allcolour.material is emailed to the editor from RTAM Committee Chairs, RTAM Chapters, by individual RTAM members and out side sources. This material is then forwarded to KIT committee members and the President for editing. Final copy is sent to the publisher by the editor. The editor then meets with the publisher for a final edit before copy is sent to the printer. The printer ad dresses each issue, sorts and delivers product to Canada Post.
Members: Charles Clifford (Portage la Prairie), Vel McAdam (The Pas), Dorothy Young (Winnipeg)
KIT is also available on the website. Readers can sign up to have their copy delivered digitally, which happens as soon as the print copy is ready. See ad in the most recent issue to request your digital copy.
RTAM.MB.CA n 13
Keep In Touch (KIT)
The second travel coverage option is MEDOC. These coverages of 17 or 35 days are sensitive to health changes which must always be reported. There are two Extended Health Care plans: the Core Plan and Enhanced Plan. Based on numerous costs, the premium rates increased by 1.6%.The Dental Care Plan premium increase of 1.3% reflects the increased costs of dental care. Our plan will now cover both metal and coloured amalgam fillings as opposed to previously when only the least expensive were covered. RTAM Members also have access to Home Insurance and Life Insurance coverages. For information on these plans please contact Johnson at 1-877-9892600
of Directors for their valuable input and their support of the Com mittee. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Bylaws and Policy Committee members for their hard work and efforts throughout the year. Their mentorship has been extremely helpful in my first year as Chair of this Committee.
the issue of promotional items for AGM and were consulted with regards to a flag stand for our flag. The topic of “branding” and the Dooley Report were discussed.
Bylaws and Policy
Your Benefits Committee met formally a total of six times. Our John son Team of Jessica Simpson and Jeff Bennett met personally for our first meeting and then with each of the next five meetings through teleconference contact. We feel especially blessed for this relation ship for if we had anything arise between our regular meetings a text message, email or phone call provided us with immediate support.
The biggest change, effective April 1, 2019, is with the Travel Plan. Facing a situation in which our previous provider requested a premi um increase of over 36%, Johnson searched for new carriers which ended with Prestige Travel through Royal and Sun Alliance. All of the previous travel benefits continue but with enhancements including:
• The Trip Cancellation Coverage has increased from $7,000 to $8,000 per insured person.
An RTAM bookmark was designed, on the suggestion of Allen Havard, and was distributed at RTAM’s Pre-Retirement Seminar and the 2019 AGM.
The committee met to:
The Brandon and Thompson Pre-Retirement Seminars were held in April 2019. The Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar was held in February 2019. There were 91 people in attendance (82 teachers/ guests and 9 RTAM volunteers). These seminars have three com mon themes: An overview of RTAM’s Voluntary Group Benefit Plans, “Life After Teaching” with a panel of three retired teachers and RTAM - Who We Are, a Power Point Presentation.
Membership and Chapters
Each RTAM Chapter President was sent a welcome letter in the fall of 2018 along with the Guidelines and Application form for the Chap
• Assist the Board in defining issues of importance to the member ship and initiate consideration of other pertinent issues. No action was taken by the Officers’ Committee without prior approval by the Board unless an emergent issue situation existed.
Most of the Membership and Chapters Committee correspondence oc curs through e-mail and telephone conversations, but as need arises, our meetings are held on the morning the day after the board meeting.
took place during the course of this year to edit, update and post new materials as per usual. We had been moving forward with minimal expenditures, below the cost of what would normally be needed to do the work at the webmaster level. Additional resources, human and financial, were needed to meet the demand for website service requests. To allow for the update and maintenance of the current website, the Board approved the allocation of $3,000 in funding, transferred from the Committee Projects and Seminar Budget Pool to the Web site Development Budget.
Ideas were discussed as to how to increase membership and how to promote interest in “Board” and “Committee” represen tation from among that membership. A joint meeting between Public Relations and Political Advocacy, with Peggy Prendergast also in attendance was held to discuss a broader array of topics of interest to all.
• Review the Auditor’s Report with the Auditor together with one Director appointed by the Board.
“Did You Know”, an information article about MTS 100th Anniversary events and local opportunities for Chapter participation, compiled by Beth Smith, was published in the Spring 2018 KIT Magazine.
Respectfully submitted by Linda Scott, Chair (Winnipeg)
• Regularly review the financial reports with the Treasurer.
An advertisement was placed in the Manitoba Teacher, January/ February edition to inform active teachers of Pre-Retirement Seminars in Winnipeg and Brandon. Ads were also placed on the RTAM website and in our KIT magazine, as it is distributed to every school in Manitoba. Letters and posters about the seminars were sent to superintendents, principals of the funded independent schools and presidents of the Local Teachers’ Associations.
• Recommend to the Board, for approval, Human Resource Manage ment policies consistent with Section 15.0 of the Policy Manual.
Finally, our committee will be responsible for assisting with the Hospitality Room at the AGM - looking forward to seeing every one there.
Board Meetings. Committee consultation and collaboration also often occurred by email or telephone. When deemed necessary, the Exec utive Director Mary-Anne Slegers was asked to attend meetings with ex officio status.
Website
Members: Rosalie Bornn, Past President (Dauphin), Carol Pelton, Treasurer (Winnipeg), Peggy Prendergast, Vice President (Winnipeg), John Sushelnitsky, Secretary (Portage la Prairie)
Members: Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin), Charles Clifford (Portage la Prai rie), Audrey Greenhill (Winnipeg), Allen Havard (Winnipeg), Esmeral da Havard (Winnipeg), Beth Smith (Dauphin)
14 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
As our treasurer, Carol Pelton, requested a leave of absence ex tending from the end of January to May 2, 2019, it was decided to ask Raymond Bisson (Winnipeg) to become acting treasurer for the duration of her leave.
Maximizing our membership numbers with online communica tions will maximize our common purpose and minimize the cost of doing so. Getting the best value online set-up and running it well should be an immediate priority.
Respectfully submitted by Ralph Cibula, Chair Members:(Gladstone)Jack Fraser (Winnipeg), Wayne Hughes (Winnipeg), Doreen Sage (Neepawa)
Respectfully submitted by Joan Dawson (Thompson) President
ters Initiative Grant, a copy of the RTAM Strategic Plan and updated “Meeting Ideas”.
Officers
The total number of RTAM members as of March 31, 2018 is 9,921. Eleven Chapter Initiative Grants were approved as of April 15, 2019.
Thank you to all the committee members for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
The 2018 AGM left the 2018-19 Board with the task of dealing with the motion “that the Website Committee explore the feasibil ity of the Manitoba Teachers Society hosting the RTAM website on or beside MBTeach.org.” The Committee involved the mover of the motion in discussions surrounding areas of cost savings to AfterRTAM.deliberations
• Review items related to administration, including staff hiring and staff contract negotiation, and finance matters, or any other matters, referred to it by the Board for study and report and/or to bring recommendations to the Board for consideration.
The Officers Committee met as necessary in coordination with the monthly RTAM
at the Committee and Board levels, it was decided that the independence and self-administration of the website was the overriding concern. In the end, the process pointed clearly for RTAM to proceed as an independent entity on the matter of the website. We are looking forward to the start of the 2018-2019 Membership List and Website Project in Continued2019-2020.effort
I want to express my appreciation to the committee members for their work on the committee: Jack Fraser, Wayne Hughes, and Doreen Sage during this year and the inputs from Carol Pelton and Joan Dawson. Also the technical work of the webmaster Gayl Punzalan of Blue Ink Media.
Members: Raymond Bisson (Winnipeg), Bill Cann (Winnipeg), Jo Anne Hoyak (MacGregor), Julian Hoyak (MacGregor), Rudy Peters
In collaboration with The Winnipeg Foundation, a $50,000 endow ment fund was established in October 2013 to fund an ongoing award program. As part of its mandate, the committee will continue to have responsibility for the annual administration of the RTAM Endowment Award Program with The Winnipeg Foundation.
Respectfully submitted by Alison Logan, Chair (Winnipeg)
4. Appointment of an RTAM member to the TRAF Board. The pro tocol for the selection process has been reviewed and revised by the committee.
In(MacGregor)thespringof
Thank you to the members of this committee and Mary-Anne for their hard work and support throughout the year. Their combined wisdom and experience were what made this committee so effective.
On October 1st, the PA Committee promoted the United Nations’ Day of the Older Persons by encouraging Chapters to organize a local event emphasizing the contributions of seniors to their communities.
two issues to the Committee which will be on going into the next term. Firstly, the Committee was to establish what might be the ramifications of the amalgamation of school divisions, and secondly, the committee is to track the progress of The Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education K-12, due to report in February 2020.
Respectfully submitted by John Sushelnitsky, Chair (Portage la Prairie)
Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards Committee
Pension
Six(Winnipeg)committee meetings were held during the 2018 - 2019 year.
The disparity of economic wealth that occurs in Canada and the rest of the world was studied and submitted to RTAM readership in KIT by Julian Hoyak. The second disparity based on gender income and promotion opportunities continues to be a serious issue.
Political Advocacy
The topic of “ageism” was also examined in a detailed report by Linda Blair. RTAM’s connection to the Manitoba Seniors’ Coalition is a fundamental building block in our outreach to the wider Manitoba
1. Continued vigilance and opposition to the Federal government’s Bill C-27 which may set precedence and impact existing pen sions and the defined benefit security they offer now.
Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Chair (Winnipeg)
The Winnipeg Foundation has informed RTAM there will be enough funds for the 2019 Award year to offer four awards of $850 to four students who are relatives of RTAM members.
Members: Linda Blair (Winnipeg), Ralph Cibula (Gladstone), Guy Hansen (Winnipeg), JoAnne Hoyak (MacGregor), Julian Hoyak
5. Continued communication with ACER-CART, and in particular supporting their petition opposing Bill C-27.
The topic of the Education Review was discussed with the Minister of Education and Training at a meeting of RTAM representatives in Feb ruary. The Honourable Kelvin Goertzen made it clear that the review would welcome submissions from RTAM as an organization and from retired teachers individually. He also said that defined benefit pension plans, teachers’ salaries and the raising of finances were not in the parameters of the review.
Prior to the last federal election, candidate Justin Trudeau said that this would be the last “first by the post” and that a form of proportional representation (PR) would be used in the future. However, Prime Minister Trudeau had second thoughts. Nevertheless, the PA Commit tee closely followed the PR referendum held in British Columbia and reported the results to the Board.
The Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards Committee held six meetings this year. Much of the ongoing communication and work was shared and carried on by electronic means.
At the beginning of September, using the RTAM Student Awards Operations Manual, the Student Awards selection committee recom mended to the RTAM Board that four awards of $700 each be made available to the four students selected who are relatives of RTAM members. Forty nine students submitted applications.
Student Awards
Issues on the pension agenda included:
2. Monitoring the status of the joint agreement with MTS and accepted by the TRAF Board as to the dispersal of the restricted surplus. The dispersal has been in place since July 1, 2018 and will continue over 5 years.
