KIT Magazine - Summer 2022 by retiredteachers

Vol. 34 | No. 1 | Summer 2022 106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 | 204-889-3660 | Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 | info@rtam.mb.ca | www.rtam.mb.ca RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA 1st Place (Water) Lake Manitoba Sunset Through Rough Ice by Susan Hayward

Place (Candle) Wreath of Light by Brenda McKenzie

2nd

Place (Water) Cyan Sea Ice by Audrey Owens 1st Place (Candle) Cheers By Candlelight by Penrose Hogan

CONTENTS Norma Donley

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by August 24, 2022 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 106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: info@rtam.mb.ca • www.rtam.mb.ca Editorial Committee: Chair: Beth Smith Members: Rosalie Bornn, Joan Dawson, Joan Goble, Doreen Sage E-mail: kit@rtam.mb.ca Board of Directors 2022-2023 President: Linda Blair Vice -President: Joan Zaretsky Secretary: Dave Najduch Treasurer: Pat Bowslaugh Past President: Bill Directors-at-LargeCann Shannon Culbertson Bob ActingAnneRexAudreyGabeDennisPaulDavidDaviesHarknessHarlandKozakMercierSiemensVirtueWilliamsExecutive Director: Sean Seywright Email: seywright@rtam.mb.ca Office Administrator: Denise Bellesia Email: Memberdbellesia@rtam.mb.caServicesCoordinator: Dianne Casar Email: dcasar@rtam.mb.ca CreativeGaylDesign:PunzalanDirector, Blue Ink Media Email: Website:gayl@blueinkmedia.cablueinkmedia.ca Images : Adobe Stock, FreeePik & Pixabay except the ones provided by the contributors. Copyright © 2022 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, 106-1780 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 34 No.1 • Summer 2022 RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA Photo by

RTAM Photo Contest Entry The RTAM Photo Contest Winter 2021 entries will be published in the Fall 2022 issue of KIT. President's Message 3 Message from New Acting Executive Director 4 The 2022-2023 RTAM Board of Directors 5 2022 AGM Highlights ......................................................................................................... 6 Committee Reports ........................................................................................................... 7 Chapter Reports ................................................................................................................. 14 RTAM Bylaw And Policy Changes 25 Zendoodle with DARTA 26 RTAM-TRIP Contest Winners 26 RTAM-MTS Agreement 27 RTAM Anthology ............................................................................................................... 29 Where Are They Now?.................................................................................................... 31 RTAM Photo Contest Rules 32 RTAM Summer 2022 Photo Contest 32 Official Entry and Release Form 32 RTAM Bursary Recipient 34 RTAM PHOTO CONTEST: SUMMER 2022 Category 1: TREES. You might be surprised to discover that there are so many different ways to photograph trees – different times, different places, different framing and compositional styles to use. Category 2: FLOWERS. Flower photography is a particularly practical variant of landscape photography. You don’t have to travel far to photograph pretty flowers. You can often find suitable flowers in your own garden, on the balcony or in public parks. DETAILS AND ENTRY FORM IS ON PAGE 32. 2 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

Linda Blair

On May 10, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Wayne Ewasko, agreed to a short photo opportunity in which Sean and I were able to meet with him and his staff. I presented him with bags of goodies from our AGM as well as a letter introducing our new RTAM Board of Directors for 2022-2023. We encouraged Minister Ewasko to contact us in the fall to set up a date to meet with our new Executive.RTAMis privileged to have a dedicated staff. With Sean, Denise, and Dianne in the office, we can rely on professional assistance in all our endeavors.

RTAM.MB.CA n 3

You have a wealth of experience and skill. Now allow RTAM the privilege of those skills to better our organization. Short term projects with short term commitments are possibilities as well as longer term projects. Sean Seywright, our new Executive Director, is working diligently as he learns about RTAM. We are in daily contact to further these objectives in a timely manner.

s your new President, I am excited to participate in the ongoing development of RTAM. Together, with you, I will strive to build on the strong foundation developed by many dedicated forerunners.

In the early days of May, the new officers met as your new RTAM Board. We are focusing on formulating our Committee Chairs and Members. If you have not volunteered for a committee, please consider putting forth your name for a committee that you feel passionate about. Now with the use of Zoom, we can be located wherever in the world and still be an active participant in committee work.

RTAM2022President-2023

President's Message

Photo by Patsy Andrews-Vert RTAM Photo Contest Entry

Define your skill set. Find a time frame that works best for you. Let’s build RTAM towards a bright future. Together we can make RTAM better known and stronger. What part will you play as we move forward in 2022-2023?

I’ll close off with a quote from Henry Ford, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Here’s to a great year ahead! n

RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA

Message from New Acting Executive Director

t is a great honor and pleasure to address the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba as the new acting Executive Director. I would like to welcome all members, partners and our extended community to what will be an exciting summer across the province.

As part of the office leadership team that will influence our strategic planning and day to day operations, it is my hope that sharing a bit about myself will increase transparency and open the door to communication and collaboration with members in the coming months…So,who

from kindergarten to grade twelve. I began University at U of M, but the large class sizes were a deterrent, so I moved to U of W and completed a degree in Coaching and Sports Management. It was through this pathway, my professional career began as both a coach and entrepreneur of my own business (heavily influenced by my first role model outside the family, a teacher at Kelvin named Bruce Clark).

In my early 30’s I moved to Alberta to pursue a better salary and diversify my work experience as a government employee in charge of a non-profit. While the money and job were great, the calling of friends, family and community from home were a stronger incentive. After 2 years, I came home with changed values and experiences.

My door is always open, and my email is always on, so please reach out and share a little about

is Sean? Well, Winnipeg has almost always been home for me. It is where I’ve gone to school through the French Immersion programs

It is my sincerest hope that in my time with RTAM, I can share in many similar experiences as I did at Sport Manitoba, and I look forward to being a part of positive growth for the RTAM organization moving forward.

SeanWarmyourself!Regards, n

Since then, I have been blessed to work with two of the best leaders and executives I think our city has to offer: Regan Katz and Andrew Collier (both with the Winnipeg Goldeyes), and more recently I was privileged to work as the Executive Director within Sport Manitoba for Disc Sport (a million-dollar non-profit with approximately 5,000 members). The latter of these allowed me to expand Indigenous partnerships and programs, improve inclusion and diversity, while also increasing revenue streams and membership.

Sean Seywright

4 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

Gabe Mercier Ochre River

Shannon Culbertson Brandon Bob Davies Winnipeg David Harkness Winnipeg

Linda Blair PresidentWinnipeg

2022-2023 RTAM

The Board of Directors

Dave Najduch SecretaryWinnipeg

Audrey Siemens Winnipeg

Joan Zaretsky ViceWinnipegPresident

Rex Virtue Winnipeg Anne Williams Winnipeg

RTAM.MB.CA n 5

Pat Bowslaugh TreasurerBrandon

Bill Cann PastWinnipegPresident

Paul Harland Winnipeg Dennis Kozak Calgary

2022 Highlights

AGM

6 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

• Ideas were presented to the KIT Editorial committee to increase the number of digital/electronic KIT subscribers. Currently only four hundred of our 10,000 members receive an electronic copy of KIT. The average mailing cost of paper copies is $6600 per issue or $26,400 annually.

