AGM Reports

The reports which follow have been condensed from the original reports submitted to the AGM Assembly. The complete versions of the reports are available on the RTAM website at www.rtam.mb.ca.

president’s Report

Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin)

As the 2016-17 RTAM year draws to a close, I want to acknowledge the challenge, responsibility and privilege that it has been to serve both the membership and organization as President. This year has been active, productive and exciting.

Our part-time Executive Director, Mary-Anne Slegers has held this relatively new position throughout a complete RTAM year. There have been some bumps in the road as well as welcome acceptance and relief, as we flex to embrace changes in policy and practice. We are currently in the process of re-structuring our additional staff coverage to the office in order to better serve both the membership and the organization.

I urge you to read and study all of the reports to better understand the extent of the work that has been accomplished throughout the year. There are some RTAM matters that I will personally comment on:

• RTAM hosted a successful Meet and Greet event at the Legislative

Building in a concerted attempt to establish a positive relationship and to extend a respectful hand to all of the elected members of the

Manitoba government, regardless of political affiliation. As a followup, RTAM was able to request and secure opportunities to meet with representatives of all three political parties.

• The collaborative initiative of the joint MTS/RTAM Pension

Adjustment Account Committee continued on with its mandate to find a common recommendation to the Teacher Retirement

Allowance Fund (TRAF) Board regarding the eventual disbursal of the accumulated restricted surplus of the Pension Adjustment

Account. A joint MTS/RTAM recommendation was communicated to the TRAF Board for consideration, as TRAF solidifies its final recommendation to Government in a pre-determined process with explicit timelines. RTAM is most appreciative of the official opportunity to be offered a voice in a very integral matter concerning our pension.

• Our 2016 pre-election collaborative work with the coalition of other

Manitoba senior serving organizations has continued on postelection by retaining membership in the Manitoba Seniors Coalition.

• I am most appreciative of the invitations that I received to attend various Chapter meetings and events.

• RTAM continues to pay close attention to how it can best serve its membership. There is a renewed awareness of how to attract new members, to serve the existing members and chapters and to solicit feedback from the membership to better meet their needs. We are aware that we also need to better address our Board renewal process to attract new members to our Board of Directors.

• The Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee was re-activated this year to develop a definitive Strategic Plan for RTAM. The committee We need to soldier on with confidence that our proactive volunteer advocacy efforts have the potential to be a positive affect on the future well-being of both our present members and our members-to-be.

Association canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités-Canadian Association of Retired teachers (ACeR-CARt)

Respectfully submitted by Bill Cann, Vice President and ACER-CART Director (Winnipeg)

The Annual General meeting of ACER-CART will be held June 1 to 3, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario. This year, the RTAM representatives registered, as per RTAM policy, are Bill Cann, ACER-CART Director (RTAM Vice President) and Rosalie Bornn, Observer (RTAM President). Wayne Hughes (RTAM Director) will also attend on behalf of the ACERCART organization, as their Western Regional representative.

RTAM supported a number of ACER-CART initiatives throughout the 2016-2017 year.

September 2016: RTAM promoted the United Nations International Day of the Older Person (October 1, 2016) by publicizing Seniors’ Voice information on Housing, Health, Pensions and Inequality. RTAM was one of 29 organizations across Canada which, along with ACER-CART, endorsed the Declaration Concerning A National Health Care Strategy for Seniors. English and French copies of the Declaration were posted on the RTAM website.

November 2016: RTAM supported the ACER-CART initiative to influence the Negotiations for A New Health Accord.

January 2017: RTAM supported the ACER-CART request to make our members aware of the Cogniciti project, a confidential online test which provides seniors with an early diagnosis of dementia.