2018, the Political Advocacy (PA) Committee took the lead in organizing a very successful Meet and Greet with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). It was later decided that the next such event would be in 2020, the year of the scheduled provincial election.
3. As of July 1, 2019 COLA will be 1.23%
Members: Hélène Beauchemin (Winnipeg) (June-November 2018), Brian Paterson (Brandon) (February-June 2019), Maureen Recks iedler (Stonewall), Joan Rink (Brookdale)
RTAM.MB.CA n 15
The committee presented an afternoon Wellness Seminar entitled: “Your Health Directive – ERIK Kit – Power of Attorney – Wills – HELP” at the Holiday Inn South Hotel on October 31, 2018: seventy nine people attended. In the evaluations received, Sharon Tod, a lawyer who specializes in this topic, led the seminar and was once again ap preciated for the information, time and expertise she voluntarily gives to RTAM members on this important topic.
Updates were brought to the Board on the progress of selecting a candidate for the RTAM Indigenous Bursary. The selection was made by the University College of the North, centred in The Pas.
Any RTAM member may sponsor a student who is a relative and a Grade 12 graduate. Application forms are available at the RTAM Office, in the Spring 2019 edition of KIT and on the RTAM Website.
Wellness Advocacy and Seminars
6. Continuation of the tradition of meeting with our provincial rep resentatives. Our meeting with the Honourable Kelvin Goert zen, Minister of Education and Training included a discussion addressing an RTAM representative being named to the TRAF Board, the government’s unfunded liability to the teacher’s pen sion plan and RTAM’s opposition to Bill C-27.
Thecommunity.Boardassigned
1. On July 18, 2018, Filomena Tassi was introduced as the Federal Minister for Seniors.
In November 2018, an adhoc committee was established to pre pare a submission to Government’s Pre-Budget 2019 Consultation initiative. The work of the Adhoc Committee culminated with a written submission to the Honourable Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance on December 12, 2018.
Observer: Joan Dawson (Thompson)
Members: Pat Bowslaugh, Chair, Benefits Committee (Brandon), Alison Logan, Chair, Pension Committee (Winnipeg), Peggy Prender gast, Vice President, Chair, Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards (Winnipeg), John Sushelnitsky, Secretary, Chair, Political Advocacy (Portage la Prairie)
Thank you to the committee involved for the intense work required in both the Award Program and the Wellness Seminar program.
Links to articles of national interest and pertinent local information have been added to the Wellness Advocacy section of the RTAM Website for member information.
2. Wellness Seminars could be planned with a host RTAM Chapter for RTAM member involvement and/or partnering.
Ad hoc-Provincial Pre-Budget 2019 Consultation Brief Submission
The submission included comments on the effects of inflation on older persons on fixed incomes, support for defined benefits pensions, eco nomic impact of volunteer work by RTAM members, recognition of the increase in funding for various initiatives that help improve citizens cope with life changes and encouragement for continued investment in areas such as limb replacement, cataract surgeries, seniors hous ing, transportation and Pharmacare. Concern was also expressed that with the repeal of The Manitoba Council on Aging Act, Govern ment has eliminated the advisory body on matters related to the aging process and the needs and interests of older Manitobans, leading to the conclusion that seniors are becoming invisible to Government.
A survey on the RTAM Website in December and January, solicited seminar and workshop suggestions from RTAM members. Ninety five respondents gave interesting comments and suggestions. Whereas the number of responses was not significant, it did give some helpful suggestions to the committee that appears in the recommendations for next year’s committee.
•
Actions taken:
4. ACER-CART initiated Petition e-2039 that was held in February and March. It was supported by the Canadian Coalition for Retirement Security (CCRS). The petition asked “government to affirm the principle that pension promises cannot be broken for any service that has already been earned. It also asks government to protect the pen sions of retirees by providing an insurance plan, paid for by pension plans, that would guarantee the benefits of retirees if their plan closes.”
• Support the enhancement of the CPP, and
1. Wellness Seminars be presented in the rural areas of the province as well as in Winnipeg.
• Oppose the privatization of health care.”
4. RTAM Project Allocation Forms be prepared in June once dates and locations are established.
Recommendations:
ACER-CART
REPORTS ON RTAM REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE GROUPS/COMMITTEES
6. Registrations for the ACER-CART AGM June 6 to June 8 for delegates Joan Dawson and Peggy Prendergast have been sent.
5. Reports from RTAM were submitted to the Western repre sentative for the quarterly ACER-CART Director’s telecon ferences.
In January, 2019, a letter of acknowledgement was received from the Minister of Finance, thanking RTAM for identifying our priorities for government’s future budget as well as suggestions for improving quality public services. In April, a further more detailed follow up letter was received from the Minister of Finance regarding Budget 2019.
To quote from the Summer 2018 edition of OPTIONS, The Newsletter of ACER-CART and President Bill Berryman, “our number one priority for 2018/2019 was “to participate in the 2019 Federal election by co-operating with other like-minded groups to protect pensions, to ad vocate for a single payer national pharmacare program and a Federal Minister of Seniors”.”
5. The committee to provide RTAM members with current information on healthy aging/wealth management in KIT and on the website.
In support of the priorities, ACER-CART will continue to:
2. Dr. Eric Hoskins Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare anticipates reporting to the Federal government in the spring of 2019. Check www.letstalk health.ca and click National Pharmacare Online Consulta tion for information.
At close, the total number of signatures was 13,740, with 492 from Manitoba. Thank you to all the RTAM members that supported this endeavour. This is part of ACER-CART Protocol 7 – Advocacy and Promotion Guidelines for Retired Teachers and Seniors in Canada, “Members agree to work cooperatively to highlight any emerging issues that may have direct impact on the pensions or healthy, active and dignified living of all retired teacher members or seniors in Canada.” Thus ACER-CART members are part of CCRS.
16 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
3. A Town Hall was held at the St. James Civic Centre on March 21, 2019 where feedback from attendees and dis cussions were held on Fraud, Elder Abuse and other Bad Things happening to older adults. RTAM and the Manitoba Seniors Coalition were represented as were other interest ed older adult organizations.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Committee by Joan Dawson, President
6. The recommended budget to include funds for incentive grants.
Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Director
• Oppose the surrender of the accrued benefits inherent in defined benefit plans,
3. KIT delivery dates be available by the end of June for pre planning dates and locations of Wellness Seminars for advertising in KIT.
“Monitor the 10-year bilateral health funding agreements with the provinces,
MTS 100th Anniversary Committee
RTAM Representatives: Peggy Prendergast, RTAM Vice President and Chair of the Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards Committee (Winnipeg), John Sushelnitsky, Secretary of the RTAM Board and Chair of the Political Advocacy Committee (Portage la Prairie).
• Two monuments – weathered steel billboard style monument (currently up), tipped streetcar (July 2019 projected, but hopeful for May).
Boyne Chapter of Retired Teachers
There will be a 100th Anniversary Time Capsule. Information has been sent to Local Presidents as to their contribution(s) to the Time Capsule. It has been stressed that all Locals are to have item(s) to be included in the Time Capsule, as well as a copy of their Logo.
Anniversary Time Capsule Opening was October 20, 2018 at the Presidents’ Council Meeting. The 75th Anniversary Committee Members and 100th Anniversary Committee Members were invited as special guests. The Time Capsule is a student desk which has a glass lid to showcase the contents and has a permanent spot in the foyer of the Arnett Auditorium at McMaster House. Mireille Theriault, MTS Staff, will rotate items in view from time to time.
• A webinar discussing the High Dose Flu vaccine for older adults aged 65 and older was produced in January by Active Aging in Manitoba and the Wellness Institute.
An MTS Warming Hut was placed at the Forks on the River Trail. It was designed and built by Tec Voc High School students. It is a repli ca of a one-room schoolhouse and has benches inside with a little free library, stocked with various books.
The Manitoba Seniors Coalition (Coalition) is made up of represen tatives from A&O: Support Services for Older Adults (www.aosup portservices.ca), Active Aging in Manitoba (www.activeagingmb. ca), Transportation Options Network for Seniors, (www.tonsmb.ca), Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, (www.manitobaseniorscen tres.com), la Fédération des aînés franco-manitobains (FAFM) (www. fafm.mb.ca), Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba (LTCAM) (www.roadtocare.ca), Retired Teachers’ Association of Man itoba (www.rtam.mb.ca), the National Association of Federal Retirees (www.federalretirees.ca) and the Centre on Aging (www.umanitoba.
Members: 22
100th Anniversary banner is on the outside of McMaster House; you can’t miss it.
The Boyne chapter has 22 members. We have no designated Pres ident, but someone volunteers to chair each meeting. The Secre tary-Treasurer is Bob Kowalchuk. The breakfast meetings are held the last Friday of each month (September to May) at a local Carman restaurant.
Reproduction of the first edition of the Bulletin Of the Manitoba Teach ers’ Federation and a special edition of the Manitoba Teacher to look back on our past 100 years and look forward to the next 100 years will be ready for delegates at MTS and RTAM AGMs.
• Strike Tours – people being trained for small and large group tours.
RTAM Representatives: Pat Lewicki (Winnipeg), Beth Smith (Dau
Theca/centres/aging)Coalitionwas
• A Town Hall meeting was held March 21, focusing on Fraud and Bad Things happening to older adults organized by the National Seniors Council, and
RTAM.MB.CA n 17
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Manitoba Museum (Overhaul of street scene area) will have displays related to 1919 Strike.
Respectfully submitted by Beth Smith (Dauphin)
Six meetings were held during the 2018/2019 year. Government mail ings and information that pertains to older adults was forwarded to the organizations involved for information and response, if appropriate.
Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast (Winnipeg)
• Monitoring of Bill C-27 by attending the monthly meetings of Canadian Coalition for Retirement Security regarding the status of Bill C-27 by telephone.
established from the Seniors Vote 2016 that focused on issues relevant to older adults common to seven different senior organizations during the last provincial election. The pillars of concern were: Healthy Aging, Social Participation, Income Security, Housing, Transportation and Health Care.
• Strike! The Musical – By Danny Schur, at Rainbow Stage June 18 to 28, 2019 and July 2 to 5, 2019. www.rainbowstage.ca
• May 25, 2019, a parade to commemorate the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike in which MTS and other interested groups are participants.
Topics of general interest to the Coalition:
Kevin Rebeck, Manitoba Federation of Labour, President, offered a short PowerPoint showing an historical snapshot leading into the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike Celebration.
Manitoba Seniors Coalition
• An ACER-CART initiative - an e-petition regarding the elimi nation of Bill C-27 was held and supported by RTAM online in February and March.
RTAM CHAPTER REPORTS
• Stand! The Movie – By Danny Schur, premiering in 2019. Shot entirely in Winnipeg from August – September 2018. www. stand-movie.com
• A fundraiser was held in March by A&O at the Human Rights Museum discussing issues surrounding ageism and was attend ed by some Coalition members.