The 2021-2022 RTAM year has been both challenging and rewarding in many regards. Thankfully, the cooperation and support of the Executive Committee, individual Directors and our exceptional two Office Staff Members have provided valuable assistance in successfully addressing emergent issues and helping to move our organization ahead. I have organized the past year’s highlights as a monthly overview.

• On December 2, a press release was sent to media outlets and to the leaders of all 3 provincial political parties supporting the Liberal Caucus Private member’s Bill (#208) recommending RTAM be given a seat on the TRAF Board.

• The staff successfully completed a challenging move to and set up of our new office at 106-1780 Wellington Avenue.

October 2021:

Committee Reports

• RTAM successfully negotiated with ACER-CART to use the New Mode software for a future electronic letter writing campaign to local MLAs.

• On November 24, I flew to Calgary with Board financial support and brought greetings to our Calgary Chapter. I also recognized the accomplishments and active Zoom participation on our Political Advocacy committee by Calgary Area Chapter President Dennis Kozak. I presented Dennis with his Chapter Distinguished Service Award.

December 2021:

• On October 26, I made the first RTAM presentation to the MTS Provincial Executive seeking their recognition that RTAM as the official voice of retired teachers in Manitoba and a commitment to continue building the relationship between the two organizations.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE 2022 RTAM AGM Bill Cann, RTAM President 2021-2022

November 2021:

June 2021:

• RTAM developed plans to circulate the Five Requests for Action document to the leaders of Manitoba’s three main political parties.

• The RTAM Executive continued communications with the Manitoba Liberal Party to draft a private member’s bill requesting an RTAM seat on the TRAF Board.

• It was agreed that the RTAM President would assume the duties of Interim Executive Director as a volunteer.

due to a problem activating the Zoom license, a number of people were unable to participate. A second seminar was immediately scheduled and held on November 20 for all those who missed the first seminar.

• On January 14, a Special Board meeting passed a motion to immediately terminate the Employment Contract of the Executive Director, Gordon Fardoe, and that he be given two weeks’ pay in lieu of notice according to his Employment Contract. The Board also passed a second motion empowering the Executive Committee to conduct a search for and to hire a new Executive Director as soon as possible.

• Began raising concern about the Succession problem with 9 Directors scheduled to retire from the Board in May 2022.

September 2021:

• During the fifth RTAM/MTS bi-monthly liaison meeting, the MTS offered to provide some professional staff guidance to facilitate RTAM planning and communications.

January 2022:

• RTAM shifted to a more aggressive political advocacy stance, developing the Five Requests for Action document.

RTAM.MB.CA n 7

• RTAM hosted a pre-retirement seminar on October 30 with over 150 active teachers registered. Unfortunately,

• On December 16, RTAM successfully conducted its first hybrid Board meeting using the OWL technology to provide simultaneous interaction of Directors both in-person and virtually.

• Advertised the first Group Tour with Trip Merchant to Haida Gwaii in June 2022

• On November 3, Dave Najduch and I made a presentation to the Group Benefits committee of the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association (WTA). With the collapse of Bill 64, we pivoted our approach to develop stronger ties with the WTA and promote the Prestige Travel insurance plan.

• The Board decided that the RTAM President or designate will lay a wreath on behalf of retired teachers at the annual provincial Remembrance Day service starting in 2022.

• The Free 1st year membership initiative attracted 214 new retirees in 2021, an increase of 50 from the previous June.

• On November 26, Vice President JoAnne Hoyak and I successfully negotiated a long overdue Benefits and Pension package with the RTAM staff. We also informed the Executive Director that he had lost the confidence of the Executive committee and that the Board would review his performance and contract in January.

• The new Board met and set goals for the 2021-2022 year.

As printed in the 2022 RTAM AGM Booklet

• Encouraged RTAM members to participate in ACERCART’s electronic letter writing campaign for the Federal Election especially regarding Pharmacare and national standards for Long-Term Care facilities.

• The Executive hosted a positive Zoom meeting on February 15 with MLA Nello Altomare, the Education Critic of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and a retired teacher. Mr. Altomare is committed to having regular Spring and Fall meetings with the RTAM Executive.

• The RTAM President announced the successful conclusion of his eight-month recruitment campaign for the 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Six incumbent and nine new recruits have committed to let their names stand for Executive and/ or Director positions at the May 4 AGM.

for the 2022 RTAM AGM JoAnne Hoyak, Vice President, ACER-CART Director

April 2022:

• The January 20 Board meeting approved a new Employee Benefits package providing that RTAM cost share 50% of Single Coverage in the Johnson Core Extended Health and Dental Plans as well as a 3% annual pension contribution for each staff member.

• The RTAM Board also approved hiring professional lobby consultant, Michael Juce of Prairie Sky Strategy, for a three-month $15,000 contract (February - April) to advise Directors on effective political advocacy strategies.

• On January 25th a contract was signed with Pinnacle to conduct a professional search for a new Executive Director. A flat fee of $14,000 was negotiated with a guaranteed placement clause.

• On March 25, the Executive hosted a very promising Zoom meeting with the Honorable Wayne Ewasko, minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning and Deputy Minister Dana Rudy.

The President recommended that the former Executive Director’s salary be used to pay the fee of a professional head-hunter firm.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the significant service and contributions to RTAM of the nine retiring Directors. I wish the new Board of Directors and new Executive Director every success next year.

It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve as the RTAM President for the past two years and as the Interim Executive Director for the past three months.

8 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

March 2022:

• The Executive Committee in conjunction with Dan Labelle of Pinnacle, conducted interviews with short-listed candidates for the Executive Director position on March 16, 21 and 31.

• On March 17, the RTAM President successfully introduced three motions to regularize Board and Committee meetings throughout 2022-2023. Except for September, monthly Committee meetings will be virtual. Except for June and December, Board meetings will be virtual. The in-person/ hybrid meetings are intended to promote team building and social interaction. Individual annual Committee meeting budgets were set at $2,000.

• The Executive approved the hiring of a new Executive Director.

February 2022:

• On January 22, RTAM sponsored a very successful inaugural Zoom meeting at which retired teachers employed as substitute teachers were able to share their concerns about working conditions with MTS President James Bedford.

• The Board completed an agreement with TRAF formalizing its relationship with RTAM.

The vision to which we aspire is that of a national organization dedicated to providing leadership to its community of members and to forging relationships with like-minded groups to promote objectives on behalf of retired teachers and other seniors.