January - April 2017: RTAM support of the opposition to federal Bill C-27. Bill C-27 would allow employers to renege on previous promises of defined benefit pensions as part of the compensation to current employees and retirees.

executive Director’s Report

Respectfully submitted by Mary-Anne Slegers

With over 9,500 members, 21 chapters, an 18 member board and 13 standing committees with 67 members, there is a lot going on at RTAM! In hiring an Executive Director, RTAM took a first step toward recognizing that the goals and objectives of the organization could no longer be fully supported by volunteers and the existing staff complement.

To ensure that board, committee and membership needs can be met, a number of administrative changes have been implemented over the past year. Some of the main changes are:

• Accounting software (SAGE) is being used that supports the tracking of costs on a “project” basis allowing for improved budgetary monitoring, forecasting and cost control. Upgrades to the computer system. • Processes and procedures for maintaining filing systems have been revised with the goal of ensuring that there is a complete record of

board and committee reports, documents and correspondence for consistency, history and to support board and committee members when there are transitions. • Office services and administrative support to the Board and

Committees have been expanded. A procedure is now in place for vetting of outside communications to improve consistency. • The part-time administrative staffing model has been re-structured.

The new Member Services Coordinator position will be staffed

Monday to Friday (9 to 3). On average, the RTAM office receives 7 calls per day. 36% of these calls are related to Johnson Inc. queries, 45% relate specifically to RTAM business and 19% are other callers.

It has been a year of transition and there will continue to be challenges as the evolution and growth of the organization continues.

RtAM poLICY CHANGes

The following interim policy changes have the approval of the RTAM Board of Directors and are brought forward to the AGM assembly as per Subsection 4.02 of the RTAM Policy Manual (2015).

Policy Motion 1:

that Section 7- Duties of the Officers 7.01 The President (2014) section j)

be amended to read:

j) Appoint an Ad Hoc nominating committee for the AGM election, approve arrangements and plan the program and agenda.

Rationale: This will facilitate the nominating process and ensure a slate of candidates for the AGM’s consideration.

Policy Motion 2:

that Section 7- Duties of the Officers 7.01 The President

be amended to add:

7.01 (1) The current year’s President may approve the reservation of a venue for the next year’s AGM, subject to cancellation/confirmation following the decision of the Board under 6.01 a) and the approval of the next year’s President under 7.01 j).

Rationale: This motion expands the Duties of the President to include the ability to approve the reservation of an AGM venue for the next year while respecting the authority of the incoming Board to determine the location of the AGM.

Policy Motion 3:

that Section 8.06 (1) AGM and Elections Committee b)

be amended to read:

Recommend to the President, no later than September, a suitable venue within the location chosen for the AGM.

Rationale: As per 7.02 j), the President has the authority to approve arrangements for the AGM. As such the AGM and Elections Committee is responsible for recommending a venue to the president not to the Board. that Section 8 - Committees 8.06(1) AGM and Elections Committee

be amended to add:

8.06 (1A) The AGM and Elections Committee may recommend to the President, a suitable venue for the next year’s AGM.

Rationale: The motion supports the AGM and Elections Committee with the process of recommending a venue for the next AGM to the current President.

Policy Motion 5:

that Section 13 - RTAM Sponsored Insurance Plans (2012) 13.01 Insurance Plans and Premiums

be amended to add:

e) that the surviving spouse of a full/associate member who was enrolled in an RTAM sponsored plan at the time of death may retain the plan without a gap in coverage by applying for an associate membership as soon as is reasonably possible.

Rationale: This allows the surviving spouse to retain the benefits previously enrolled in at the time of their spouse’s death.

RepoRts oF tHe RtAM stANDING & AD HoC CoMMIttees

AGM and Elections Respectfully submitted by Doreen Sage, Co-Chair AGM (Neepawa) Members: Ray Sitter, Co-Chair Elections (Brandon)

This position is, by Policy, chaired by the Past President. Under the circumstances, I was asked to fill this position. Ray Sitter of Brandon agreed to handle the election part of the AGM as Co-Chair Elections. The Swan River Retired Teachers Chapter of RTAM was selected as the host Chapter by the Board for the 2017 AGM. I travelled to Swan River in October, 2016, to meet the Swan Valley Chapter host committee.