• Representatives of the committee attended a workshop on January 23 titled “Reframing Ageism” presented by the Centre on Aging from the University of Manitoba.
Thephin)75th
Respectfully submitted by Bob Kowalchuk, Secretary-Treasurer
May 24, 2019, Gala Evening at the Fairmont Winnipeg, is ongoing under the direction of the Committee and the Event Manager from Strauss Event and Association Management. A short formal compo nent is planned in order to honour our many founders and builders of the Society along with our many expected guests. Musical entertain ment and food are expected to entertain guests for the majority of the evening. Displays to highlight our history will be available.
group has a list of 85+ active and inactive members. This year, DARTA has reverted back to well attended monthly catered breakfast meetings in one location. DARTA is both fortunate and grateful to have secured breakfast meeting space at the Mountain View School Division Administration Office for the past year. Our Oc tober and April (AGM) meetings were scheduled as supper meetings to facilitate the attendance of those members who choose to substi tute teach or work during the day.
• Organizing the annual December Cheer and Chat come and go afternoon event.
Members: 85+
Nikka Yuko Garden was designated a Provincial Historical Resource in The2017.afternoon
Following the business portion we have the sharing of information regarding upcoming activities in Carman and surrounding commu nities. This could range from a newly formed ukulele group at our Active Living Centre to a Christmas cheer board concert fundraiser. The members took a trip to Manitou and a tour of the Nellie McClung museum, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
November 2018 luncheon, Brenda Marra, BSc, ACSM Certified Clinical Physiologist®, Exercise is Medicine Creden tial Level III, delivered a motivating presentation on the topic “Taking Charge of Your Heart Health - Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease and Ways to Stay Motivated to Be Active”. The presentation was well received by all in attendance.
• Decorating the Watson Arts Centre for the Holiday Season.
• Providing volunteers for the Atom Parkland Cup Hockey Tourna ment.
Currently, almost all of our members have email access for main taining regular contact. A small group of volunteer “phoners” assist to keep regular contact with those who do not have email to relay meeting information, agendas, minutes and other important RTAM and Chapter information.
interest in the Calgary Chapter is the number of members who take time to send regrets if unable to attend a meeting. We continue to alternate four yearly meetings between locations in South and North Calgary. While the majority of members are Calgarians, some indi viduals travel from High River, Lethbridge, Cochrane and Canmore to attend our luncheons. Attendance remains consistent from year to year.Date Attendance2018 Regrets2018 Attendance2017 Regrets2017
Respectfully submitted by Penny Hogan
• Hosting an October Alzheimer Coffee Break Fundraiser at the Marketplace Mall.
up the Boyne Chapter Report.
On behalf of the Chapter Committee: Dennis Kozak; Jan Campbell; Penny Hogan; Lillian Kozak and George Takashima.
• Supporting the Terry Fox Fundraiser BBQ and school run.
Members: 57
Whatever the topic, there will be a lively discussion followed by a round of laughter. One member received a burnt piece of toast and this lead to a discussion about healthy food. Another member was involved in a car accident when his gas pedal was stuck; this lead to an investigation from General Motors. Another discussion on the pros and cons of eating Cheesies.
Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association (DARTA)
For our May meeting, we alternate travelling to Elm Creek or Miami and have our breakfast in their community. The fee is $10 per year to provide a scholarship to a Prairie Rose graduate entering a program of learning. The meeting opens with the singing of O Canada.
Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn, President
OurMeetingsDARTA
A snapshot of the DARTA annual activities and events for the past year includes:
The first part of the meeting involves the business portion and the sharing of information. This includes an update on the AGM and what our COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) will be. Each meeting also provides an updated RTAM report.
Of 57 RTAM members on our ‘Chapter Contact List’, 25 members, some accompanied by a spouse, attended at least one meeting in 2018. A second indicator of continued
was spent at the Galt Museum. The museum is named after Sir Alexander Galt, who founded the City of Lethbridge after discovering coal along the banks of the Oldman River. The museum overlooks the site of historic Fort Whoop-Up in the gorge below. Participants in the tour to Lethbridge enjoyed the opportunity to explore new sights, while enjoying the company of fellow Chapter
Someone usually shares an accomplishment regarding their grand children. Health updates are given on past members who are unable to attend. But, we always remember to adjourn with a smile on our Thisface.wraps
2018
March 8 19 11 30 March 2 14 13 May 3 22 12 34 May 4 21 13 September 13 14 14 28 September 14 17 16 November 29 19 18 37 November 23 19 12
Calgary & Area Chapter
All members are notified through email regarding upcoming Chapter events. As well, information following each event is emailed, in the hope that individuals who may not yet have attended a get-together may feel welcome to join the group at a future event. In May 2019, the Calgary Chapter looks forward to the fifth anniversary of our first meeting in Calgary.
Atmembers.theChapter’s
• Sponsoring and laying a wreath of remembrance at the Novem ber 11 Legion Remembrance Day Service.
18 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
The Calgary and Area Chapter received a Chapter Initiative Grant in February 2018. On Thursday, June 7, 2018, 13 members of the Chapter travelled to Lethbridge, Alberta. The morning was spent at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. The garden was established in 1967 as a “Canadian Garden in the Japanese Style” and recognizes contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multi-cul tural community of Lethbridge. A highlight of the visit was ‘storytelling’ by Dr. George Takashima, who was interned with his family by the Canadian government in British Columbia’s interior during WWII. The
• Monitoring of arena exit doors for the Dauphin Kings MJHL home hockey games.
RSVPTotal Date 2017
Éducatrices et Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR)
• DARTA continues to apply for the annual RTAM Chapter Initiative Grant and is most appreciative of the RTAM monetary support for its annual planned member engagement activity.
- Rose-Marie (Mimi) Iafolla, trésorière
Je les remercie très sincèrement pour leur collaboration et leur engagement. Nous formons bonne équipe. Je tiens aussi à remercier très sincèrement pour son engagement comme trésorière madame Evelyne Beaudoin. Evelyne a été élue présidente nationale de l’organisme Développement et Paix et devra concentrer ses énergies à son nouveau poste. Merci à madame Mimi Iafolla qui a bien voulu accepter de prendre les responsabilités comme trésorière des ÉMR.
- Norma Lacroix, responsable de la communication aux membres (non élue)
Soumis par Guy Gagnon, président
Le conseil exécutif des Éducatrices & Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR) a comme objectifs principaux d’organiser des activités qu’on espère vont plaire à tous les goûts; vont susciter intérêt d’y participer; mettre l’accent sur l’aspect social et francophone. Nous avons pris l’occasion lors de l’AGA des ÉMR du 18 avril 2019 de demander à nos membres de nous partager rétroactions sur les activités passées ainsi que prendre note d’idées et suggestions pour l’année à venir.
- Denis Clément, président sortant
- Guy Lacroix, conseiller
It’s important to note that many of our members are also actively involved as volunteers in various organizations either in the franco phone community as well as in provincial and national organizations and associations
19 avril 2018: AGA des ÉMR au Canad Inns Parc Windsor @ 11h00 suivi du repas du midi. Nombre de participants / es: 35 Guy Gagnon, 17responsablemai2018:
- Denis Gautron, conseiller
• In February, DARTA received a stakeholder invitation from the Mountain View School Division and sent representation to partic ipate in the local Provincial Educational Review Meeting.
20 septembre 2018: Vin et Fromage en l’honneur des nouveaux retraités au 400 rue DesMeurons. 27 participants. Raymond Bisson, responsable. Merci à RTAM pour leur contribution financière par le biais du Chapter Initiative Grant
du Conseil exécutif des ÉMR pour 2019-2020 sont:
15 novembre 2018: Atelier sur la généalogie au Centre du Patrimoine à Saint-Boniface suivi d›un dîner au Resto Gare. 35 partici pants. Raymond Bisson, responsable
20 juin 2019: Visite de la microbrasserie Nonsuch, propriétaire Mathieu Sabourin; dîner au resto Prairie’s Edge au Parc Kildonan. Patricia Thibodeau, responsable....participants.
Members: 200 (approx.)
Les activités des ÉMR planifiées en 2018 - 2019 ont compris et vont comprendre les suivantes:
Dîner et Visite du Centre Fort White à Winnipeg. 16 participants. Alma Vincent responsable
Membres : 200 (environ)
Les membres siégeant au Conseil exécutif des ÉMR sont demandés d’organiser un minimum d’une activité prévue durant l’année. Par la suite le membre du Conseil doit afficher & annoncer l’activité prévue par le biais de notre site web www.lesemr.org
- Gérard Massé, responsable du site web (non élu)
Éducatrices et Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR)
13 décembre 2018: Souper traditionnel de Noël au Canad Inns Parc Windsor. Animation musicale Guy & Agathe Lacroix. Marc Beaudry & Denis Gautron, responsables. 53 participants
Nos membres sont aussi très actifs comme bénévoles dans divers secteurs de la communauté francophone ainsi qu’à divers orga nismes provinciaux et nationaux.
Members of the ÉMR Executive Council plan their yearly activities with the following mandate in mind. It’s our intention that planned activities focus on the social as well as the cultural dimensions of our gatherings. We ask our members at the ÉMR April AGM to provide feedback and suggestions for the upcoming year as to interesting and informative activities they wish to attend.
18 avril 2019: AGA des ÉMR au Canad Inns Parc Windsor @ 10h00 suivi du repas du midi. Responsable, Guy Gagnon. ...participants
- Marc Beaudry, conseiller
- Raymond Bisson, vice-président & membre du C. A. de RTAM
Moyenne de partcipants.es pour les 7 activités en 2018 : 32
21 juin 2018: À la recherche des Bois des Esprits sur la Seine, che min John Bruce suivi du dîner au resto Maxime’s. 29 participants. Denis Gautron responsable
Respectfully submitted by Guy Gagnon, President
Lesmembres.membres
- Guy Gagnon, président
RTAM.MB.CA n 19
• The AGM of DARTA will be held in April and the Officers for the 2019-20 operational year will be elected at that time.
Je tiens à remercier La Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) d’avoir octroyé aux ÉMR des fonds par le biais du Chapter Initiative Grant pour fin de recrutement. Cette contribution financière nous a été très utile car nous avons réussi à recruter de nouveaux
La liste de membres des ÉMR se chiffre à tout près de 200. Ces membres ont œuvré soit comme enseignant /enseignante ou admi nistrateur /administratrice, dans des Conseils scolaires francophone, immersion et anglophone
16 mai 2019: Randonnée au Parc Gaboury-Lagimodière @ St. Boniface; dîner au resto Bistro Inferno rue DesMeurons. Denis Gau tron, responsable. ....participants
18 octobre 2018: Visite colonie huttérienne Crystal Springs & dîner au Providence College à Otterburne. 32 participants. Evelyne Beaudoin et Denis Clément, responsables.