Therefore, it is active in politically advocating for issues concerning Health—pharmacare, a seniors’ health accord and strategy, “Aging in Place”, home care, and Long Term Care

REPORTS OF THE RTAM STANDING & AD HOC ACER-CARTCOMMITTEESReport

• On March 2, RTAM was informed by TRAF that the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) grant effective July 1, 2022 will be 2.10%. This is the last year of the distribution of the Restricted Surplus. Effective July 2023 the COLA grant is expected to be 0.9%. Former Premier Ed Schreyer described this as “a formula for incremental poverty”. The growing gap between the COLA grant and the Inflation rate must become an advocacy priority for RTAM

• MTS President James Bedford announced that the MTS Provincial Executive approved the agreement formalizing and improving relations and communications with RTAM. A formal signing ceremony with the two Presidents took place at McMaster House on March 18.

ACER CART is the national organization for thirteen provincial retired teachers’ associations.

• On April 14, the Board reviewed and updated the Dooley Report (2016) and Strategic Plan (2017).

ACER CART acts as a national voice for retired teachers, responsive to the needs and concerns of its members and committed to excellence.

• At the February 17 Board meeting, the RTAM President successfully introduced a motion to immediately cease the printing and mailing of paper copies of KIT to public and independent schools. Digital copies will be made available. It is estimated that this will reduce the annual KIT operational costs by approximately $6,510 ($2.10 x 775 x 4) as well as helping the environment by reducing RTAM’s carbon footprint.

• The Board reviewed RTAM’s proactive 2023 Provincial Election plan.

I would ask RTAM members to check the ACER CART website for further information in the fulfillment of these priorities--with a special suggestion to read President Tiede’s letter to the Ministers of Seniors and Health.

A special thank you goes out to our door prize sponsors: Jessica Simpson, Public Service Representative from Johnson Inc., RTAM, and Gina Sunderland, Food and Consumer Relations Specialist for the Manitoba Chicken Producers, for the door prizes.

2. Monitor the federal government’s implementation of a national pharmacare, including the establishment of a Canada Drug Agency and implementation of a national formulary.

In addition, ACER-CART will monitor the impacts of the global pandemic on defined benefit pension plan assets and liabilities which could affect solvency funding obligations

To these ends, ACER CART developed five priorities for the past two years—2020-2022. They are:

Benefits Committee Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Dave Najduch, Chair

5. Advocate for regulations governing Retirement and Long Term Care Homes with emphasis on improving patient respect, working conditions, staff training and staff wages.

1. Advocate for the development and implementation of a National Seniors Strategy including the information from “A Declaration Concerning a National Health Care Strategy for Seniors”.

I, as an ACER-CART Director, have been pleased to provide RTAM reports to ACER-CART executive meetings when requested. Also, the ACER- CART Annual General Meeting will be attended virtually or in person [yet to be determined} by the President and Director in June.

To date the committee has met 5 times and may meet one more time this year. The committee consisted of the following members, including guests: Dave Najduch, Chair; Pat Bowslaugh (Brandon); Shannon Culbertson (Brandon);Robert Daigneault (Winnipeg); Mel Montgomery (Carman);Joan Rink (Brookdale);Bill Cann (Winnipeg), RTAM President (Ex-officio);Jean-Marc Jones, Johnson;Jessica Simpson, Consultant – Johnson;Dianne Casar, Membership Services

RTAM.MB.CA n 9

ACER-CART will also seek to continue elevating the profile of our National Association in our provincial associations and at all levels of government and beyond.

3. Monitor the effects of COVID-19 on the Canada Health Act and on the Bilateral Health funding agreements with the provinces and territories.

RTAM is still looking for a Chapter to host the 2023 AGM.

1. RTAM Web Page / Member Benefits Benefits at a Glance: This document provides a comparison of the current Benefits which are available to RTAM members through our plans (Johnsons), the WTA plan (Manulife) and the MPSEBP (MTS) plan. The document has been updated with the most current information and provides summaries of the coverage available, eligibility and costs. It also shares contact information so that members are able to speak directly with the service providers. There continues to be very positive feedback about this document from both members and active teachers.

Benefits Plan Update 2022-2023: This was sent to all RTAM members who are in one or more of our benefit plans, published in the March 2022 KIT and on the RTAM website.

reform. Communications, Pension protection, and Income Security are also topics of importance.

Laurel McFarlane (RWTA), Pat Opalko (RWTA), Linda Scott (Chair), Emily Williamson (RWTA), Lynda Tunny (RWTA), Bill Cann (President, ex officio).

Without the guidance and tireless efforts of RTAM President, Bill Cann, Independent Chair, Dorothy Young, past AGM Chair Joan Dawson, Denise Bellesia, RTAM Office Administrator, and Dianne Casar, RTAM Member Services Coordinator this AGM would not have taken place.

In terms of RTAM’s relationship with our National group, we were pleased to be able to utilize the NEW MODE software, which we financially supported, in our promotion of our five objectives and the encouragement of member involvement in a letter writing campaign. NEW MODE, with the push of a button, allowed for the dispersal of a letter to members’ individual MLA’s asking for agreement with the private member’s bill for an RTAM seat on the TRAF Board, as the bill came to the floor of the Legislature.

Lastly, it is important to appreciate our national organization and its connection to the Canadian Teachers Federation as well as the over one hundred partner stakeholders. The association with these exemplary groups make the voice of our members a formidable one.

AGM Committee Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Linda Scott, Chair

The 2022 AGM Committee members are Arlene Billeck, (RWTA), Joan Dawson, Allen Havard, Esmeralda Havard,

CoordinatorThankyou

to the committee members for their efforts over this last year and helping to determine the direction of the services RTAM members are able to access through our benefits plans. A special thankyou to Pat Bowsluagh for her guidance and sage advice as the previous chair. Another special thank you to Dianne Casar for hosting the meetings through ZOOM and taking the minutes.

The RWTA agreed to host the AGM. Under the leadership of RWTA President, Pat Olpalko, their hard work, dedication, planning, and wonderful ideas were greatly appreciated.

4. Advocate for a health care system that prioritizes care in seniors’ own homes for as long as possible.

Due to the pandemic, the 2022 AGM was extremely difficult to plan. Would it be in person, virtual or hybrid. In February 2022 health regulations for in person were relaxed so it was decided the AGM would be a hybrid AGM held and broadcast from the Holiday Inn Airport West.

• Extended Health Care (EHC) CORE Plan: 0% rate increase for 2022-2023 term.

KIT Editorial Committee Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Beth Smith, Chair

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. Email your KIT material to kit@rtam.mb.ca

Committee Members: Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin), Charles Clifford (Portage la Prairie), Joan Dawson (Thompson), Linda Scott (Winnipeg) and Beth Smith (Dauphin).

• Prestige Travel Insurance / a 0% rate increase for 2022-2023

2. Johnson Member Plans

• Enhancements include prescription drug cover changed from $600 to $900 per year.