All the organizing and planning is done by the chair and the RTAM office staff and vetted by the president, except the Tuesday evening social, which is planned by the Swan Valley Retired Teachers Chapter of RTAM.

Benefits Respectfully submitted by Wayne Hughes, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Guy Lacroix (Lac du Bonnet), Judy Olmstead (Brandon), Doreen Sage (Neepawa), Diane Snider (Winnipeg) Ex-Officio: Grace Reimer (Staff)

Each year the Benefits Committee is responsible to work with our broker Johnson Inc. to renew the Premier Travel Plan, Extended Health Care Plan and Dental Plan. Johnson provides us with the data of plan experience as well as the opening request from the insurer, Desjardins. Counter proposals are formulated and Johnson negotiates on our behalf with Desjardins.

This past year has been a difficult negotiation. The claims experience has been very high due to the low Canadian dollar as well as a number of very large claims. Consequently, our members who are participating in the RTAM plans have seen high premium increases for the coming year. The increases are as follows: Premier Travel – 25%; Extended Health Plan – 9.5%; Dental Plan – 3%. Renewal letters have been sent to all our members participating in the plans.

The Benefits Committee also tries to look to the future. To that end, Johnson has been asked to explore some new initiatives that might attract future members and meet their insurance needs. Next year’s benefit committee will be presented with a new plan called “Thrive” which will allow members to choose the level of coverage at one of three levels (Bronze, Silver or Gold level). Stay tuned for these exciting developments.

Feedback from Plan members has been appreciated as it helps build better plans that respond to our members needs while enjoying the benefits of a group plan.

A special Thank You is in order for Johnson Inc. for their willingness to listen and respond to our suggestions and concerns.

Bylaws and Policy Respectfully submitted by Joan Dawson, Chair (Thompson) Members: Vel McAdam (The Pas), Ray Sitter (Brandon), Wally Stoyko (Winnipeg)

Committee communication and collaboration throughout the year consisted of two committee meetings, e-mail and phone calls. We reviewed several policies including the privacy of information policy and those issues are on hold for now until the reorganizing of the office is completed and we know what kind of procedures and motions will meet our needs.

The Committee worked to develop the wording necessary to accomplish Board motions respecting AGM planning and adjustments to qualification for access to group benefits available under the Johnson Inc. plans.

Thank you to the Board of Directors for their valuable input and support of the work of the Bylaws and Policy Committee. Thank you to the committee members for their hard work and efforts throughout the year. Their mentorship has been extremely helpful and made the year proceed smoothly. Working with you has been a pleasure.

Communications Respectfully submitted by Jack Fraser, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Doreen Sage, KIT Chair (Neepawa), John Sushelnitsky, Public Relations Chair (Portage la Prairie)

The Communications Committee is a coordinating committee between the Website, KIT, and Public Relations Committees. The priorities for next year will be an overall review of communication coordination in the context of the Board’s 2017-18 strategic plan and a review of technical support for the website and KIT. Keep In Touch (KIT) Respectfully submitted by Doreen Sage, Chair and Editor (Neepawa) Members: Joan Dawson (Thompson), Joan Goble (Thompson), Beth Smith (Dauphin), William Taylor (Brandon), Vaughn Wadelius (The Pas), Gwen Watson (Matlock)

KIT is published four times a year, in full colour. There is a very limited amount of paid advertising as most classifieds are done free for members. KIT is limited to 32 pages per issue, so some material is not always printed in the current issue. Decisions must be made as to what will be printed and what must wait.

Thank you to committee members who have spent much time editing and making suggestions about the material received. Thank you to those who have sent in material. This is your magazine and it is your material, so do keep sending in material, especially chapter reports.