- Patricia Thibodeau, secrétaire
- Marc Beaudry, council member
2018: Spring visit of the Fort Whyte Nature Centre with lunch on site. 16 members attended. Alma Vincent, organizer
Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association (IRTA)
In June, our “Night out at the Races” rounded out our year. This activi ty provided the opportunity for supper, socialization and even a little “winning” for those so inclined.
Our executive continues to meet four times throughout the year. Thanks to the RTAM Chapter Initiative Grant in 2018, we were able to offset the costs of several of our activities.
- Patricia Thibodeau, secretary
Vice President – Darlene Dufily
Treasurer – Cathy Yurick
Our Christmas luncheon in December was well attended, as always. Shopping at vendors’ tables and “catching up” with old friends set the mood for enjoying a turkey dinner, with all the trimmings.
Members: 46 (2018)
President – Gail Peterkin
April 19, 2018: ÉMR Annual General Meeting, Canad Inns, Windsor Park with lunch on site. 35 members attended. Guy Gagnon, orga
Directors – Joan Main, Barbara Lindquist, Nancy Drad, Cindy
- Guy Lacroix, council member
- Denis Clément, Past President
April 18, 2019: ÉMR AGM at Canad Inns Windsor Park followed by lunch...members attended. Guy Gagnon, organizer
May 16, 2019: Nature walk at Gaboury-Lagimodière Park in St. Boniface. Lunch at Bistro Inferno on rue DesMeurons St.
- Denis Gautron, council member
Respectfully Submitted by Gail Peterkin
The ÉMR member list is over 200. These members have taught or been school administrators in the Francophone, Anglophone and Im mersion systems. Many members continue to be actively involved in political, social and educational issues either though our organization or various others within the francophone community.
June 20, 2019: Tour of the Nonsuch microbrewery owned by Mathieu Sabourin. Lunch at Prairie’s Edge Restaurant, Kildonan Park. Patricia Thibodeau, organizer
- Rose-Marie (Mimi) Iafolla, treasurer
2018 -2019 ÉMR activity calendar. An average of 32 ÉMR members attended the first 7 activities of 2018.
Hanover Association of Retired Teachers
November 15, 2018: Genealogy-Family history workshop at the St. Boniface Heritage Centre followed by lunch at the Resto-Gare. 35 members attended. Raymond Bisson, organizer
TheGraboweckymembership
of the ÉMR membership, I wish to thank the executive committee members for their initiative and cooperation. I would also like to thank Evelyne Beaudoin our treasurer. She has been elected national president of Development and Peace. Thank you to Mimi Iafolla for having accepted to take over the responsibilities as the ÉMR treasurer.
In September 2018, we held our annual luncheon at Bel Acres Golf Course. In anticipation of our guest speaker from Siloam Mission, members brought socks to donate to the mission. We also use our September meeting to welcome newly retired teachers to our group, presenting them with IRTA pins, pens and a free lunch.
The 2019-2020 ÉMR chapter’s Executive council members elected for a one year term are:
- Guy Gagnon, President
- Raymond Bisson, Vice President and member of the RTAM Board of Directors
- Norma Lacroix-Gagné, communications to membership (appointed
Thanks to an RTAM Chapter Initiative Grant in 2018, we have contin ued with our efforts in recruiting new members.
Maynizer17,
June 21, 2018: Guided tour Le Bois des Esprits (Where the Spirits Live) by the Seine River on John Bruce Road. Lunch at Maxime’s Restaturant. 29 members attended. Denis Gautron, organizer
20 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
December 13, 2018: Annual Christmas Dinner at Canad Inns, Windsor Park. Music by Guy & Agathe Lacroix. 53 members attend ed. Marc Beaudry & Denis Gautron, organizer
October 18, 2018: Crystal Springs Hutterite tour with lunch at Prov idence College in Otterburne, MB. 32 members attended. Evelyne Beaudoin & Denis Clément, organizers
No report submitted.
- Gérard Massé, web site (appointed member)
Onmember)behalf
of the Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association seems to be maintaining its numbers. The long standing executive remains relatively steady as well. We work hard at trying to provide meaningful and socially engaging activities for our members. Luncheons, guest speakers, a Christmas party and a field trip provide several opportuni ties for members to get together throughout the year.
September 20, 2018: Wine & Cheese for newly retired members at 400 DesMeurons in St. Boniface. 27 members attended. Raymond Bisson, organizer. Special thanks to RTAM for their special contribu tion through the Chapter Initiative Grant
Members of the executive council are asked to organize one or more of the yearly activities by: publicizing it on our web site: www.lesemr. org informing of the date, time and location. During the get together, a member is assigned to take pictures which are later downloaded on our website including a short summary and number of participants. This is part of our marketing and recruitment strategy to get members involved and has proven successful.
Past President – Nancy Phillips Secretary – Joie VanDongen
Our April AGM was informative for members and set the slate for the election of Board of Directors for the following year.
A NARTA Student Bursary of $200.00 was presented to a Grade 12 student at the Neepawa Collegiate Graduation ceremonies. This bursary is presented every year to a Grade 12 student continuing his/ her education to one of the following schools: Carberry Collegiate, William Morton Collegiate or Neepawa Area Collegiate.
Okanagan Chapter of RTAM
A meeting and barbecue were held at the Old School House in Neep awa attended by 21 people, followed by a draw for RTAM items.
Neepawa Area Retired Teachers’ Association (NARTA)
Program Director - Wendy Denbow
• December 3, 2018 Christmas Dinner - NARTA held a meeting and a catered Christmas dinner attended by 25 people, followed by a woodworking display by Fred Quist. We were entertained by a variety of songs and a Christmas carol singa-long with three local musicians. Draws were held for some poinsettias.
Members: 58
• September 6, 2018 Outing - We visited the Neepawa Rotary Park Bird and Animal Sanctuary, followed by lunch at the Brews Brothers’ Bistro in Neepawa. Our next stop was an excellent tour of the Parkland Hutterite Colony. Our trip concluded with a stop at the Glenella Cafe for dessert and coffee.
Treasurer: Roy Lycar Secretary: Nancy Kostiuk
We have a strong senior’s organization in Portage that plans outings and bus tours, so we have no need to organize outings. Some of our service clubs also plan group outings. Many of our members are involved with a lot of volunteering through other organizations but we have not volunteered as an organization.
July 19, 2018: Annual Barbecue-Pot Luck and Games Event at the Sun Village Clubhouse, West Kelowna. Fourteen members attended, after several others cancelled due to health and travel concerns about the smoky conditions from the forest fires.
RTAM.MB.CA n 21
• We received a $250.00 Chapters Initiative Grant which was used to enhance NARTA activities for members.
20, 2019: RTAM – Okanagan Chapter Annual General Meeting at Moxie’s Grill. Twenty-two members and friends attended for the election of the executive and the planning of future activities.
Vice-President - Vacant Past President - Ralph Cibula
• April 2018 - Our meeting was held at Boston Pizza, Neepawa with Rosalie Bornn, RTAM President, as the guest speaker. She gave an informative talk on pension concerns and relations between RTAM and MTS.
President - Joan Rink
No report submitted.
Respectfully submitted by Co-Presidents: Lorna Rothwell and Lorne Lisik
Thank you to RTAM for the Chapter Initiative Grant that enables our outreach throughout the Okanagan Valley, from the southern Shuswap to Oliver. Current membership is 58.
Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Association
The officers of the Chapter are: President, Charlie Clifford, Secre tary, Brenda McConnell, Treasurer, Les Porteous, Historian, Morris
Intermountain Retired Teachers’ Association
Treasurer - Richard Kulbacki Secretary - Pat Cibula
Communications - Judy Roe
Members: 160 (approx.)
Members-at-large: Susan Forsyth, Glenda Waugh
TheBoychuk2018
Respectfully submitted by Charlie Clifford, President
Respectfully submitted by Joan Rink, President and Pat Cibula, Secretary
RTAM – Okanagan Chapter Executive 2019-20: Co-Presidents: Lorna Rothwell, Lorne Lisik
NARTA Officers:
December 4, 2018: Christmas Luncheon at the Sunset Ranch Golf Club Dining Room, Kelowna. We had a lively gift exchange with the 18 members and friends. Members donated $120 for the local food Marchbank.
We try to keep our business meeting portion to a minimum, making sure that our members are up-to-date with what is going on at the local, provincial and national level. We find that KIT is a great vehicle for keeping people informed and is often discussed at our meetings. We also find that having members on the RTAM Board of Directors and Committees is an asset to our chapter. We make an effort to encourage members to run for election for the Board of Directors and/ or let their names stand for membership on Committees.
Northeastman Chapter
Vice-President: Ken Ferg
– 19 year has been a busy one for our chapter. We held ten meetings this past year; seven breakfast meetings and three luncheons. Meetings are held the last Friday of the month with our Annual General Meeting held in April. The attendance ranges from 12 to 47. We have a membership list of about 160. For each of the three luncheons all members were contacted by phone, email and notice of meetings are posted on “Portage online”. Our members range in age from 62 to 96.
No report submitted.
• June 2018 - President Joan Rink and Treasurer Richard Kulbacki made an informational presentation on behalf of NARTA at the Beautiful Plains School Division Retirement Dinner in Carberry. An invitation was extended to all the retirees to join NARTA.
This is our second year trying four meetings a year as members wanted fewer meetings and more fun type meetings.
Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (RTW)
We continue to hold our luncheons at the Masonic Centre at Corydon and Osborne where our delicious and varied meals are prepared by WOW Catering. Guests are always welcome.
Charlotte Stech Pianist
Social Committee
Riel Retired Teachers Association
I wish to thank our RWTA executive and all its members for their support and help. We all thank RTAM for its support and dedication. We would love to have more retired women teachers join us to keep our membership numbers increasing.
All our Chapter’s major activities have a fundraising component and are run and organized by our Activities Cochairs, Jerry Ilchyna and Ron Koskie, and their subcommittee of executive members: Edith Alexiuk, Lydia Lewko, Francis Lemieux, Marilyn Surbey, Gerry Ilchyna and Frank Prouten (BC Rep).
22 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Pat Opalko Vice-President
Carol Pelton, RTAM Treasurer, brought greetings to the October 2018 luncheon on behalf of Joan Dawson, the 2018-19 RTAM president. Our luncheons are a great contributor to our Chapter’s social and communication needs. These events are a great time to get together, renew acquaintances, get caught up on travel and family news and win a few prizes. Through the much-appreciated support of the Louis Riel School Division, tickets are sold on our behalf at the reception desk in the Board Offices. Both luncheons are held in the space pro vided in the Division’s Legacy Centre. Doors open at 10:15 for visiting to begin, lunch is at noon and visiting and activities go well into the late afternoon.
