RTAM 

Our History

In the Spring of 1987, a Task Force of former teachers was appointed by The Manitoba Teachers' Society to develop the parameters under which an association of retired teachers might be established. The original members of the Task Force were Nina Phillips (Winnipeg Beach), Jack George (Winnipeg), and John Kastrukoff (Swan River). Doris Hunt (Winnipeg) assisted in the final stages. MTS Staff Officer George Strang was appointed to assist in research and formation of the proposed association. The Task Force faced a major undertaking, and established objectives that were critical to retired teachers but not so extensive so as to be prohibitive.

As the MTS Act prohibited its association as part of the MTS, incorporation as a separate entity was approved at an inaugural meeting held at McMaster House on May 27, 1989. The 116 teachers present voted unanimously to form the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba. 

The first executive elected was:

    President                  John Kastrukoff 

     Vice-President         Walter Nowosad

    Secretary                   Nina Phillips

    Treasurer                   Anne Thiessen

     Staff Officer:              George Strang

     Member-at-Large     Valdine Johnson

     Member-at-Large     John Chalaturnyk
                                 
                                                  

The new executive then spent several months getting final approval of the Constitution & ByLaws. Next was the establishment of details of cooperation with the MTS. The MTS Presidents and Provincial Executives of the day were most helpful in this, including the donation of a start-up grant of $6000.00, needed to enable RTAM to function until a regular cash flow through membership fees was established.

With the formation of fourteen local chapters, (one of which operates in French) the RTAM continues to grow. A board membership of at least 12 and up to 20 members undertakes to provide a range of services to the membership. A regular newsletter, information booklets and pamphlets, a web page, a policy manual and Chapter President meetings ensure the members are informed. The RTAM Annual General Meeting provides a venue for review of Board activities and discussion. Improved liaison with Chapter Presidents also helps to keep them informed.

RTAM is a member of the national equivalent, the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART) located in Ottawa. This provides an opportunity to share opinions with other provincial retired teacher associations, and to have a forum for discussion on matters of federal interest to retired teachers.

Our Objectives

1. To promote the economic and social interests of the members and other retired teachers
2. To give assistance to its members (insofar as resources make it possible)
3. To provide a vehicle of communication for its members
4. To initiate or promote activities providing creative outlets for its members
5. To promote and facilitate the formation of local chapters in centres
6. To stimulate a continuing interest in developments in education
7. To maintain a liaison with The Manitoba Teachers Society, the Teachers' Retirement Allowances Fund, and the Canadian Association of  Retired Teachers, and other organizations with like or similar objectives
8. To furnish recommendations and advice to the Provincial Executive of The Manitoba  Teachers' Society on matters    affecting the welfare of retired teachers. 

Our Presidents