Bylaws and Policy Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Jack Fraser, Chair

I would like to take this time to thank Jessica Simpson for her ongoing support of the committee, RTAM and the membership. The team at Johnsons through Jessica, have been timely, knowledgeable and supportive of the work we are doing. Jessica has attended all the committee meetings and brings new information and answers to questions asked. She has presented at the RTAM AGM and three RTAM retirement seminars. Jessica has also addressed numerous individual member concerns as they have arisen throughout the year. Johnsons also has provided funds to RTAM which help support the broader operation of the organization.

• Extended Health Care (EHC) Enhanced Plan: (NEW)

• Effective date for changes is April 1, 2022.

• The old plan will be discontinued and replaced with a new Enhanced (EHC) plan. For details check the Benefits Plan Update found on the web page. Generally, there has been a reduction in rates and an improvement in some of the benefits available.

Members: Charles Clifford (Portage la Prairie), Joan Dawson (Thompson); Peggy Prendergast (Winnipeg). Dorothy Young (Winnipeg) and Jack Fraser, Chair (Winnipeg).

The Bylaws and Policy Committee continues to monitor and review the RTAM Bylaws and Policy Documents according to the committee mandate. The Committee has dealt with recommendations, additions and updates of Bylaws and Policy that were referred for consideration by the Board of Directors, through the RTAM committee channels, or by the Executive Director. The Committee has made recommendations to the Board of Directors on policy changes and additions. To that end, no Bylaw changes were deemed necessary this year. Motions of interim policy already approved by the Board are being brought forward for affirmation by the membership at this 2022 AGM. There were no Bylaw changes for this year.

Thank you to the Board of Directors for their valuable input and their support of the Committee. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Bylaws and Policy Committee members for their hard work and efforts throughout the year. As well, appreciation is also extended to the office staff for their valued support and work.

WTA Health Plans: It came to our attention early in the new year, the WTA is considering the shutting down of its health plan. This has the potential of impacting 1400 plus retirees who are currently enrolled in that plan. We will monitor how this unfolds in the year to come and offer the RTAM plan to their retirees in the event they will need to shop for different coverage.

KIT is published four times a year, in full colour. There is very limited amount of paid advertising as most classifieds are done free for members. KIT is limited to thirty-two 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 Chapterswait.areencouraged to submit articles of interest for publishing in KIT. Write an article about your experiences as a teacher. Enter the Photo Contest, you could have your photos showcased throughout the magazine or on the front cover of KIT.

3. Johnson Insurance

10 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

This letter provides a very quick overview of changes to coverage and fees for the 2020-2023 year.

In the fall of 2021, the committee met to review plan usage and the rates charged to determine what was to occur for the 2022-2023 year. Based on the information provided and the discussions by the committee, the following were recommended to the Board and approved.

• Dental Care Plan / an increase of 3.9% for the 2022-2023 term effective April 1, 2022.

4. On the Accompany:HorizonRTAM has been involved with a new Manitoba company looking to provide members and their primary caregivers with support for medical appointments. The service would have a qualified nurse pick you up, attend the medical appointment and then return you home with a detailed written report of the visit for the member and primary caregiver. The company is in the “proof of concept” or pilot phase and we have been working with them through this process. RTAM has distributed the company’s request for 25 volunteers to city of Winnipeg Chapter Presidents.

• Ambulance coverage changes from $350 per occurrence to 100% coverage with no maximum.

Committee communication and collaboration throughout the year consisted of committee meetings, with e-mail and phone communication between meetings and amongst members.

Members of the KIT Editorial Committee: Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin), Joan Dawson (Thompson), Joan Goble (Thompson), Doreen Sage (Neepawa) and Beth Smith (Dauphin).

Membership and Chapters Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Beth Smith, Chair

• Welcome message (Pat Bowslaugh, Treasurer, Bill Cann, RTAM President and James Bedford, MTS President).

Three RTAM Pre-Retirement Seminars were held, via Zoom, this Board year. The last Seminar was held on March 5, 2022 and had 145 registrants. Pat Bowslaugh, Treasurer and Beth Smith, Membership & Chapters Chair met with Bill Cann, President to plan the Seminars.

Members: Joan Dawson (Thompson); JoAnne Hoyak (MacGregor); Julian Hoyak (MacGregor); Lynn Land (Winnipeg); Mel Montgomery (Carmen); Alison Logan (Chair) (Winnipeg);Bill Cann (Ex Officio) (Winnipeg)

8. The continuation of meeting(s) with provincial representatives is strongly recommended.

4. As of July 1, 2023, COLA is estimated to be .9% through to 2037.

3. As of July 1, 2022, COLA will be 2.10%

RTAM.MB.CA n 11

The Pre-Retirement Program included the following:

Pension Committee Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Alison Logan, Chair

• Closing message

7. In conjunction with Political Advocacy Committee the hiring of Prairie Sky, Government Relations Firm has taken place.

Political Advocacy Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM

1. Jeff Norton and Brad Prokop represented TRAF at the September and November Committee meetings.

In September, the committee was tasked with putting together questions based on short and long range RTAM goals for the three Progressive Conservative leadership candidates following the Premier’s resignation. These questions were sent by registered letter to the candidates. The national retired teachers’ organization, ACER-CART was asked to conduct a survey of all provincial organizations to gather information that could be used to further RTAM’s advocacyOctobergoals.1was the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons. Each year RTAM encourages its Chapters to organize a local event to highlight the contribution that seniors make to our communities. For the first time, the City of Winnipeg responded to our request by putting the event on the public screen at The Forks. According to the U.N., life expectancy worldwide rose from 46 to 68 years between 1950 and 2010.

Highlights of the Pension Committee endeavours this past year included:

The total number of RTAM members, as of March 31, 2022, is 10,314.

John Sushelnitsky, Chair

Members serving on the PA Committee: Guy Hansen (Winnipeg/Thompson), Vicki Hooke (Portage la Prairie), JoAnne Hoyak (MacGregor), Julian Hoyak (MacGregor), Dennis Kozak (Calgary), John Sushelnitsky (Portage la Prairie) (Chair), Bill Cann (Winnipeg) RTAM President (Ex Officio).Thework of the PA Committee is set out in the Strategic Plan (2017-19) and the Policy Handbook. That work includes tasks that are given to the committee by the President and the Board. It also includes the task of being the “eyes and ears” of the organization tracking the issues in the wider Manitoban community and the world. Each month when there are emergent issues affecting the membership the committee must bring them to the attention of the Board. Some issues require further study and are put “on the back burner”, others are taken to the Board in the form of a Motion for Action.

Thank you to all the committee members for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

5. Monitoring pension situations both in Manitoba and other jurisdictions in Canada. Ongoing communication with ACER-CART has been beneficial.