Cécile Alarie-Skene President
Kathleen Parums
Helen Norrie Publicity
Now in our 67th year the Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA) membership currently stands at 265 regular and 14 Life Members who are aged 90 years or over. This is the first time in ten years that our numbers have increased and we hope that they will continue to do so. In the 2018 - 2019 season, the executive met five times to plan activities and the four luncheons for the year. We regretted that our planned bus excursion to the Steinbach Heritage Museum in June had to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
Pat Opalko Recording Secretary
Emily LenoreWilliamsonButler
Our principal activities include our annual spring and fall luncheons and our annual September golf tournament. This year marks 27 years for the luncheons and 23 for the golf tournament. Local business owners, former students and former staff donate the prizes for our silent auctions and draws. Funds raised support our bursary fund. The connections made to our external donors have been forged and maintained over the years and generate an ongoing positive contri bution of community support to public education. The team’s work is invaluable in that respect. The donors’ willingness to give and their testimonials about how teachers have positively influenced lives are indeed heart-warming. In light of RTAM’s focus on ‘volunteering’, this kind of volunteerism also needs to be recognized and acknowledged for the contribution that it is.
Donations of toiletries for women’s shelters and used eyeglasses for the Eye Bank continue to be collected at each luncheon. We also have an annual project of collecting food and reusable bags for Win nipeg Harvest. Donations to our Angel Baskets allow us to recognize our shut in members with small gifts at Christmas and Easter and cards on other occasions.
Cécile Alarie-Skene Membership Convener
Visiting Committee
Respectfully submitted by Jack Fraser and Lynda Baxter
Name Role
We invite all former and newly retired women teachers to join RWTA in 2019 - 2020. Annual membership fees will be $10 and our luncheons with entertainment are $20 for members and $25 for
Brenda Zebrynski Club Notices
At our Christmas luncheon we were entertained by RING OUT, a handbell quartet, who regaled us with Christmas music. We were de lighted by the Christmas menu of turkey and all the fixings, prepared by the caterer at the Masonic Centre. Mrs. Claus rewarded everyone with a Christmas orange at her annual visit.
Lynda Tunny Luncheon Coordinator
Jacquie Field Archivist
Social Committee
The Louis Riel Chapter includes the retired staff from the legacy divisions of St. Boniface, Norwood and St. Vital.
Phyllis Arnold-Luedtke Treasurer
Visiting Committee
Members: 279
Respectfully submitted: Cécile Alarie-Skene, President
Social Committee Chair
Members: 900+
Corresponding Secretary
Ruth Hartnell Past President
For our luncheons, we try to have a speaker, door prizes and some kind of interactive activity. We continue to look at ways of encouraging more participation by our membership. We still need to look at more ways of involving more recent retirees. We will continue to be as creative as possible in exciting our membership to play a more active role in RTAM.
Retired Women Teachers’ Association
TicketsTickets
Our AGM will be held at our April luncheon. RWTA members will be entertained by Grant Simpson, with his vaudeville act comprised of music, singing and much laughter. It promises to be a lot of fun!
The September luncheon was highlighted by our annual Fashion Show. Northern Reflections provided fashions for our members to model and afterwards many of us planned a new wardrobe.
Birdielyn Gray
Louise Burton Kathy SultanaDeymanHussain
Our February luncheon invited speaker was Mary LeMaitre from the University of Winnipeg. She shared many facts from Canadian History that helped us to understand why stereotyping is so prevalent these days. After her informative session, many of our members asked questions to further enlighten us. At this luncheon, members were invited to provide food items and money for Winnipeg Harvest.
Ethel Mair
Asnon-members.RWTApresident,
Peggy Prendergast RTAM / Pensions
No report submitted.
Because of our fundraising, this past year we were able to provide a total of $4,000 in bursary monies to be distributed among students from all eight of our high schools. This will be the 19th anniversary of our bursary fund. It is wonderful to be able to use the funds we gener ate to contribute to young people in our amalgamated division. As of June 2018 we will have awarded 92 bursaries in the total amount of $45,100. The following is a quote from one of our activities cochairs: “Education is ongoing and we know that retired teachers and support staff still wish to be involved in its future”.
Chairperson: Lynn Land
that end. The Chapter shares information with its members all across Canada. In turn, members share the information with friends, family and colleagues still actively teaching in Manitoba. Membership is 325!
Our chapter membership is open to all retiring staff of the Division. We value this diversity in our group and the Division is also proud to be in touch with all their retired staff. The retired teacher membership component of our chapter is a ‘subgroup’ with respect to activities that are of specific interest to teachers. We have an excellent working relationship with the superintendent, and the Division supports our luncheons, our bursary and our communication in a number of ways. The Chapter appreciates the support it receives.
Our chapter held three luncheon meetings with an average of 3040 members in attendance. A guest speaker or entertainment was followed by a business meeting. At each meeting members donated prizes and winners were selected. At each meeting donations were brought for the Food Cupboard.
RTAM.MB.CA n 23
The Louis Riel School Division has recently incorporated a charitable foundation called RIEL-EVATE. Representatives of our chapter sit on the board, and members have volunteered to support activities such as their clothing and school supplies drives.
The Provincial “Ye Olde Rusty Golf Tournament” was held Sept 4, 2018 at Oak Island Golf Course.
Vice Chair: Shelley Herbert
Respectfully submitted, Lynn Land, Chairperson
The presentation and AGM was followed by singing, led by guest guitarist Armando. The crowd sang along with all of the tunes. Coffee, tea, water and homemade apple crisp with ice cream were enjoyed by all those in attendance. We thank Marj Bilous, Emily Williamson and Shelley Herbert for making the delicious crisp. Members also participated in a door prize game. Twenty members went home with a prize!!!! Thanks were extended to Rudy Peters, Lynn Land, Linda Scott and Marj Bilous for donating the prizes. We thank Provincial RTAM for the financial support for this event. It was really appreciated.
St. James – Assiniboine Chapter
November 13, 2018: A delicious pre-Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings was served by the Catholic Women’s League. Members enjoyed Father Matt Koovisk, an accomplished pianist and singer, who led us in the spirited singing of Christmas Carols. Other festive selections were given by local members. Kathy Welsh recited “Laughter Removes the Sting”… A Greeting Card Verse which portrayed the for getfulness of seniors. Ed Arndt wrote his humorous version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” which depicted life in a senior’s home.
The Chapter held a very successful Goodbye Summer/Hello Fall Coffee House and AGM on September 12, 2018. We were honoured to have James Bedford, Vice President of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) as our invited guest. He reported on some of the activities of the MTS particularly the preparations underway to cele brate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Manitoba Teachers Society in 1919. The major celebration will take place the weekend of May 24, 2019 in Winnipeg. He thanked members for their support of education and reminded them to vote in support of public education.
Ron Phillips Rod Richmond
Respectfully submitted by Lorraine Scott, President
On April 17, 2018 our meeting focused on concerns for residents’ safety in rural areas. There has been an increase in crimes regarding trespassing on private property. An entertaining and unique skit was created by Ed Arndt who was assisted by Virden RCMP Staff Ser geant J. Frizzley and by Constable S. Sadler. An interesting question/ answer session followed.
Officers 2018 – 2019
Dave Negrych Jean Peden
September 11, 2018: Mike Anderson, local Super Thrifty pharmacist spoke of the many services available to seniors. A lengthy discussion was followed by questions posed by those who attended. Members were given a written report about our successful trip to the Dauphin Ukrainian Festival. An article was written in KIT by Ed James.
Linda Liberta Dan (Dyanand) Maharaj
Treasurer: Emily Williamson
In the last year we have shared information on the following col leagues who have departed this life:
Membership/Communications: Dorothy Young
Sandra Kushnir Evelyn Kwasnitza
Secretary: Rudy Peters
Past Chair: Connie Newman
Rod Allen Esther Bornn Cliff Charlesworth Brenda Hooper
The main objective of the St. James Assiniboia Chapter of RTAM is to promote the economic interests of its members and other retired edu cators and to support the Provincial RTAM Board in its endeavours to
Bernie Semotok John Stairs
The success of our tournaments is in no small part due to the tireless work of our activities cochairs and their team, but is also because of the everincreasing support from our donors. The upcoming ninehole, shotgunstart fall tournament will again be held at the Lorette Golf Course in September. For the past 13 years the tournament has been sold out in two weeks.
Our newsletter is biannual, so that leaves us with a communication time gap with our members. The Chapter established an electronic mailing list to provide timely information to 230+ of our over 900 mem bers between newsletters. The e-List is growing.
Annette Turko Constance Worms
Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of Retired Teachers
Members: 325
We did apply for the RTAM $250 Chapter Initiative Grant this year to support our Golf Tournament; unfortunately it had to be postponed to the Spring because of weather.
Members: 40
Members at Large: Marj Bilous, Will Peters, Linda Scott, Carol Szuminsky, George Zacharias
President) and Pat Richenhaller (Past Treasurer) attended the RTAM AGM in Winnipeg on May 8 and 9, 2018.
Past President – Ed Richenhaller
The Pas Retired Teachers’ Association
We always meet in July for a pot luck picnic at the cottage of one of our members. This year, our Secretary Kate Roth and husband Greg hosted the event on a rather dull, rainy day. We had a wonderful time chatting and eating even if the weather did not cooperate.
group, but we enjoy meeting to chat, eat, share our adventures, learn about our community and give back to our city.
Respectfully submitted by Darlene McKibben
November: Members of the group volunteered to judge Remem brance Day Contest entries for the local legion. On behalf of the local chapter a wreath was presented at the community Remembrance Day
This history has not yet been recorded and is being lost as our members die. So, the word is out. Please send us your memories of teaching in Thompson. We will print them in triplicate and place them in binders. One copy will go to the School District of Mystery Lake, one to the Museum and one to the Public Library. The information is starting to trickle in and the binders are slowly taking shape. The project will continue throughout 2019 and even beyond if material continues to come in.
Swan Valley Retired Teachers
In May, we again held a session at the Thompson Public Library helping children learn about plants and how they grow. This is always a hands-on project and requires several retired teachers and some parents. We again filled and maintained four large planters at the front of the Library and weeded out two neglected gardens. This project lasts all summer and ends when the gardens are pulled out and put to rest for the winter usually sometime in early September. We also planted and maintained five large planters at a local restaurant. This latter project will not occur this year as the business has closed.
Members: 23
TreasurerMay – Henry Barkowski
big event was a tour of the local YWCA which has been un dergoing major renovations and updates over the past two years. We were invited to lunch with ‘Y’ staff and then given an extensive tour of the building and detailed explanations of the programming offered. It was a real eye-opener.
Our Chapter Initiative Grant for this year was approved. The money received has been used to purchase paper, printer cartridges, and binders. We had noticed that there is no history of teaching in Thompson. Our project is to rectify that situation and start collecting those stories this year as MTS celebrates 100 years in Manitoba. We have put the word out through our members and are trying to find folks who have taught here over the past 50 plus years. We want their stories about teaching in Thompson and even about being a student here before being an educator.
24 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Thompson Association of Retired Educators (TARE)
February: Our chapter delivered Meals on Wheels for two weeks.
This past year we have followed our usual format. Our AGM was held at Paint Lake Marina where we dined looking out over the still frozen Paint Lake and held our meeting.