Public Relations (PR) Respectfully submitted by John Sushelnitsky, Chair (Portage la Prairie) Members: Karen Boughton (Winnipeg), Bill Cann (Winnipeg), Ralph Cibula (Gladstone),Guy Hansen (Winnipeg),Vel McAdam (The Pas), Brian McCusker (Thompson), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg)

The PR Committee participated fully with the Political Advocacy Committee in the planning and production of the 2016 Meet And Greet the Members of the Manitoba Legislature. The Committee initiated a clothing project to promote the brand of our organization. There was considerable discussion given to the topic of ‘branding’ our organization so that a positive image is created in the minds of the general public when RTAM is involved.

The Committee submitted an article to KIT explaining the historical decision of the government in 1963 not to match teacher contributions on a monthly basis. That decision has led to a higher government financial cost some fifty years later. The article was a synopsis of a piece in the Winnipeg Free Press by Paul Moist.

The Committee joined the Pensions and Political Advocacy Committees in producing a brochure intended principally for MLAs. Its purpose is to better acquaint them with the activities and contributions of retired teachers. It would also explain our organization’s position on the Cost-Of-Living Allowance (COLA).

Website Respectfully submitted by Jack Fraser, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Wayne Hughes (Winnipeg), Barbara McDole (Winnipeg), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg)

The website committee is charged with oversight of the design and maintenance of our website. This year’s committee has identified a set of necessary criteria for technical website support. In order to be appealing, effective and current, we need to be able to update our website on a daily basis. It is imperative that the information from the committees and chapters be posted at the beginning of each new RTAM year, and that changes and new information be posted efficiently. It is the responsibility of committee chairs and chapter presidents to submit proofread, brief, appropriate, and pertinent information with posting and removal dates. A review of the website’s

design and implementation plan for the maintenance requirements is recommended to the next year’s committee.

Educational Advocacy Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Lorraine Forrest (Winnipeg), Connie Newman (Winnipeg), Wally Stoyko (Winnipeg)

The Educational Advocacy Committee held 10 meetings this year. Much of the ongoing communication and work was shared and carried on by electronic means.

student Awards

In collaboration with The Winnipeg Foundation, a $50,000 endowment fund was established in October 2013 to fund an ongoing award program. Four awards of $500 each were available to four students who are relatives of RTAM members. Four winners received RTAM awards of $500 each using the manual detailing the process involved for the administering of these awards.

The Winnipeg Foundation has informed RTAM that there will be enough funds for the 2017 Award year to offer four awards of $600 to four students who are relatives of RTAM members.

senior Advocacy

The committee organized an outreach information session in Brandon on March 22, 2017. The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) in conjunction with the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC), and with the Westman Retired Educators Association chapter (WREA), hosted a SOLD OUT (98 registrants) “Seniors’ Advocacy Forum” at the Park Avenue Activity Centre, (Seniors for Seniors) for ALL seniors in Brandon.

Based on positive feedback from the participants’ session evaluations, the Educational Advocacy Committee recommends extending this project to other host communities/chapters next year using the program format established. An integral part of the success of these events is the much appreciated work, commitment, support and cooperation of: the chapters involved, the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC) and the Senior Centres involved as well as the local health associates who cooperate with the regional health authority and the senior centres in the area.

Membership and Chapters Respectfully submitted by Beth Smith, Chair (Dauphin) Members: Pat Bowslaugh (Brandon), Joan Dawson (Thompson), Joan Goble (Thompson), Audrey Greenhill (Winnipeg), Gerald Shewchuk (Dauphin), Ray Sitter (Brandon)

1. Most of the Membership and Chapters Committee correspondence occurs through e-mail and telephone conversations, but as the need arises. 2. Each Chapter President was sent a welcome letter in September 2016 along with an application form for the Chapter Initiative

Grant and updated “Meeting Ideas” 3. Membership in RTAM over the past year, April 2016 to March 2017, has increased by 366 members to 9,540. 4. Fifteen Chapter Initiative Grants have been approved over the

2016 - 2017 calendar year. 5. An advertisement was placed in the Manitoba Teacher, January/

