Richard Benoit and I (Pat Bowslaugh) attended the ACER-CART AGM which was
held on June 5-6/09 at the Canadian Teachers' Federation Building in
Ottawa.
The ACER-CART meeting was most productive with its opportunity to meet
representatives from each of the other provinces, to compare notes and to
hear of their challenges and experiences. The meetings are held all day on
both Friday and Saturday. Lunch was provided on site each day with Calvin
Fraser, Secretary General of CTF doing the barbeque duties and hosting the
Friday luncheon.
Outgoing President, Helen Biales, presided in an effective and expedient
manner covering reports from each province and territory plus committee
reports, budget and resolutions. A report on the hiring of Norbert
Boudreau as ACER-CART Executive Director was included and we had the
pleasure of meeting Norbert. CTF staff person, Lynne Richard, provides
ongoing secretarial support to ACER-CART. In addition, she does a stellar
job of arranging many of the details for this event.
Much appreciation goes to our insurance plan brokers, Johnson Inc. who
both pay for one night of accommodation for each representative as well as
sponsoring the lovely banquet on the Friday night. Lori MacDonald-Blundon
of Johnson, Inc. presented a lengthy and valuable report on Travel Plan
details specifically as the plan addresses Out of Province/ Out of Country
situations. This information is being passed on to the Benefits Committee.
Here are some brief notes on further highlights of the two days:
a.. CTF welcomes us "because we are teachers". This was a statement of
Calvin Fraser as he spoke to us about an Associate Membership in CTF. A
motion to request Associate Membership of ACER-CART was passed. We will
await the decision of CTF as to our possible acceptance.
b.. If accepted as an Associate Member of CTF retirees could be considered
for "Project Overseas". Materials regarding this program were provided and
our Education Advocacy Committee Chair has been apprised of their
availability.
c.. President Biales reported on the hiring of Norbert Boudreau plus
lobbying action which, among other actions, included contacting the
Privacy Commissioner of Canada expressing concern over the protection and
treatment of our personal information. Helen also thanked Vaughn for
keeping the website up to date.
d.. Dr. Tom Gaskell provided a detailed analysis of the Medicare situation
in Canada pointing out the "march toward a two-tier system" where the
private plan includes referrals to "Best Doctors". This then moves away
from a national health care system..... as idealized in the Canada Health
Act.
e.. The Communications report indicated a growth in the website visits and
the development of one newsletter "Options". There is also an updated
mailing list for publications (newsletters). Check our website for a link
to ACER-CART.
f.. The Pension and Retirement Income Committee reflected on their 2008
position paper on "The Effect of Escalating Property Taxes on Seniors" and
how they have been interacting with municipalities to garner support for
seniors' concerns.
Other focus areas included public safety and preparedness, clean air and
climate change, affordable housing and homelessness, active cities and
communities and rural and northern development.
g.. Alberta has already had their insurance plans transferred to Desjardin
Financial Services. In discussion with Alberta President, Paul Boisvert,
(who has already forwarded details to Richard and > myself) we note with
great interest the plan they have. They provided a document for us which
will be shared with Membership and Benefits Committees.
h.. The Retired Teachers of Ontario gifted a DVD to each person present
which outlines the benefits of membership in their organization. This will
be forwarded to the Membership Committee.
i.. Eleven resolutions/motions came to the floor for consideration. These
included:
1.. a motion asking the government to establish a National Securities
Regulator that enhances the rights of investors
2.. a recommendation to lobby the Federal Government to implement the
points in the November 2008 report of the Canadian Health Coalition regarding the
establishment of a universal health plan for Canadians
3.. a request for ACER-CART to lobby the government for a national
prescription drug strategy with coverage for catastrophic drug costs with expansion of
coverage until it is universal in application
4.. a recommendation for adequate financing of Radio Canada which is the
accessible source for francophones
5.. a motion to reject "Vote by Population" at ACER-CART meetings.
6.. RTAM's suggestion was for ACER-CART to continue to provide updates
(provincial comparisons of COLAs being granted and pension contribution
percentages) and other supplementary materials that keep us apprised on the work being done to achieve the annual goals.
***Please note that these are directives only and become goals for ACER-CART. They are NOT already enacted.
****
a. Vaughn Wadelius was elected ACER-CART President. Representatives
for thefour regions were also elected. Dean McMullen from Alberta is the West Region Representative.
b.. The budget indicates a total income from member fees of $31 274.70 with total expenditures of $10 676.92. Please note that Johnson, Inc. and CTF contribute towards the budget.
c.. It is important to note that Manitoba ranks fifth in the fees paid to ACER-CART ($1844.45 in 2008-09) which means that our membership is fifth highest of all the provinces. Please note that the docket will be available at the next Board Meeting and any questions are welcome. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as Manitoba Director for ACER-CART for the past two years.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Bowslaugh