January:service.Members
Secretary – Sheila Kelbert - March: Darlene McKibben - starting in
Members: 27 (2018)
May:Activities:Ed(Past
No report submitted.
In December we had a pot luck supper at the home of President Joan OurGoble.next
The first day of school is always celebrated with a ‘To Hell with the Bell’ breakfast at a local restaurant. When the Anne Frank Exhibit came to Thompson in the fall, a group of retired teachers took the informative tour and sent an article to KIT about our visit.
Executive Officers for 2018-2019
Our chapter donated $500.00 to the Virden and Arts Festival, The Birdtail Festival, the Border Festival at Deloraine and the Westman Youth Choir.
June: Several members attended The School Division Service Awards Retirement Banquet in June. Retiring teachers are presented with a “Welcome to Retirement” bag and are encouraged to join the local chapter of retired teachers.
We had hoped to have our AGM in late March but with so many snowbirds and travelers, we could not get a critical mass and have postponed our meeting until late April. We will need to revisit our Constitution and perhaps change our AGM date again as moving it to March has not worked.
The chapter held three regular luncheon meetings (May, September and December) following the annual AGM. Henry reported that as of December there are 23 members (one new member). Around 15-20 members usually attend. Our annual fee is $5.00.
Vice President – Aldrich Novotny
Respectfully submitted by Joan Goble, President
President – Barb Plumb
met to socialize for an “After Christmas” luncheon at the Timberland Inn. A collection of food items was donated to the local Food Bank.
In August, we were stunned by the sudden death of our past Vice President Barb McIntyre, who loved to work on the plant projects and was still actively subbing.
TARE continues to have a good working relationship with the Thomp son Teachers’ Association (TTA). They regularly invite the RTAM and TARE presidents to MTS presentations in Thompson concerning critical educational issues. They also invited TARE members to join in the MTS 100th Anniversary celebrations held in Thompson in the spring. TARE members walked in solidarity with TTA in a march held locally. Each year TARE members present Rice Krispie cakes to at least two retiring teachers and their classes. As well, when requested to do so, we present to interested TTA members an evening seminar on WeRetirement.areasmall
Throughout the past term, chapter members and their families were acknowledged with get well/thinking of you cards.
I was honoured to place a wreath on behalf of WREA at the local Remembrance Day Service at the Keystone Centre. Our Sick and Visiting committee is also busy visiting and sending out cards to members who happen to be ill. WREA arranges a monthly breakfast; a get-together for members who are wanting to meet and socialize.
Patti Dobroski Secretary
Our fall meeting was held on September 6th at the residence of Gerry and Rosalene Saleski in Victoria. They hosted a lovely barbeque in their backyard. We had 16 people in attendance and lovely weather for the event. We enjoyed great food and had some entertaining games to play. Thank you to everyone who assisted during the BBQ.
VanIsles Chapter
25 people. Only first 25 will be registered Presenters: Samantha
RTAM.MB.CA n 25
VanIsles Chapter Executive Members: Irene Hilchey President Jim Reid Treasurer
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
WREA held four general meetings this year. All were luncheon meet ings and were held at the Shriners’ Hall. At each of the meetings there was either an entertainer or a speaker as well as a donation box where items were collected and then delivered to a local charity. As well, there were four executive meetings.
Westman Retired Educators’ Association (WREA)
Transportation Options Network for Seniors Chris
Respectfully submitted by Ron McPhail, President Members: 44 (2018)
WREA has also been busy planning the hosting of this year’s RTAM AGM in May 2019. In preparation for this, a banner displaying infor mation and some history about WREA is being prepared.
Community Relations Specialist, MPI
In the summer, several of our members took part in a trip to the Neepawa brewery and Beautiful Plains Museum which was partially sponsored by our Chapter Initiative grant. A number of our members helped at the local LIFT Conference in October by directing people to where their sessions were taking place and taking attendance at the Insessions.November,
The Vancouver Island Chapter has about 100 members located in various cities and towns throughout our island.
Public Insurance) WELLNESS SEMINAR REGISTRATION FORM Email
Respectfully submitted by Irene Hilchey, President
Our guest speaker for the event was John Hilchey, who spoke about computing in ‘the cloud’ and related security concerns when using the internet. We had a very interactive question and answer session during the talk.
FRIDAY October 18, 2019
Coordinator
Coffee and registration at 1.00 pm. $10.00 paid at the of Rodeck: (TONS) Bohemier: (Manitoba RTAM at: office@rtam.mb.ca the DRIVING CONDITIONS
Our Annual General Meeting was held on April 12th in the Satellite Bar and Grill at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in the community of Cobble Hill with breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands.
Location: RTAM Office - 206 – 1555 St. James Street Winnipeg
Please type in
Members: 100 (approx.)
door Maximum registration
Our 2019 AGM will be held on April 11th at the same venue as last year’s AGM.
Subject Line: Participant’s Name, Address, Email and Phone Number. RTAM WELLNESS ADVOCACY Half Day Mini Seminar EXTREME WINTER
26 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Active teachers, as did retired teachers when they were working, make a monthly contribution to their pension plan. The government began, in 2001, making the same monthly contribution, and this has been very beneficial to the growth of the investment pool of monies upon which approximately 80% of pensions are derived.
Caption needed
RTAM.MB.CA n 27
T
While membership in RTAM is voluntary, any advances in benefits put forward by RTAM are extended to all retired teachers. On that basis, RTAM would like to be acknowledged as the legal official representative of retired teachers.
Head here
Retired teachers have a wealth of experience as to what works and what does not when it comes
3) to have the government continue to match teacher contributions to the Pension Fund on a monthly basis
Dougald Lamont is running once again for the leadership of the Mani toba Liberal Party. (CBC)
Defined benefit plans give certainty to retired teachers, and others, as to what their income will be. The alternative plans do not.
to motivating young people to learn. They can and should convey that experience by contributing to the K-12 Education Review.
RTAM does “give back” to students by offering Awards and a bursary to both Indigenous and non- Indigenous students. This is part of RTAM’s efforts to strengthen the communities in which we live.The meetings with all three parties were cordial andTheinformative.RTAMdelegation included Joan Dawson (President), Peggy Prendergast(Vice Presidemt), John Sushelnitsky (Political Advocacy), Alison Logan (Pensions), JoAnne Hoyak (Director).
1) to have a RTAM nominated retired teacher named to the TRAF Pension Board.
his spring a delegation of RTAM Directors met with the Minister of Education, the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the Liberal Party. The purpose of these annual meetings is to convey the current goals of retired teachers. The important goals this year were:
2) to have RTAM named as the official representative of retired teachers
6) to inform the political parties of RTAM’s Student Award Program held in the Winnipeg Foundation and the bursary given to an Indigenous student from the University College of the North at The Pas.
4) to underline RTAM’s strong support for the defined benefits plan design
5) to acknowledge the contribution of retired teachers to the Education Review Committee
28 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
Linda Scott
schools, providing them with the Pre-Retirement Seminar information.
Please contact RTAM if you would like more information about these Pre-Retirement Seminars or if you would like help to plan one for your area. Voicemail Phone: 1-204-889-3660 | Manitoba Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 Fax: 1-204-783-2011 | Email: info@rtam.mb.ca
Pre-RetirementAvenue.Seminar
Pre-Retirement Seminars
BrandonWinnipeg
he Brandon Pre-retirement seminar was held in Brandon on April 6, 2019, at the Central Community Centre. There were 23 teachers from Brandon and the surrounding area in attendance. The program was presented by Judy Olmstead, Pat Bowslaugh and Ray Sitter. The topics talked about were “RTAM Who Are We and What Do We do” presented by Judy Olmstead; “Johnson‘s Programs Offered to RTAM Members” presented by Pat Bowslaugh; and “What to Consider When Contemplating a Successful Retirement” presented by Ray Sitter.
Success is always a difficult characteristic to assess in such presentations. The observations of the class as observed by myself were as follows: 1. The individuals present were engaged in the presentations. Topic questions were being asked of the presenters. Questions seeking additional information were being asked. Notes were being taken.
Ray Sitter
A successful Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar was held on February 23 at The Holiday Inn, 2520 Portage Registration
RTAM (Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba) offers Pre-Retirement Seminars to teachers in Manitoba. These seminars were held in Winnipeg in February and Brandon and Thompson in April.
The Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar had three themes: An Overview of RTAM's Voluntary Group Benefits Plan presented by Jessica Simpson from Johnson Insurance, What You Need to Know for Retirement presented by Alex Boyes, Joan Dawson and Beth Smith and Why Join RTAM presented by Rosalie Bornn.
Anyone who requires information on RTAM's Voluntary Group Benefits plan please contact the plan administrator, Johnson insurance pbserviceweat@johnson.ca or 1-877-989-2600
The “tells” of the students would appear to tell us that the presentations were successful. The assembled group was engaged and a very good group to work with. Our thanks go out to all who attended.
and Attendance Statistics: Registrations Cancellations No Shows Net Attendance Teachers/Guests 115 15 18 82 RTAM Volunteers 9 9 Totals 124 15 18 91
2. The teachers present were offered the opportunity to take a break if they wanted at any time. No such opportunity was used by the audience. The individuals appeared to be engrossed by the information being given. 3. The evaluations done by those in attendance were all positive.
RTAM.MB.CA n 29
The 91 attendees were from public and private schools from Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Seminar letters had been sent out to superintendents and principals, as well as private
T
Full contest rules and entry forms available at www.rtam.mb.ca.
• Gardens: This can be any kind of garden: indoor or outdoor; container or in ground; personal or professional, etc. and anywhere in the world.
7. How do you become a Life Member of RTAM?
ind the answers to the following questions and submit your entry by; a) email to bxssmith@mymts.net, with KIT Reading Contest in the subject line, or b) by mail to Beth Smith, RTAM KIT Reading Contest, 206-1555 St. James St., Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5.
Photography CONTEST
Submissions must be received by Friday, October 31, 2019. A random draw among those entries with all answers correct will determine the winner. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and phone number. The prize is your choice of a $15.00 gift card; Tim Horton’s, Superstore, McDonald’s, Subway. Please identify which gift card you prefer. The winner will be announced in the next edition of KIT. Good
4. Which RTAM Chapter has the highest number of members?
All entries to be sent by mail, email, fax or delivered to RTAM no later than 3 pm October 1, 2019.
1.Luck!Who is the RTAM President for 2019/20?
3. Who can apply for an RTAM Student Award?
9. What was the rationale for revisiting the RTAM Vision Statement in the Bylaws Review?
10. How many times a year is the KIT magazine published?
• Eggs: Use your imagination: birds’ eggs, cooked or in the shell, decorative such as porcelain, chocolate, Ukrainian, glass, wax, etc.
F
2. Who received the 2019 Distinguished Service Award?
“THE BIG PAYOFF” For Reading
5. How many RTAM Chapters are there across Manitoba and other provinces, in total?
RTAM
SUMMER 2019 PHOTO CONTEST
30 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
8. Niigaan Sinclair explains what the First Nations gift of tobacco means. Explain.
KIT Editorial Committee
Full contest rules and entry forms are available in KIT, on the Website or at the RTAM office.
