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This 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: 1) to have a RTAM nominated retired teacher named to the TRAF Pension Board. 2) to have RTAM named as the official representative of retired teachers 3) to have the government continue to match teacher contributions to the Pension Fund on a monthly basis 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 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. 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.

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.

Defined benefit plans give certainty to retired teachers, and others, as to what their income will be. The alternative plans do not.

Retired teachers have a wealth of experience as to what works and what does not when it comes 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 and informative.

The RTAM delegation included Joan Dawson (President), Peggy Prendergast(Vice Presidemt), John Sushelnitsky (Political Advocacy), Alison Logan (Pensions), JoAnne Hoyak (Director).

Dougald Lamont is running once again for the leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party. (CBC)

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