• Panel Discussion “Life After Teaching” (Shannon Culbertson and Dave Najduch)

9. The first reading in The Manitoba Legislature of a private members bill was given on December 2, 2021, by MLA Cindy Lamoureux proposing that RTAM be given a seat on the TRAF Board.

Six Committee meetings were held via zoom during the 20212022 year.

2. Following 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 conclude this year.

There were 6 Chapter Initiative Grants applied for this year. The Chapter Initiative Grant (CIG) is available to promote member engagement. Funding of up to $250.00 per each approved project is available per year. Reports from the previous year must be submitted before funding will be approved for the current year. Guidelines and application forms are available on the RTAM website.

10. The chair wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the committee members for their dedication, commitment, and diligent work.

Most of the Membership and Chapters Committee correspondence occurs through e-mail and telephone conversations, but as the need arises, our meetings are held virtually via Zoom.

• RTAM Benefit Plans by Jessica Simpson, Consultant, Group Benefits, Johnson Inc.

• RTAM – “Who We Are!” PowerPoint Presentation (Beth Smith)

6. Focus has been on obtaining a designated seat for RTAM at the TRAF table as well as efforts to secure an improved COLA.

• Question and Answer session

Further to this, Michael was recommended to us by Adam Dooley of Dooley Communications.

PR Committee was made up of: Guy Hansen, Winnipeg, Chair, John Sushelnitsky, Portage la Prairie, Ken Malcolm, Dauphin, Linda York, Dugald, Shannon Culbertson, Brandon, and Bob Davies, Thompson, currently Winnipeg.

PR presented a recent motion to increase the number of recipients of our First Nations bursary, through UCN, to four, including two for tradespeople.

The birth of ACER-CART’s NEW MODE was PR, in Manitoba. The motion to fund was passed last year by our Board. This technology, for the first time, is being successfully used to communicate directly with our Manitoba MLAs.

At the October 21 Board meeting, the PA committee presented the “Five Requests for Action”. Each Request was accompanied by a rationale. This document will become the foundation of future RTAM advocacy initiatives. PA moved a Motion to create an Ad Hoc committee to discuss how the Bursary for an Indigenous student could be embedded in RTAM practice. After discussion, a Motion was sent to the Board.

We facilitated Manitoba news releases, although we did not write them, including RTAM’s recent statement about supporting the relief program in Ukraine.

At the November meeting, a Motion was passed to meet with the new Premier to discuss the Five Requests for Action. The Executive Director was asked to seek guidance from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Metis Federation, on how RTAM could address the revelation of the unmarked student graves at residential schools. This initiative continues RTAM’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call for Actions. The Executive Director was to contact the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, the Manitoba School Board Association, and the MTS to explore the issue of Equity in Education. Climate change was regarded as a possible topic for RTAM-MTS co-operation in sponsoring a student project initiative. Research was begun on that possibility.

Adam had started us on this path in 2015-16 with his very effective Dooley Report. PA and PR have recently reevaluated Adam’s work and it is amazing to see how timeless his advice has been.

On Jan. 21, a letter of congratulation was sent to newly appointed Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Wayne Ewasko. His almost immediate and cordial reply by phone to our President was “a ray of sunshine” and bode well for relations in the future. A zoom meeting with the Executive and the Minister on March 25 reinforced that optimism. The RTAM President sent congratulatory letters to the new Premier and to all new cabinet ministers.

As this RTAM year draws to a close, I wish to thank all my committee members for their work in what has been a very full and eventful year. It has been my privilege to serve this organization since 2006 and I am grateful for that opportunity.

In the January meeting, eleven issues were discussed. A Motion was passed to the Board to send a letter of congratulations to former Senator Murray Sinclair on his appointment as a Companion to the Order of Canada. A second Motion to the Board would ensure continuous Bursary support for Indigenous students through the University College of the North. The committee examined a proposal from Michael Juce, a political strategist with Prairie Sky Strategy, and recommended it to the Executive and the Board. His advice would be sought in connection with the New Mode software letter writing campaign, the Five Requests for Action and the lead up to the next provincial election in 2023.

PR kept alive the November 11 celebration with an

Perhaps our most important function is to promote the annual Night at the Leg, or as it is now known, our Meet and Greet. One evening with Manitoba’s MLA’s, beer, and a sandwich, mix and mingle. It is hard to schedule, COVID has made this impossible. It must not be forgotten, these MLAs govern our laws, we must be on the same page as them.

12 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

RTAM needed more focus. With that in mind, Public Relations, and Political Advocacy “sourced out” Michael Juce of Prairie Sky Strategies. Michael is helping us to “build a bridge”, giving forward guidance as we form results-oriented relations with our MLAs.

Our mandate is to showcase the good deeds of RTAM, to leave everyone with a good feeling upon seeing/hearing the words Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba.

In February, the PA committee reviewed four issues with provincial implications in the areas of health, education, and Indigenous relations. Two electronic subscriptions to the Free Press have been ordered with the capability of electronically sharing articles with committee members. The importance was stressed of getting RTAM’s presence felt in the community though more frequent input into the various

Public Relations Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Guy Hansen, Chair

The March meeting focused on the task of evaluating what remains to be done in the Dooley Report (2016) and the Strategic Plan (2017&2019). The Bylaws and Policy Committee submitted the Indigenous Student Bursary for AGM approval. The Free Press electronic subscription was successfully used by this committee. The issue of support for the Ukraine in view of the Russian invasion necessitated a RTAM press release which was drafted by the Political Advocacy committee.

media outlets through press releases, interviews and Op Eds. This led to a discussion of the Adam Dooley Report on Communications commissioned by RTAM in 2016. Copies of this Report were to be sent to all Directors and to Prairie Sky Strategy. The President asked PA and Public Relations to analyze the Report as to what has been done in the intervening six years and what remains to be done.

In December, PA was informed that the Five Requests for Action would be in the winter edition of KIT. They would also be in the New Mode software letter that would go out to all RTAM members with an email address. We were informed that a Private Member’s Bill would be presented in the Manitoba Legislature to create a seat on the TRAF Board for a RTAM-nominated member. This is a long-standing request of RTAM and one of the Five Asks. PA began the search for a professional lobbyist to assist RTAM in achieving our advocacy goals. The Ad Hoc committee on the Bursary for Indigenous Student(s) took place on Dec.9th.

We initiated the using of the yellow/blue (our colours) WINNIPEG sign for the UNESCO World Teachers’ Day, October 5. This was done with co-operation from the office of the Mayor of Winnipeg.

Student Award Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Peggy Prendergast, Chair

In the past nine years the Student Award Program has supported thirty-eight young relatives of RTAM members with their post-Secondary education. You, the membership can help the fund increase by sending a donation to the RTAM Endowment Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation. These taxfree donations have added up to $7,000 over the past nine years.Each year we receive more applications from very deserving young relatives as you encourage them to apply. Let’s help increase the pot so we can increase the amount and the number of awards as the pot grows. It now exceeds $77,000 even with the number of awards distributed.