Judging by Gayl Punzalan, Creative Director of Blue Ink Media
The two categories are:
6. Who is the Federal Minister of Seniors and when were they named as such? (See ACERCART).
of reconciliation and how to build healthy relationships between Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples.
Niigaan also explained what the First Nations gift of tobacco means. Tobacco was always exchanged at ceremonies and treaty signings, and represented the time and effort a person invests in a relationship. This is symbolized by the time it takes to plant, nurture and grow tobacco. To the recipient the message is:”You are of value to me. This is a gift from me, and of our earth”. Tobaccowhich means Asemaa in the Anishinaabe languageis therefore the hope to begin a long-lasting, widespread relationship. It is the gift of opportunity. Niigaan also shared with us stories of his students, his family and his culture. We showed him how his work as a columnist with Winnipeg Free Press had influenced many of us and we then shared stories and laughter over lunch.
JoAnne Hoyak
he modern definition of a “warrior” is an “educated person” explained an Indigenous high school student to me recently. He said that a modern Indigenous person must be able to understand treaties, contracts and the business world. His comments were a perfect addition to the conversation that the RTAM Political Advocacy Committee had in February with Mr. Niigaan Sinclair, columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba.
Indigenous People are the fastest growing population in Canada. 42% of first Nations people live on the Reserve where the average age is 40-45 years; 58% live off the reserve where the average is 20-25 years of age. Manitoba and Saskatchewan have two of the largest concentrations of Indigenous people and 17.8% of the Canadian total live in Manitoba, with the largest segment in Winnipeg. Often the conflicts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in these communities is called “racism”, and there are certainly examples that can illustrate this. The news media focus on negative aspects of this concentration i.e. Brian Sinclair, Tina Fontaine, 1200 missing Aboriginal women, 4,000 murdered men, but often ignore the many positive facets in this relationship, like the facts that Winnipeg has an Indigenous mayor, 2500 Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba, and the hundreds of thousands of individuals in Manitoba who work, share families with and live effectively together. A large part of this change in
Someone had asked Niigaan “What does Manitoba, this Manitoba, mean to you?” Niigaan was quite excited in his reply. “I’m the most Manitoban of Manitobans,” he said. “My father comes from the Anishinaabe (Ojibway) and Cree peoples. My mother comes from British and FrenchNiigaanorigins.”then told us about his grandmother Janine Gamache, who had lived the last few years with dementia and had lost communication with her family. One day, quite miraculously, her speech returned, but it was in French only. Niigaan and family spoke only Ojibwa and English...except for Niigaan’s Ojibway/Cree daughter , age 12. She spoke fluent French and became the link between her great- grandmother and the rest of the family. “This is Manitoba,” he told us.
RTAM.MB.CA n 31
A conversation with Niigaan Sinclair
The PA Committee has asked Mr. Sinclair to share his views on the current status of Indigenous People and what followed was a very interesting and enlightening conversation. It continued into the lunch hour as he stayed to hear the experiences of retired teachers who had taught Indigenous students.
Guy Hansen
Niigaan was raised in Selkirk, Manitoba. His father, Murray Sinclair, (a lawyer who was later appointed to be in charge of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission) was born there. Niigaan grew up watching his father in court and later the TRC, speaking on behalf
What follows is a synopsis by three of the teachers.
T
He comments that it is often easier to sell stories about bad news as opposed to good news.
“Let’s figure out ways to make a better Manitoba together.”
However, the Free Press still has a faith page and is the only major newspaper that does.
Niigaan has both a Masters and a Doctorate degrees.He spent some time growing up on the North Hill of Brandon and still fondly remembers a teacher who stayed after school with him providing “a safe place”. He would like to see her now to express his appreciation.
John Sushelnitsky
His 12 year daughter has led a protest to protect the Sometimesenvironment.hereceives hate mail from those who have read his articles. He wonders at their motivation. His superiors at the FP and at the university have received complaints from politicians and others about his viewpoints in newspaper articles but they continue to support him.
A Conversation With . . . continued from previous page
The current Ontario government wants larger class sizes so that it is an initiation into “the real world”.This is a ridiculous concept, according to Niigaan, who taught in the Winnipeg One School Division. He taught English, Drama and Social Studies.He is a scholar-in-residence for an Ontario School District near Toronto.
Denise Bellesia
RTAM's New Office Administrator
Niigaan told us, “Let’s follow the lead of teachers. Let’s imagine that Manitoba is not the centre of racism but is the centre of reconciliation.”
In her own words, “Denise was born in Brazil and immigrated to Canada in 2009. She has a degree in Business Administration and has 18 years of office experience working for multinationals and government agencies. She became a Canadian citizen in October 2014. She really appreciates her life in Canada and we who work with her really appreciate her enthusiasm and pleasant welcoming manner.
Peggy Prendergast
relationships, according to Niigaan, is due to the brave engagement and work of teachers.
would like to introduce you to Denise Bellesia, RTAM’s new Office Administrator who, as some of you know was at RTAM’s Annual AGM in Brandon on May 8. She offered the help we needed by supporting the chapter in Brandon with the necessary paperwork from the office. She began work just two weeks prior so has had a very busy time learning the ways of RTAM and its people ever since. As many of you know, MaryAnne Slegers, Executive Director, has
Tina Fontaine was a pivotal point for Niigaan because he organized a vigil expecting a small turnout but he was amazed at the large numbers who came, many of them non-Aboriginal. Recently, he stood beside the Muslims at the vigil to mark the tragedy at the New Zealand mosque because they are part of the community- the Manitoba family.
32 n RTAM KIT Summer 2019
I
Niigaan identified several important “realties.” The most important is that the “baby boomer” generation is now retiring and the Indigenous population is growing, therefore making it everyone’s opportunity to ensure that Indigenous people get the skills in the private and public sectors to build the economy. In fact, many already are.
resigned and Nicole Welwood is still on leave. Denise is very excited to be with RTAM and looks forward to her time serving RTAM.
In the latest federal budget, over ten billion dollars was set aside for native peoples. That is the same amount of money for the people of New Brunswick, whose numbers are four times smaller. And half of that will go to bureaucrats!
To conclude, “Niigaan” means “in the front” and “wewidam” (the second half of his name) means “sound that announces”...a name that I would paraphrase to mean “a leader who communicates”.
SENIORS’ ISSUES FOR THE FEDERAL ELECTION
2019
Association Canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités Canadian Association of Retired Teachers
ENDORSED BY
To: ACER-CART Members Friends
• opposing the Privatization of Medical Services in Canada
ACER-CART is committed to promoting healthy, active and dignified retirement living for retired teachers and Canadian seniors. At our Annual General Meeting in June of 2018 we established the following priorities that we wish to communicate for the upcoming federal election cycle:
Seniors’ Issues Information
ACER-CART 2 | Seniors’ Issues for the 2019 Federal Election
• advocating for Pension (and Income) Security
and
Bill PresidentBerrymanACER-CART 2018 - 2019
• supporting a Comprehensive National Canadian Pharmacare Plan.
We hope you find this information useful in assessing the positions of the various parties. We encourage you to visit the nominated candidates of each political party to focus their attention on these four critical issues facing seniors now and into the future.
In the Spring of 2019, ACER-CART worked collaboratively with eight other Seniors Organizations under the umbrella of “Vibrant Voices” and developed a consensus on key issues for the upcoming election campaign. We are particularly indebted to the Retired Teachers’ Association of Ontario (RTO-ERO) and the National Association of Federal Retirees, for their leadership in this endeavor. Other participating groups included the Canadian Federation of Pensioners, the Canadian Health Coalition, CARP, the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada, the International Longevity Centre of Canada, and the National Pensioners Federation. ACER-CART drew on their positions to consolidate these, our own, established priorities.
—Jean-Guy Souliere, President of National Association of Federal Retirees.
• calling for a National Seniors’ Strategy on Healthy Aging
(The Honorable Filomena Tassi was named as Minister of Seniors on July 18th, 2018.)
“Whatever we do for Seniors today impacts all Canadians going into the future, as they will all be Seniors someday.”
• endorsing the establishment of a Canadian Federal Seniors’ Ministry.
Each issue has facts and questions to help you prepare for your visit. You might select only one or two issues important to you for your conversations. We suggest you use the same issue(s) for the candidate of each political party so you can compare their responses.
A defined benefit pension is a pension as we traditionally think of it. Employers and employees contribute to a pension fund which is pooled and invested. Retirees are paid a specific amount for the rest of their lives, using a formula that usually considers years of employment and salary. Defined Benefits Pensions have proven to make retirement secure, with up to 80% of all pension dollars spent coming from investment returns. This enables retirees to continue to contribute meaningfully into local, provincial and national economies.
More information
• In 2016 the federal government introduced Bill C-27, legislation that would allow employers to press for the surrender of defined benefit pensions. Do you support this approach?
Protecting Employees and Retirees in Corporate Insolvencies with a pension insurance plan, paid for by pension plans, means that pensioners will have a secure retirement and not have to rely on tax payer funded benefits like the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• http://bit.ly/2vBUE4s
• http://bit.ly/2ZR165i
Canadians deserve a secure and dignified retirement, with a guaranteed and sufficient source of income.
•
Protecting Accrued Pension Benefits: means that no employer, in either the public or private sector, will be allowed to change the compensation promised to employees once they have retired. Employees can have confidence that their future is secure and their contractually promised pension, in reality deferred wages, will be guaranteed.
Questions
Key message
Making Retirement Income More Secure
ACER-CART | 3
Advantages for Canadians
What is the Issue?
The rate of individuals covered by defined benefit pensions continues to decline across the country, having moved from 70% in 2005 to 42% in 2015 in the private sector. This happened despite the fact that, when properly managed, this pension option is the best way to ensure retirement income security. Defined Benefit Pensions are proven to make retirement secure.Further, employees and retirees must not be left out in the cold when their employers go bankrupt. We have only to look at the recent Sears example to know that defined benefit pension plans are not always guaranteed.Morework is needed to ensure that pensions are protected during insolvencies.
Will you ensure employees and retirees with defined benefit pensions are protected if their employer goes bankrupt?
• For general information on pensions: Ontario Securities Commission
• What is your party’s retirement income security plan for current and future seniors?
Strengthening Defined Benefits Plans will deliver the same retirement income at a much lower cost than defined contribution plans. Government policy and legislation must support the protection and expansion of defined benefits plans. For example, the BC Teachers Pension Plan’s Administration and investment costs are 0.34%, compared to the Average Management Expense Ratio of Canadian Mutual Funds which was 2.35% in 2018.
• Will your party ensure that federal and provincial governments work together effectively to implement universal, public Pharmacare?
ACER-CART 4 | Seniors’ Issues for the 2019 Federal Election
More information
National Pharmacare
What is the issue?