February edition, to inform active teachers of a Pre-Retirement

Seminar in Winnipeg. Ads were also placed on the RTAM website and in our KIT magazine, as it is distributed to every school in

Manitoba. 6. TRAF placed an article about RTAM in their newsletter, Horizon. 7. An advertisement was placed in the Manitoba Teacher, January/

February edition, entitled “Why Join RTAM?” It was also placed on the RTAM website and in KIT. 8. The Brandon Pre-Retirement Seminar was held in December, 2016. 9. The Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar was held in February, 2017. There were 87 attendees. These seminars have three common themes: Pension and Financial Issues, An Overview of

RTAM’s Voluntary Group Benefit Plans and More Than Money –

About Planning for a Life in Retirement.

Officers Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin) Members: Bill Cann (Winnipeg), Joan Dawson (Thompson), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg)

The terms of reference of the Officers Committee are primarily related to staff, office and finance matters. This year, the activities of the Officers Committee included: • Receiving the Auditor’s Report. • Negotiating the final details of the Executive Director contract submitted for Board approval. • Reviewed the status of office operations and planning including the

Staffing Re-structuring paper prepared by the Executive Director prior to presentation to the Board. • The Officers Committee reported back to the Board on matters referred for study regarding expenses for committee members. The conclusions of the Officers Committee were: • RTAM will pay the eligible expenses of members required or invited to attend RTAM meetings based on the Committee Membership resolutions that are passed by the Board. • The Officers Committee does not support committee size and composition resolutions by Committee Chairs that are above the policy provisions and which will knowingly result in budget overexpenditures.

Pension Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Co-Chair (Winnipeg) Members: JoAnne Hoyak, Co-Chair (MacGregor), Julian Hoyak (MacGregor), Ken Malcolm (Dauphin), Ray Sitter (Brandon)

Seven committee meetings were held during the 2016-2017 year.

Meetings were also held with three Political Parties: in December, with the Honourable Ian Wishart, Minister of Education and Training (Progressive Conservative); in March with Judy Klassen, Interim Liberal Leader who is also the Liberal Education Critic and thirdly with Flor Marcelino, Interim Leader of the Official Opposition (NDP) and Wab Kinew, Education Critic for the NDP.

Discussions at meetings during the year centred around:

• The disbursement of the restricted surplus funds. Three RTAM members were appointed to meet with MTS representatives to discuss and eventually agree on a joint proposal to TRAF. • End of Bill 45. Government plans for retired teachers going forward. • Appointment of an RTAM representative to the TRAF Board. The

RTAM position paper, RTAM Nomination Process for TRAF Board

Appointment, was forwarded to the political parties that RTAM had met with. • Pension content on an updated RTAM brochure. Pension, Political

Advocacy and Public Relations Committee representatives to work together to design this brochure.

Political Advocacy Respectfully submitted by Ralph Cibula, Chair (Gladstone) Members: Conrad Artibise (Winnipeg), Pat Bowslaugh (Brandon), Guy Hansen (Winnipeg), JoAnne Hoyak (MacGregor), Julian Hoyak (MacGregor), Ken Malcolm (Dauphin), Connie Newman (Winnipeg), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg), John Sushelnitsky (Portage la Prairie)

The committee has continued its work as follows:

a) Researching various areas related to Retired Teachers and

Seniors. b) Monitoring emerging issues relevant to RTAM members. c) Planning and organizing political advocacy platforms.

The Political Advocacy Committee interfaces with other RTAM committees. As a result, there has been a high degree of co-operation and support for a more open advocacy among RTAM committees and with outside organizations such as the Manitoba Seniors Coalition. The liaison with the Manitoba Seniors Coalition was a productive first time extension of RTAM work.