Website Committee Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Paul Harland, Chair

Student Success Portfolio Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM Joan Zaretsky, Chair

Committee Members: Joan Zaretsky, Winnipeg, Beth Smith, Dauphin, Linda Blair, Winnipeg, Connie Newman, Winnipeg, Peggy Prendergast, Winnipeg, chair.

The Student Success Portfolio Ad Hoc Committee has had a busy year developing and promoting Student Success

A huge thank you goes to my Student Success Portfolio Committee members for their many contributions, their innovative ideas, and their support throughout this introductory year of our Project. Your dedication to our Project’s success was greatly appreciated!

Sponsor your young relatives who are graduating from Grade 12 in June 2022 by encouraging them to fill out the Student Award application found online at www.rtam.mb.ca or in KIT or call the RTAM office at 204-889- 3660 or 1-888-3938082 for assistance.

We developed PowerPoint presentations which were shared with our Board of Directors, Chapter Presidents and sponsors who participated in a recent “Supporting Your Mentoring Role” Zoom meeting held in March 2022. These sponsors requested we hold bimonthly Zoom meetings to share what different sponsors were doing with their students along the portfolio journey.

We created our website and organized it for easy access of information under the headings of “General Information”, “Portfolios”, “Monthly Discussion Starters” and “The New Horizons Grant”. Each month, a new discussion starter was added to support sponsors in working with their student to continue the ongoing portfolio development. We had articles printed in each of our quarterly KIT magazines since the Summer 2021 edition to encourage interest in the project and offer some tips to sponsors. Check out our website www.rtam. mb.ca under Committees for our “Student Success Portfolio Ad Hoc Committee” and Media for the KIT magazines.

Members: Linda Blair, Joan Dawson, Beth Smith

As outlined in our Grant received, we allocated funds to hire a researcher to determine what was working with our Project and any challenges or suggestions to improve the process. Andrew Augustyn was hired. As he is a full-time teacher, he will be completing his interviews during March Break and reporting his findings to our Committee.

PR submitted other articles to each KIT, some of which were to keep our long term goal of an anthology of Retired Teachers alive. (Please help us out by submitting…)

The RTAM Endowment Fund was established with $50,000 at the Winnipeg Foundation in 2013 as a member benefit. Since then, over 400 RTAM members have sponsored the same number of Grade 12 graduate relatives: children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. The first two years the fund was able to offer four $500 awards each year. The amount of the awards increased over the following years as the amount of money in the fund increased exponentially due to the investing expertise of the Foundation and donations made to the fund often as ‘In Memoriam’ donations. The last two years there have been four $1000 cheques awarded each year. The pictures of these deserving young people appear in the winter edition of KIT.

With a long look to the future, we continue to advocate for a “Thank a Teacher” day. We will have to dance around covid, of course, but PR is most effectively practiced at the level or your hometown, your community newspaper, your town council.

Throughout the past year, we have introduced the project through many different venues in order to make our membership aware of the benefits of their involvement in this Project for their student relatives as well as themselves as mentors in supporting their students. We offered to present our project to Chapter Presidents and their membership at the local level, but COVID has limited the number of local chapter meetings. We plan to offer this again in the upcoming year once the locals become more active with the lifting of the restrictions.

Members: Linda Blair (Winnipeg) Joan Dawson (Thompson) Joan Goble (Thompson) Wayne Hughes (Winnipeg)

RTAM.MB.CA n 13

About your function, you 10,000. The work that you do locally is more important for PR than is the work of the RTAM board.

Portfolios as a result of receiving a New Horizons for Seniors Grant in March 2021. We applied for this grant out of a desire to offer support to the RTAM Student Award applicants in writing their applications. This grant was designed to promote intergenerational communication between the high school students receiving the Portfolios and the RTAM sponsors who serve as their mentors. With the Grant funds, we purchased the portfolios, designed our “RTAM Student Success Portfolio” logo to brand our printed materials and for stickers placed on the Portfolios as well as some promotional items from Botanical Paperworks. The funds also covered the fee for a researcher, Andrew Augustyn, to interview sponsors and their students to determine the effectiveness of our project and any challenges along the way.

interesting family story and wreath-laying in Birtle. It bridged two KIT editions. (Suggestions please)

The Pandemic, Vaccination, Ageism, Transportation, Long Term Care and Mental Health are some of the recent provincial concerns that the Coalition brought to the Provincial Health Care system. Healthy Aging is the goal of the Coalition.

As printed in the 2022 RTAM AGM Booklet

REPORTS ON RTAM REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE GROUPS/COMMITTEES

Membership60Initiative:

Income Security, Housing, Transportation and Health Care.

Along with everyone else in the world, we hope for an end to the pandemic and a peaceful 2022-2023.

• A & O Support Services for Older Adults

• Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba

Calgary Chapter members reside in Calgary, Airdrie, High River, Lethbridge, Cochrane, Strathmore, and Canmore. However, the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIP) does not permit RTAM to release personal contact information if/when members relocate to Alberta. In December 2020, with the assistance of RTAM administrative staff, RTAM members living in/around

14 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

President: Dennis Kozak; Committee Members: Jan Campbell; Richard Dooley; Penny Hogan; Lillian Kozak RTAM Members:

• Manitoba Association of Senior Centres

Thank you to the committee members listed above who met on the first Monday of the month to guide our Internet communications. A thank you to Bill Cann, who came to our meetings and provided guidance. We also appreciate all the work our web creator Gayl Punzalan puts into making our website functional and current. A big thank you to Denise Bellesia, who also met with us and is our office member tasked with putting things online on the webpage, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

In March 2022 the Coalition met with the new Minister of Long Term Care and Seniors, Scott Johnston and members of his staff. An announcement of a Senior Strategy being established by the government in early April followed a brief introduction of each Coalition member and the focus and reach of their organization. Long Term care was also part of the discussion. “Ageism Today – is it impacting older adults in Manitoba?” was also a topic on the agenda. The collaboration of the Centre on Aging and the Free Press in the presentation of the film on Ageism: “Duty Free” as the newspaper’s monthly event followed by a panel including Michelle Porter, Director of the Centre on Aging, Jeff Pamater, a Labour lawyer, and the film’s director and his mother, the star of the film, was also part of the discussion.

• Centre on Aging – University of Manitoba

• Transportation Options Network for Seniors

The Manitoba Seniors Coalition met virtually 13 times in the past year.

• Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba

The Minister of Health, (Heather Stefanson at the time) met with the Coalition representatives in early 2022 to respond to the letter of concern and the offer of help the Coalition sent to the province in late 2021.

We look forward to our committee work next year. We have drafted Bob Davies to join us and are looking for others.