A universal, public Pharmacare Plan would allow for better monitoring of medications, support, evidence-based drug coverage, and reduce the burden on other parts of the health care system.
Advantages for Canadians
• Canadian Health Coalition: http://bit.ly/2Wqaue4
One in six hospitalizations could be avoided if prescription drugs were used appropriately.
• Will your party ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based formulary, so that Canadian’s can access the medications they need to maintain and improve their health?
Canadians would save between $4 and $11-billion with a national drug plan that had interprovincial cooperation in buying. With no plan, Canadians drug costs as a share of GDP have more than tripled since 1985.
The disparity in drug costs, insurance coverage and drug availability would be eliminated. Today, prescription drug coverage is provided through a patchwork of 100 public and 100,000 private insurance plans. Many Canadians can’t afford insurance or prescription drugs and do without, suffering poor health and requiring more expensive, taxpayer-funded medical services as a result.
• Will your party implement a universal, public, comprehensive, accessible and portable Pharmacare program?
Questions
National
Key message
All Canadians should have access to the medications they need. A universal, public, comprehensive, accessible and portable national Pharmacare program would cut costs and lead to a healthier population
• Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare: http://bit.ly/2PJxja8
A universal, public Pharmacare program would help Canadians better manage their health, lead to reduced medication costs and allow for better monitoring of the effectiveness and safety of medications. It would also reduce the burden on other parts of the health care system.
Canada is the only country in the world with universal health care that does not also provide universal drug coverage and we consistently pay among the highest prices for prescription drugs. Twenty per cent of Canadians have inadequate coverage to meet their needs. One in four households in Canada can’t afford to fill their prescriptions.
Advantages for Canadians
• Will your government ensure that physicians and institutions are not able to participate and receive funding in both the Public and User-funded domain?
Opposition to Privatization of Medical Services
More information
• Canada’s Health Care System: http://bit.ly/2VdsvzK
When Canada insures all its population for necessary doctor and hospital care, the delay of timely access to care is eliminated. Too often what could have been routine becomes critical, and when delayed, results in the need to access more expensive facilities and services. This creates additional stress on the system.
Opposition to Privatization of Medical Services
• Will you support the provisions of the Canada Health Act which assures Canadians universal accessibility without extra charges?
Federal and provincial governments need to work together to ensure a strengthened public health care system that provides timely, quality health care services to all Canadians, not just for those who can afford to pay.
When the Canada Health Act is enforced, with strong penalties on provinces that allow private clinics, the system becomes fairer, with all funding for necessary medical treatment paid from one source.
Key message
ACER-CART | 5
Private clinics are operating across the country offering health care services for a price, and the federal government is doing nothing to stop it. British Columbia and Quebec already have a number of these clinics, while other provinces – such as Alberta and Nova Scotia – allow them to a lesser extent. A report by the Ontario Health Coalition found that there are 130 private clinics open in five Canadian provinces, and provided evidence that 89 of these clinics may be selling services in violation of the Canada Health Act.
Questions
Re-examining Public Funding and Not for Profit Health Care – Canadian Nurses Association: http://bit.ly/2UeDHXG
All Canadians should have equal access to quality medical care. When Privatization of Medical Services occurs, a two-tiered system is created. People with money can get the medical services that they need/want. People without money wait in line.
Access to medical support should not be dictated by an individual’s means to pay. Medicare is based on the five principles contained in the Canada Health Act: public administration, universal access, comprehensive coverage, accessibility without extra charges or discrimination and portability across the provinces.
What is the issue?
• Will your government make adherence to the provisions of the Act a condition for Federal Transfer Payments?
•
Key message
• Will your party implement a National Seniors Strategy that addresses health care infrastructure, caregiver support, home care, long-term care and agefriendly communities?
• How will your party support health care and personal support professionals to better meet the growing need for geriatric expertise in Canada?
Advantages for Canadians
• Will your party recognize and support unpaid caregivers who play a vital role in our health care systems?
Seniors who are socially connected and have adequate support contribute productively to society. Social isolation, elder abuse and a lack of age-friendly strategies can deteriorate quality of life, and lead to poor health outcomes, higher social costs and loss of vital economic and social contributions of older populations.
National Seniors Strategy
ACER-CART 6 | Seniors’ Issues for the 2019 Federal Election
These issues must be addressed as a whole to get the results we require. A coordinated National Seniors Strategy, with dedicated funding and accountable goals will ensure we meet the needs of seniors.
Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place, at all stages of aging, allows seniors to remain healthy and active for as long as possible. Canadians are living longer, and our health care system must adapt to shifting demographics. Stable funding is needed to provide the social determinants of health.
Questions
More long term, community and home care, closer to home enables seniors to receive care in comfortable and familiar settings. Current shortfalls in the appropriate delivery of healthcare for seniors forces them to stay in expensive hospital care longer than they need. The provision of facilities to house patients transitioning from hospital to home, as well as adequate staffing levels, better training and education and safe working conditions will bring about the needed improvements to care.
meet the current and growing demands for geriatric expertise. Current nursing shortages create a stressful working environment, burning out experienced nurses and discouraging new recruits.
More primary caregivers and geriatricians would provide a consistent and appropriate quality of care. Many Canadians do not have access to a primary care giver, and with one geriatrician per 15,000 adults, Canada is unprepared to
• Will your party establish national standards of care for home and long term care?
Canada needs a National Seniors Strategy that optimizes health, financial security, affordable housing and social inclusion so all Canadians can age with dignity.
What is the issue?
More than 8 million informal caregivers support a family member or friend, contributing an estimated $25-billion in unpaid labour. This comes at a cost to their personal finances, and to their physical and mental health. These informal caregivers need support. Expanded respite care and adult day programs are needed to provide relief for family caregivers and support aging in place.
Older Canadians are the fastest growing segment of the population, and gaps in healthcare and social policies are creating barriers to seniors’ independence and the essential role they play in healthy communities and economies.
Looking for retired teachers in Winnipeg!!!
N.E.E.D.S. Inc. 251-A Notre Dame, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1N8
FINAL REUNION / DR. LOUISA LOEB
Please consider becoming a mentor today! It only takes 6 hours a month to make a difference in the life of a refugee youth new to Winnipeg. Mentors connect newcomer youth to the community and engage them in educational and recreational activities. Hours are flexible and a minimum commitment of 6 hours per month for 1 year is required. Please contact Matthew Fast at 940-1265 or matt@needsinc.ca if you are interested in applying or want more information.
RTAM.MB.CA n 39
Hold the Date – June 6, 2019
EmilyContactafterwards.Information:Williamson,204-837-5668, emiwill@mts.net or Bert Suss, 204-326-9470, blsuss1@gmail.com
N.E.E.D.S. Inc. is a non-profit, charitable organization that seeks to provide accessible services and supports to immigrant and refugee newcomer youth and their families during their settlement in order to enhance their integration into Canadian society.
Marlene Street Community Resource Centre is a nonprofit organization located in St. Vital, Winnipeg. We provide support and services to low-income families which include children, youth, single parents, Indigenous families and newcomers. Parking space available on site. For more information, contact: Saima Siddiqui (Adult Program Coordinator) or Angela Konkin (Executive Director): 204-253-8994 or email: msacord@shaw.ca
Guest and former students welcome For further information, contact Edith 204-256-6484Alexiuk
Check out www.needsinc.ca for more information on N.E.E.D.S Inc.
60th MTC Reunion
NOTICES & COMING EVENTS
Furnished beach house on Vancouver Island for rent Off season rates available 250-248-3446 kapitt@shaw.ca
For Rent
Date: June 6, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registration Deadline: April 15, 2019 Location: Canadian Mennonite University (former Teachers' College)
Fax: (204) 940-1272
Event Description: 9:00 a.m.sign in and breakfast at Pancake House, 2220 McGillivray Blvd., followed by either a city tour or visit to the zoo. Dinner at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Hall at CMU. Visiting and reminiscing
The Manitoba Teachers' College Class of 1958-59 are celebrating 60 years on June 6, 2019. The celebration will take place at the former MT College, Canadian Mennonite University. Further information will be forthcoming.
Are you interested in becoming a mentor?
For Sale
N.E.E.D.S. Inc. (Newcomer Employment & Education Development Services) is currently seeking volunteer mentors to work with newcomer youth ages 6-18.
Permit Teacher's of Manitoba 15th and Final Annual Reunion Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Thursday, July 11, 2019 09:30 - 3:30 pm
CONTACT INFO
Would you like to make a difference by helping our community members to learn and to speak English?
FOR SALE: RCI Time Share, Las Vegas, sleeps 8 abaca_007@yahoo.ca
Phone: (204) 940-1260
PARTNERS FOR LEARNING
Retired teachers in the Winnipeg area for part time tutoring over the summer and the upcoming school year for Grades 1-10 Language Arts, Maths and Science. Email resume to Partners for Learning at pfl1@mymts.net.
Dental PremierCareTravel with Trip CancellationAdditionalStand Alone Trip ExtendedCancellationHealth Care Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Home Insurance pbservicewest@johnson.cawww.johnson.ca/rtam1-855-473-8029 Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. (“Johnson” or “JI”), a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson Insurance Services in British Columbia and Johnson Inc. in MB. MEDOC® is a Registered Trademark of Johnson. This insurance product is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”) and administered by Johnson. Valid provincial or territorial health plan coverage required. The eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions which apply to the described coverage are as set out in the policy. Policy wordings prevail. Johnson and RSA share common ownership. 1Coverage for Trip Cancellation begins the day of booking your trip provided your insurance is in effect. If a trip is booked prior to Trip Cancellation insurance being in effect, coverage for that trip will begin the day that the insurance premium is paid and the policy is issued. 2A 90-day Health Stability Clause applies to pre-existing medical conditions and other restrictions may apply. 3Based on a comparison of MEDOC’s multi-trip annual C plan design against single trip plans with similar benefits. Johnson and RSA share common ownership. Eligibility requirements, limitations, exclusions or additional costs may apply and/or may vary by province or territory. Call 1-855-473-8029 for details. †NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open January 1, 2019 April 30, 2020 to legal residents of Canada (excluding NU) who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence and are a member of a recognized group of Johnson with whom Johnson has an insurance agreement. One (1) available prize of $25,000 CAD. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Rules: www1.johnson.ca/cash2019 Get a quote & you’ll be entered for a chance to $25,00WIN0†
RTAM’S goal is to provide the best voluntary benefits at a competitive price to meet the insurance needs of the majority of retired teachers. Since 1998, we achieved this through RTAM’s sponsorship of an increasing range of voluntary insurance plans.
MEDOC® Travel Insurance for RTAM Members. “I’llchasingstop mine” A variety of voluntary insurance options are available to RTAM members and their eligible dependents including: For more information please contact the plan administrator, Johnson Insurance. #100, 17203 – 103 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB. T5S 1J4 RTAM sponsors pre-retirement seminars for teachers. Term Life Insurance TRAVEL
