2010-11
Organizational Change and Directors Update
Since the June 2010 AGM, there have been new Director appointments
to the ACER-CART Board by some member associations. Welcome to the
new Directors: Geraldine Wall (RTANL), Randy Holmsdale (RTO-NSTU),
Sonia Roy (SERFNB), Mildred Urquhart
(NBSRT), Joan Murphy (RTO/ERO);
George Georget (STS),
and Marlene Reddekopp (ARTA).
We were very disappointed to learn that the executive of our
largest Quebec association (AREQ) has decided to withdraw from
membership in ACER-CART, stating that they wish to pursue other
priorities. We asked them to review this decision but they did not
change their opinion. The 2011 AGM will have to accept the
resignation for it to become effective.
ACER-CART 2010 AGM Action Update
Almost all of the motions adopted at the 2010 AGM have now been
acted upon. Support by member associations in contacting their
federal MPs by phone, letter, or email to advocate for these
motions was much appreciated. The items that lent themselves to lobbying
the Government of Canada were:
?
to
change tax legislation in such a way that charitable donations up
to the amount of $1200 be accorded the same tax credits as those
of political contributions;
?
to improve the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), ...particularly
the automatic inclusion of eligible pensioners; and
?
to increase CPP/QPP, OAS, and GIS benefits and to take other
measures to ensure that seniors are able to avoid living in
poverty.
In addition, ACER-CART asked CNSO members to pursue lobbying the
federal government on the issue of investment fraud against
seniors. We also expressed
concern regarding the loss of the long form census survey.
The government is in the process of preparing its next budget.
There is still time to let the politicians know about these
concerns.
ACER-CART Executive Director Boudreau Honoured
Norbert Boudreau received District 27's RTO/ERO Exceptional
Service Award at the Nov 18, 2010 AGM. Norbert was also acclaimed
to the RTO/ERO provincial executive. Congratulations, Norbert!
Committee Reports
Reports on the activities of the ACER-CART committees are a
regular feature of the AGM and indicate the effort expended
during the previous year to advocate and publicize the positions
proposed by the national organization.
Pension and Retirement Income Committee
(Arnold Hull, Chair)
The committee has been reviewing various sources of information
and that which member associations were able to provide us
concerning retired teachers in poverty. A report on this is
being prepared for the 2011 AGM.
Communications Committee
(Vaughn Wadelius, Chair)
The website is a good source of information about our national
organization. Links to all member associations are an aid for
those looking for comparisons among the members, updated member
association contacts, and annual general meeting locations and
dates. On December 21 the website registered 7800 visitors
since September 2004. One new feature inaugurated in January was
a website page dedicated to information about the Congress of
National Seniors Organizations (CNSO) of which ACER-CART is a
member. Links to federal reports and CNSO issues will also be
featured on this page.
Health Services and Insurance Committee
(Thomas Gaskell, Chair)
Tom continues to monitor various issues related to national
health care and drug plans.
Legislation Committee
(Helen Biales, Chair)
As a result of the withdrawal request of AREQ, the Bylaw and
Articles are being reviewed for changes that may have to be
made.
In addition, a review of the process and parameters for
accepting new organizational members is being undertaken.
2011 AGM Deadlines
Nominations are being accepted for the 2011-12 positions of
President, and Regional Representatives (Atlantic, Ontario,
Québec, West). Nominating forms are available on ACER-CART’s
website and should be returned with a CV of the nominee by April
22 to Executive Director Norbert Boudreau. Director reports are
also due by April 22. A simplified format for the report is
available on the website. The April deadline date this year is
to ensure that AGM documents are translated and sent out to the
delegates well in advance of the AGM.
The President Comments
Vaughn Wadelius
We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary as
ACER-CART when we meet at the 2011 AGM. A Strategic Planning
seminar session was suggested as a way to review and redevelop our
goals and action for the future. Please submit your annual AGM
reports on time. I look forward to seeing the new and returning
delegates at the 2011 AGM.
My second (and last) year as your President is flying by. The loss
of AREQ has been a sad development, for they were a founding
member of ACER-CART. I hope they will return some day. On the
bright side, our association with CNSO continues to strengthen.
Three additional national associations have joined CNSO this year,
making our collective voice even louder at the national level.
Lobbying action taken by several groups (including us) seems to
have prompted the government to consider whether the “no
application” option for obtaining the OAS and GIS. While there are
problems with initiating this, it is a move that could save time,
administration costs, and help to ensure all qualifying seniors
are included.
Have a great New Year!
|
Previous
Newsletters of ACER-CART. |
-
Newsletter 2003 - 2004
-
Newsletter 2004 - 2005
-
Newsletter Summer, 2005
-
Newsletter Winter, 2006
Newsletter Summer, 2006
Newsletter Winter, 2007
Newsletter Summer, 2007
Newsletter Winter, 2008
Newsletter Summer, 2008
Newsletter Summer, 2009
Newsletter Summer, 2010
Newsletter Winter, 2011
|