• Federation des aines de la francophonie manitobaine

Another year, another interruption caused by Covid. Boyne Chapter members met only a few times in 2021-2022 and essentially suspended operations.

We inherited a website that was very functional and well taken care of. Efforts were made to further organize it. Thanks to input from other RTAM members and our own gleaning, dead links and expired news was trimmed from the website. We made more use of social media and authorized more people to post to the Facebook page in an effort to make it more timely for RTAM members. Our Youtube site is now functional, and more work needs to be done in deciding how we plan to use that site. Gayl Punzalan offered to revamp our web design, which enabled us to further follow the recommendations of the Dooley report and the latest consultant report. The new website will be shown at the AGM, and we think it more accurately reflects the priorities of RTAM, works better on mobile devices, has a cleaner, more modern look, and does a better job highlighting the KIT magazine.

Representatives from the following organizations make-up the Manitoba Seniors Coalition:

• Active Aging in Manitoba

• National Association of Federal Retirees, Manitoba Region

• Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba

Chapter Reports

The Manitoba Seniors Coalition was adapted from the ACER-CART Seniors Vote 2016 list of pillars of concern for older adults, namely: Healthy Aging, Social Participation,

• Association of Senior Support Coordinators

Calgary Chapter Penny Hogan

Manitoba Seniors Coalition Report for the 2022 RTAM AGM RTAM Representatives: Peggy Prendergast, RTAM Director, Linda Scott, RTAM Director

Members continued their community volunteering as much as was possible. Lana attended the Zoom Presidents’ meetings and reported to others via email.

Boyne Chapter Lana Rinn

On March 24, 2022, a luncheon was attended by 18 individuals. The guest speaker was Ryan Mickuki of Trip Merchant.

OurMeetingsDARTA

• November: Sponsored and laid a wreath at the Remembrance Day Service on November 11

• October: Renewed the fee for our DARTA sign at the Credit Union Place hockey arena

Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association (DARTA) Joyce McGinnis, President

RTAM.MB.CA n 15

• March: Zendoodle Workshop was made possible with a Wellness Initiative Grant

1. Donation made to the Ukraine Relief through the Red Cross

1. Monitored arena exit doors for the Dauphin Kings MJHL home hockey games

• April: The AGM of DARTA will be held in April where the officers for the 2022-23 year will be elected at that time.

• Reconciliation Workshop with InfoJustice

2. Volunteered to work at the U13 and U11 hockey tournaments

ÉMR President's Report

• Meeting at St-Vital Park for our 20th anniversary kick off

Jeunes de cœur, riches en expérience Young at heart, wise from experience!

EMR’s 20th Anniversary

Once again, Covid restrictions prevented our January and February meetings from taking place.

We continue to apply for both the Chapter and Wellness Initiative Grants each year. Members have accessed the various Webinars that have been provided by the Wellness Committee. This has been an appreciated initiative for rural members.Currently, most members have e-mail access for maintaining regular contact. Those without e-mail are contacted by phone.

3. Annual December donation was made to the Food For Thought Program, which provides a hot lunch to over 600 Dauphin students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November to March.

• December: Decorated the Watson Art Centre for the holiday season

Calgary were invited by mail to join our Chapter. As a result, since March 2021 we have welcomed 8 former Manitobans to the Calgary Chapter.

Activities: After a long Covid imposed damper on in-person gatherings, a catered turkey dinner luncheon was held on November 24, 2021, at Winston Golf Club in Calgary. We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Bill Cann, RTAM President. In the group of 20 attendees were 6 of the 7 new members of the Chapter. Renewing old friendships, and meeting new acquaintances kept the room buzzing with conversation. The Calgary Chapter is appreciative of the Chapter Initiative Grant received in January 2021, which helped make this gathering possible.

I would like to thank The Retired Teachers ‘Association of Manitoba (RTAM) for their generous contributions to our chapter through the Chapter Initiative Grant, the Special Event Grant, the Wellness Initiative Grant and the Zoom License Grant. Like the rest of the world, last year and this year, we have been confined and sadly, we’ve not been able to collect as many membership fees as usual. This financial support from RTAM has allowed us to survive the COVID crisis and function at full capacity. We plan to apply again in 2022, so we can continue recruiting members and improve our services. We were able to organize many interesting gatherings and informative workshops as you can see below:

ÉMR activities for the year 2020-2021:

Members: 50

In February 2022, the Calgary Chapter Membership list was reviewed again with RTAM administrative staff. An invitation to join Calgary Chapter was mailed out to 29 prospective members living in and around Calgary.

During this illustrious 20th year of existence, each member of our Executive Council planned at least one activity and in spite of COVID, our 20th anniversary celebrations were a success. We took part in in-person social activities and virtual workshops. As usual, before every event, the organizers made sure that the activity was advertised on our web site, www.lesemr.org website, and after the activity, they posted a report with photos.

2. Held annual Cheer and Chat afternoon in the Firehall at the WAC (Watson Art Centre).

Patricia Thibodeau, President of ÉMR

For 20 years, the main objective of Les Éducatrices et Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR) has been to organize various social activities that appeal to our membership and that emphasize our francophone identity. And so far, we have done this only for 20 years, therefore, we are still young! We have for 20 years worked hard at proposing activities which interest our retirees, and we hope to keep doing this for a long time. Every year, we try to do better and this year we have again succeeded in surpassing expectations. At our April AGM, we always ask our members to share their feedback on past activities and we take note of their ideas and suggestions for the coming year.

group has 50 paid memberships for this 20212022 year. We had our re-organization meeting in October at the Watson Art Centre’s, Firehall. We are grateful for the RTAM Chapter Initiative Grant to help pay for the rent of our meeting space and refreshments.

We have more than 200 people on our membership list. It is clear that our recruitment efforts are not in vain. Our members have worked either as teachers or administrators in French, English or immersion schools and school board offices across Manitoba. It is important to add that our members are still active members of their community as elders and volunteers, contributing to various provincial and national organizations.

• À venir : Randonnée pédestre, jeudi 16 juin 2022

RAPPORT de la PRÉSIDENTE des ÉMR 2022

• Le 16 septembre, Party du 20e au Parc St-Vital, 30 personnes

Soon after our AGM of April 15, which will take place on Zoom, our Council meeting will be held to prepare the schedule of activities for 2022-2023.The following members have already declared their interest in serving on the ÉMR Executive Council: Patricia Thibodeau, President; Gisèle Grégoire, Vice-President; Rose-Marie Iafolla, Treasurer; - Jocelyne Fraser, Secretary; Lucille DaudetMitchell, Communications; Marc Beaudry, councilor; Robert Daigneault, councilor; Guy Gagnon, outgoing president

Depuis 20 ans, le conseil d’administration des Éducateurs & Éducatrices Manitobains.es à la retraite (les ÉMR) a comme mandat d'organiser une variété d’activités qui mettent l'accent sur l'aspect social et francophone de notre communauté. Ce n’est que depuis 20 ans que nous proposons des activités qui comblent la curiosité des enseignants retraités et qui suscitent un vif intérêt de la part de nos membres. Puisque nous sommes, depuis toujours, jeunes de coeur et riches en expérience ces 20 années d’existence, ne représentent qu’un début et nous inspirent au dépassement dans les années à venir. C’est pourquoi au moment de l’AGA du 14 avril 2022, nous allons profiter de l'occasion pour demander à nos membres de nous partager leur rétroaction sur les activités passées et leur demander de nous suggérer des possibilités d’activités pour l’année à venir.

