2011 Acer-cart Agm

Vaughn Wadelius

The 2011 Annual General Meeting of ACER-CART, held on June 3 and 4, 2011, was a special one for a number of reasons. As it was ACER-CART’s 20th anniversary, the AGM was preceded by a special session, on June 2, called by the 2010 - 11 President, Vaughn Wadelius. The objective was to focus on an Organizational Review leading to a strategic planning seminar. The input given is being used by the executive to continue the organizational review and prepare specific recommendations for the 2012 AGM.

The AGM itself was held once again at the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) building. Twenty-six delegates, representing 12 (of 13) retired teacher organizations in Canada, gathered to address various reports and resolutions from the Executive and Member Associations. This led to a fruitful discussion of events and issues were raised for future consideration.

Johnson Inc.’s Lori MacDonald-Blundon gave a presentation to the delegates on "Out-of-Province/Canada Travel" which included the appropriate travel insurance coverage, key provisions in policies, de-bunking myths from facts and new developments for travel to certain destinations.

2011 - 12 Election of Officers

The annual election brought about a change in some executive officers: Arnold Hull (RTO/ERO) from London, ON, was elected as president. The four Regional Representatives are Atlantic: Dr. Thomas Gaskell (RTO-NSTU) from Little Bras d’Or, NS, who also become vice-president; Québec: Ed Zegray (QART) from Montréal, QC; Ontario: Brian Kenny (RTO/ERO) from Burlington, ON; West: Dean McMullen (ARTA) from Vermilion, AB. The past president is Vaughn Wadelius (RTAM) from The Pas, MB.

Committee Reports

Annual reports from the ACER-CART committees provided a view of the many efforts, during the 2010-11 year, to advocate and publicize the positions proposed by ACER-CART.

Communications Committee (Vaughn Wadelius, Chair)

There were 1492 website visits in 2010; a 14% increase over 2009. A special page detailing basic information about the Congress of National Seniors Organizations (CNSO) was added this year. Also, a federal election Q & A page was used. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, a photo and the biography of every Past President of ACER-CART was developed for access on the website's History page.

Health Services and Insurance Committee (Thomas Gaskell, Chair)

The committee continues to be concerned about drug pricing and the use of generic drugs and warned that there is still a need to focus on health care. It was encouraging that many provincial associations have taken an active role in contacting MPs and MLAs to express their concerns over health care.

Legislative Committee (Helen Biales, Chair)

There were no proposed amendments to the Articles and Bylaws received this year, but the Executive recommended and the AGM approved the addition of a policy on the Performance Appraisal of the Executive Director.

Pension and Retirement Income Committee (Arnold Hull, Chair)

This committee acted on two 2010 AGM resolutions: that we lobby the federal government to increase CPP/QPP, OAS and GIS benefits and that we support Bill C-516 on the

automatic inclusion of eligible pensioners for GIS benefits. President Wadelius wrote the federal ministers responsible. On a motion to develop a position paper on poverty amongst older retired teachers, given its complexity, difficulty of obtaining relevant data and resources required, the committee concluded that this study was not feasible.

Other Action Taken in 2010 - 11

ACER-CART is a member of the Congress of National Seniors Organizations (CNSO) and President Wadelius was elected its Treasurer at its AGM in October, 2010. The 2010 -11 priorities of CNSO were: Aging in Place, Elder Abuse, Pharmacare. CNSO accepted three new associations for membership in 2011: HelpAge Canada; Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA), National Initiative for Care of the Elderly/ Initiative nationale pour le soin des personnes ages (NICE).

ACER-CART Positions Taken

Other motions passed at the 2011 AGM were the following: - To accept, with regret, the withdrawal of AREQ as a member, and to convey to AREQ sincere appreciation for its involvement and contributions during its membership in ACER-CART and extend an invitation to continue to work cooperatively to achieve shared objectives. - Reaffirm its support for the five basic principles of the Canada Health Act (1984) and pursue the preservation of these principles (universality, access, comprehensiveness, portability and public administration). - Review its organizational structure and include consideration of programs, expenditures and membership fees. - Donate $500 to the Canadian Teachers' Federation Trust Fund, in gratitude for CTF support to ACER-CART - Lobby the Government of Canada: a) to eliminate the tax on the CPP/QPP Death Benefit b) to make Canadian adult passports effective for ten years c) to extend any tax credit for registration costs for wellness and/or recreation programs to seniors, similar to that provided for youth. d) to urge the federal government to act, in conjunction with the provinces, to establish a national formulary as well as a national drug plan. 2010-11 President Vaughn Wadelius commented: "Who could have predicted some of the major changes that took place following the 2010 annual general meeting? Two unforeseen issues – the loss of AREQ’s membership and the loss of CIDA funding for Project Overseas – instigated action. Member association support for our collective action on these and other issues was evident and much appreciated. The seminar discussions concerning our goals, the nature of our organization and our strategic priorities will, I hope, help us re-energize our focus in light of our organizational renewal.” In gratitude for the support of ACER-CART Directors and Officers, this was the second year Recognition Certificates were presented to those retiring from the Board. This 20th anniversary AGM was also the occasion to recognize past presidents, past executive directors, The Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Johnson Inc. In addition, a 20th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet was specially prepared for the AGM Banquet, honouring those who have led and supported ACER-CART over the years.

At the post-AGM Executive meeting, committee assignments were made. ACER-CART pledged to continue working with CNSO. The 2011 - 12 President Arnold Hull is its official representative and Vaughn Wadelius continues as treasurer.

55th NORMAL SCHOOL REUNION

CLASS of 1956-1957 Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23, 2012 canad inn, Portage la Prairie at 2401 Saskatchewan Avenue, WESt REGISTRATION: Friday, June 22 at 6:00 pm. Meet and Greet Activities: 6 to 9 pm. REGISTRATION AND LUNCHEON: Saturday, June 23, 2012, 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. cost of luncheon: $ 25 payable at time of registration. no cheques. Preferred room rates at the inn. Phone 1-888-332-2623 and quote Group #147764 inquiries: Janice kelly (McGregor) 204 252-2124; les Porteous (Portage la Prairie) 204-3184; Gloria Wilton (Winnipeg) 204 487- 6432