For the 2016-17 year, the Committee did extensive research on the following:

a) techniques in dealing with politicians at a personal level. b) alternative electoral reform. c) pension issues (defined benefits vs defined contributions). d) wealth/income distribution/disparity (work in progress). e) A Meet and Greet was held at the Manitoba Legislative Building on October 19, 2016. The Meet and Greet is was a joint project researched and developed by joint deliberations between the Political Advocacy Committee and the Public Relations committee. 33 or 58% of the total MLA’s attended, 4 were Ministers. MLAs not in attendance were sent a covering letter together with the hand-out that was distributed at the Meet and Greet.

The Political Advocacy Committee worked with the Pension Committee and the Public Relations Committee to develop a brochure suitable for handing out to MLA’s and others.

We stress the importance of good quality brochures, well designed flags, RTAM branded clothing, banners and plenty of public display materials.

Our Political Advocacy Committee also recognizes the importance of having teachers from all parts of Manitoba participate on an equal basis within the RTAM framework and continues to advocate for nondiscriminating language and actions at the Committee and the Board level. We recognize the useful qualities of the latest communications technologies and at the same time recognize the deficiencies in the quality of participation meeting by these technologies alone.

The board approved a motion put forward by the PA Committee for a letter to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform. The letter informed the Committee that the RTAM Board, supports in principle the process of electoral reform to replace the first-past-the-post system.

Wellness Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Joan Dawson (Thompson), Lydia Heshka (Winnipeg), Maureen Recksiedler (Stonewall), Linda Scott (Winnipeg), Bea Shantz (Winnipeg)

Four committee meetings were held during the 2016-2017 year using conference calls to access the out-of-town members.

The Wellness Committee believes that older adults experience a higher quality of life by becoming responsible for their personal wellness. By providing a number of activities that deal with the following six recognized dimensions of wellness – emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and vocational health, it is our hope to promote development in those key areas and thus integrate wellness into the daily lives of our members.

The fall Wellness Seminar topics for discussion were:

FOOD FOR THE OLDER ADULTand REAL ESTATE TRANSITIONS: Options for down-sizing living spaces.

A spring Wellness Seminar was planned with the following topics for discussion:

PARAMEDIC SERVICES with an emphasis on Fall Prevention. DECLUTTERING & DOWNSIZING This seminar was postponed until the fall of 2017.

Ad Hoc-Distance Technology Respectfully submitted by Bill Cann, Chair (Winnipeg) Members: Ralph Cibula (Gladstone), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg)

An Ad Hoc committee to facilitate the implementation of internet technology to facilitate long distance audio-visual communication at any RTAM activity was established. An estimate to install hardware in the RTAM Boardroom to facilitate distance video conferencing throughout the province was received and reviewed by the committee. The committee sought information from other institutions using video-conferencing. The software evaluation is on-going at this time.

Ad Hoc-Strategic Planning Respectfully Submitted by Beth Smith (Dauphin) Members: Bill Cann (Winnipeg), Joan Dawson (Thompson), Jack Fraser (Winnipeg), Carol Pelton (Winnipeg), Peggy Prendergast (Winnipeg), Beth Smith (Dauphin)

In recent years RTAM has attempted to formulate long range planning, having in mind the development of a Strategic Plan for the organization. Several initiatives were undertaken that led to the development of a Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Values

Statements that have been affirmed by previous Board motion. Utilizing and building upon the work that had been accomplished at previously held facilitator-led Board planning initiatives, was an important part of the committee process. The committee built on these previous accomplishments and zeroed in on the five Strategic Plan Pillars of 1) Advocacy 2) Communications 3) Governance 4) Member Services 5) Wellness. A DRAFT Strategic Plan is ready to be shared with the RTAM Board.