• Le 16 décembre Brunch de Noël au Canad Inn, 60 personnes

Durant cette illustre 20e année de présence dans la communauté chacun des membres qui siège au Conseil exécutif des ÉMR a organisé au moins une activité. Même en cette année de COVID on a réussi à fêter ce 20 anniversaire en proposant des sorties intéressantes en personne et des ateliers pertinents en virtuel. Comme d’habitude, avant chaque activité les organisateurs doivent voir à ce que l’activité prévue soit affichée et annoncée dans notre site web, www.lesemr.org. À la suite de l’activité, ces mêmes

responsables d’activités doivent aussi voir à afficher le rapport de leur activité, avec photos, sur notre site.

• Walking tour, 16th of June 2022

I would like to sincerely thank all the members of our executive for their creativity, their energy, their commitment and cooperation. We for sure, are a very dynamic team. We always have fun planning together!

• 18 novembre Galérie Qaumajuq et dîner au Spaghetti Factory, 60 personnes

• À venir : -Visite à la boutique Anne Mulaire, jeudi 19 mai 2022

Peu après notre assemblée générale du 14 avril qui se fera via zoom, la réunion du conseil aura lieu pour préparer le calendrier des activités de 2022-2023. Les membres suivants sont toujours prêts à prendre place au Conseil exécutif: Patricia Thibodeau, présidente; Guy Gagnon, président sortant; Gisèle Grégoire, vice-présidente; Rose-Marie Iafolla,

• Total : 162 participants cette année d’avril 2021 à mars 2022

Continued on page 21 16 n RTAM KIT Summer 2022

Patricia Thibodeau, présidente des ÉMR

En ce 20e anniversaire des ÉMR Jeunes de cœur, riches en expérience

• Visit to Anne Mulaire’s workshop 19th of May 2022

• Projet de loi 64: revendication avec RTAM

• 17 février L'éducation française au Manitoba, annulé à cause de la Covid

Je tiens à remercier la Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba (RTAM) d'avoir, encore cette 20e année, accepté de généreusement contribuer à notre financement par le biais du Chapter Initiative Grant, du Wellness Grant et de leur Special event Grant. Ces contributions financières nous ont été très utiles et nous ont permis, entre autres, de renouveler notre licence Zoom afin de rester en contact avec nos membres en leur offrant des occasions extraordinaires de se rencontrer et de fêter ce 20e. Nous comptons faire demande à nouveau auprès de RTAM en 2022 dans le but de continuer notre recrutement et d’améliorer nos services auprès de nos abonnés.

• Traduction du document de position de RTAM.

• Guided visit to the Inuit Qaumajuq gallery

Comme tout le monde, cette année, nous avons été obligés de suivre les règles de santé publique ce qui fait qu’on a offert des activités hybrides : Par moments, c’était en personne et parfois en virtuel. Malgré les hauts et les bas des restrictions, nous avons quand même réussi à offrir un grand nombre des activités sociales et des ateliers très intéressants prévus. Voici les Activités des ÉMR pour l’année 2021-2022:

• Brunch and Xmas songs at the Canad Inns hotel

En cette 20e année, on peut se vanter que notre liste de membres des ÉMR se chiffre au-delà de 200 : Il est clair que nos efforts constants de recrutement portent fruit. Nos membres, venant de conseils scolaires de partout dans la province, ont œuvré soit comme enseignant/ enseignante ou administrateur /administratrice, dans des bureaux divisionnaires, dans des écoles francophones, anglophones, ou d’immersion. Il est important de préciser que nos membres, même s’ils sont officiellement à la retraite, demeurent très actifs comme aînés et bénévoles dans divers secteurs de la communauté francophone et qu’ils contribuent à divers organismes provinciaux et nationaux.

• Le 21 octobre Réconciliation par Zoom avec notre partenaire Info-Justice, 13 participants

In conclusion, I would like to thank all the people who attended this year’s activities and I hope we can count on their continued support. After all, such opportunities to meet in French are more and more scarce. Finally, as many of our members already do, I encourage us all to continue engaging in our communities. Our parishes and our associations benefit a great deal from our expertise at all levels. We need to pursue our passions and now is the time to do it since we will always be young at heart and wise from experience!

The RTAM Board is surveying members to collect information which will help us present and discuss issues of importance to our membership with the candidates from each of the political parties

WE REALLY DO WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

This survey consists of four pages at the centre and can be easily removed. Please fill out and mail it to RTAM.

RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’OFMANITOBA

The RTAM Board and Executive have established 5 priority items (Advocacy Asks) that they have spoken to political parties and MTS about. Please read over each of the following and indicate if this is an important priority to you.

If you wish to mail in your response, RTAM will require your full name, address, and postal code to confirm you are a member. The survey information will not be included in our tabulations unless we can confirm your membership through this process.

If you have limited electronic access, you can complete this copy of the survey and then mail it to the office at: Wellington Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

Is having an RTAM seat on the TRAF Board an important issue for RTAM to pursue? TRAF collects active teacher pension contributions, invests the funds, pays out pensions to retired members and bills the government for their portion of member pensions. The government and MTS have members named to the TRAF Board. RTAM is asking that a retired member nominated by our organization have a seat on the TRAF Board.

Share your email with us and you will get an electronic survey sent to you for completion.

RTAM PRIORITIES

Are you currently an RTAM member? q Yes q No

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba is looking to obtain information from the membership which can be used in our preparations for the Manitoba Provincial Election in October of 2023. Please understand that your answers will become part of a large data base of information and will never be shared in a manner that identifies you individually.

According to legislation, the next provincial election will be held in October of 2023. In preparation, the RTAM Board is surveying members to collect information which will help us present and discuss issues of importance to our membership with the candidates from each of the political parties.

1-204-889-3660 / MB Toll Free 1-888-393-8082 or by email at info@rtam.mb.ca.

RTAM Member Survey

If you have not received an electronic copy of the survey and would like to complete it this way, you can contact the RTAM office by phone at:

The survey provided will be sent to the member emails we currently have on file in the RTAM office. Filling in the survey using your phone or desktop computer is easy and does not require downloading any type of software. Once completed, all you have to do is hit the “SUBMIT” button on the electronic form and it will be sent to our office and tabulated. This process is the least labour intensive and the most cost effective for RTAM.