RepoRts oN RtAM RepReseNtAtIoN oN outsIDe GRoups/ CoMMIttees

Joint MTS/RTAM Pension Adjustment Account (PAA) Committee: Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn, President (Dauphin) RTAM Representatives: Rosalie Bornn, President (Dauphin), JoAnne Hoyak, Co-chair Pensions Committee (MacGregor), Wayne Hughes, Director (Winnipeg)

Disbursal of the Restricted surplus Joint Mts/RtAM pAA Committee Agreement process

Early in the year 2016, RTAM was presented the opportunity to participate in a joint committee of MTS/RTAM members to arrive at a joint recommendation to TRAF of how to disburse the accumulated restricted surplus fund portion of the Pension Adjustment Account of the TRAF plan following the close of the ten-year-period of the terms of Bill 45.

In response, the RTAM Board appointed three representatives, the President, a member of the Pension Committee and a Director with extensive experience with the Pension Committee and knowledge of TRAF Pension matters, to the joint MTS/RTAM PAA Committee. The joint committee then followed a process that included:

• Dialogue with the RTAM Board of Directors and collaboration with the Pension Committee. • Meeting with the CEO and the Actuary of the TRAF plan to become familiar with the information provided to both parties by TRAF. • Securing input from an independent Actuary to further study the matter at hand. • Seeking additional information from TRAF that was shared with

MTS. • Being provided additional information that MTS had requested from

TRAF. • Participating in a series of joint MTS/RTAM PAA Committee

Meetings to further address the mandate of the joint committee. • Arriving at a joint MTS/RTAM PAA Committee recommendation agreement to the eventual disbursal of the restricted surplus fund. • Receiving RTAM Board approval of the joint committee recommendation that would be taken to the TRAF Board for consideration when developing their recommendation to

Government. • Communicating to TRAF the joint RTAM/MTS PAA Committee recommendation as approved by both the MTS and RTAM organizations.

Currently, TRAF is continuing on with the process established by the TRAF Board and external legal counsel. TRAF has initiated a “Request for Comments” process to collect feedback from TRAF members on the options for the disbursal. All TRAF members have the opportunity to comment. The Request for Comments information is on the TRAF website, all TRAF plan members for whom TRAF has an email address were sent an email notice and the initiative is advertised in the latest TRAF newsletter. The request for comments is in advance of TRAF’s June 2017 Board meeting, where it is expected that a decision will be finalized that will be recommended to Government.

MTS 100th Anniversary Committee: Respectfully submitted by Beth Smith (Dauphin) RTAM Representatives: Beth Smith (Dauphin), Pat Lewicki (Winnipeg)

Celebrating Mts 100 years in 2019

This celebration will coincide with the Winnipeg Labour Congress 1919 Strike Anniversary Activities which will take place in May 2019.

• The celebration will kick off at the August 2018 MTS Summer

Seminars. • Art work will be showcased in the MTS building. • MTS staff will create a museum section for the MTS website. The

Manitoba Teacher will have a special Anniversary Edition. • The central event is on May 24, 2019 at the Fairmont in Winnipeg.

There will be significant capacity and tickets will be available for a modest price. • Concurrent celebrations throughout Manitoba and Canada (RTAM

Chapters) shall be encouraged. Therefore, satellite venues are also encouraged.

Manitoba Seniors Coalition: Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast (Winnipeg) RTAM Representatives: Peggy Prendergast, Co-Chair Pension Committee (Winnipeg), John Sushelnitsky, Chair Public Relations (Portage la Prairie)

The Coalition is made up of representatives from A&O: Support Services for Older Adults, Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, Transportation Options Network for Seniors, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Fédération des aînés franco-manitobains (FAFM), Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba, Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres.

Five Committee meetings were held during the 2016/2017 year. A meeting with representatives from the Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba (RTAM) and the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC) was held with the Minister of Finance on October 17, 2016 at the Manitoba Legislature. Information about the Manitoba Seniors Coalition was shared. The Minister showed interest in individual stories of seniors and their issues.

The Manitoba Seniors Coalition was established from the Seniors Vote Coalition that focused on issues relevant to seniors that were found to be common to seven different senior organizations during the last provincial election. The pillars of concern are modelled after those used in the last Federal Election by the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART). The coalition believes that “If the world is right for seniors it is right for everyone.”