national pensioners federation

December 2015
Volume 15 Issue 3
Season's Greetings
We would like to take the time to wish you a safe and happy
holiday and thank you for your continued support.
Page 2
National Pensioners Federation
NATIONAL PENSIONERS FEDERATION
NPF Executive 2015 –2016
President: Herb John
249 Peters Road
Walpole Island, ON
N8A 4K9
Cell: 519-350-3221
E-mail: herb.john@npfmail.ca
Secretary: Pat Brady
27681 - 56 Avenue
Abbotsford, BC
V4X 1J9
Phone: 604-856-2430
E-mail: patbrady@uniserve.com
Treasurer: Mary Forbes
2186 Stanfield Road
Mississauga, ON
L4Y 1R5
Phone: 905-306-1830
E-mail: maryforbes123@gmail.com
1st Vice President: John Gatens
20 Logan Lane
Lindsay, ON
K9V 0L3
Phone: 705-878-5940 or Cell: 905-242-0554
E-mail: johngatens4@bell.net
2nd Vice President: Mike Kaminski
136 –2nd Ave W., Box 127
Invermay, SK
S0A 1M0
Phone: 306-922-8238 or Cell: 306-571-9117
E-mail: aelkam@sasktel.net
3rd Vice President: Bernie LaRusic
21 Grandview Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 3N4
Phone: 902-562-1901
E-mail: bernielarusic_392@hotmail.com
Member at Large: Zoe’ Kopetsky
P.O. Box 238
Winterton, NL
A0B 3M0
Phone: 709-583-0007
E-mail: zkopetsky@gmail.com
To the Readers
All editorial matter published in this NPF newsletter represents the views and opinions of the
authors and not necessarily those of the NPF or
the publication’s editor.
Don't Plan for Seniors
Plan with Seniors
Deadline for
NPF Newsletter
submissions is
March 1, 2016
Statements and opinions expressed do not represent the official policy of NPF unless so
stated.
Have you got an article you would like to submit for consideration?
Please send your articles to the publication's editor, Jean Simpson at jean.simpson@npfmail.ca
Printed at UNIFOR Regional Office, 140 Pine Valley Blvd., London ON
National Pensioners Federation
Page 3
Art Kube, “Order of Canada”
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on
Nov. 18, bestowing the honour on Art Kube, former president of National Pensioners Federation and the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C.
Photo by Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall, OSGG
President
National Pensioners Federation extends heartfelt congratulations to Art Kube for
this honourable recognition of his life time dedication to creating a better world for
everyone!
Arthur Kube (Reprinted with permission of COSCO)
“Arthur Kube has devoted a lifetime to
supporting workers and the disadvantaged,” said Governor General David
Johnston as he officially made Art Kube
a member of the Order of Canada.
At the age of 19, Art immigrated to
Canada from Austria. He worked as a
steel fabricator but his real skill is bringing together people, motivating them to
help build a more civil society, and giving them the tools to do so through
mentorship and education.
A member of the Steelworkers Union,
Art rose through the ranks of the labour
movement, and along the way, helped
to found Canada’s first co-operative
housing federation.
“Over the course of 25 years with the
Canadian Labour Congress, he played
a pivotal role in its struggle to
make our country more progressive and equitable. Respected for his humility and integrity, he was elect-ed president of the BC Federation of Labour, led the United Way of Great-er Vancouver and, in his retirement, served as
president of British Columbia’s Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations,” said Johnston.
Art has played a key role in the annual Winter School that has educated thousands of union activists, and the free
COSCO workshops which have reached thousands of seniors in B.C.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community
and service to the nation.
Congratulations Art!!!
Page 4
National Pensioners Federation
… continued from the President
Our annual convention for 2015 in Ottawa was well attended , informative and constructive. Thank you to everyone
that helped make it a success. We began our convention with a rally on Parliament Hill with speakers addressing the
four issues of the Seniors Vote collaboration; health care, housing, financial security in retirement and the growing
inequality in Canada. This event was planned in conjunction with many other International Day of Older Persons
events across the country. We will soon begin plans for the October 1st celebration next year. Lets join together
again in this annual celebration.
We had interesting and informative speakers which included author Mark Bourrie, Melissa Newitt from the Canadian
Health Coalition, Andrew Goldstein from Trillium Health Partners, Dr. Frank Molnar from the Canadian Medical Association and Trish Hennessy of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Some of their power point presentations are available on our web site. (Convention / Documents / 2015.)
We discussed and adopted a Housing Policy which was presented by Barb Mikulec and Bernie LaRusic of our Housing Committee. This policy will be the document we use in our lobby efforts with MP’s. It is available on our website
at: www.nationalpensionersfederation.ca/?page_id=2935
On behalf of the membership and executive I thank Sandy Carricato and Winnie Fraser-Mackay for their years of
contribution to NPF. We look forward to working with our new treasurer Mary Forbes.
Our Convention next year will be in Richmond B.C. on September 27, 28 and 29 following the COSCO convention.
This will be a Tuesday - Thursday schedule instead of the usual Wed - Fri. schedule. Details will be available on our
website when information is available.
Our congratulations to Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada for their decisive victory in the federal election. We look forward to working in a much different environment. We will continue to raise the issues that are important to aging Canadians to ensure that the broad range of commitments that were made are fulfilled. Expectations
have not been this high in Canada for many years.
Watching the election results ticking in and ending with so many incredibly talented and dedicated Members of Parliament losing their seats was a shock which will reverberate for a long time. This empathy was obviously not extended to everyone that lost. Canadians celebrate the fact that the previous government is gone and hope that this
type of government is never repeated. It is time to fulfill our dreams of a country that respects the value that every
person has and acts accordingly.
We will pursue the commitments made;
Trudeau said investments in affordable housing and seniors facilities would be among those “prioritized” under his
plan for a wide range of social projects. He pledged to provide $20 billion in new spending over a 10-year period.
Invest 3 billion over four years on home care and improve access to and reduce the cost of prescription medications
through bulk purchasing. Establish a pan-Canadian Expert Advisory Council on Mental Health.
Negotiate a new Canada Health Accord.
Return the OAS eligibility from 67 back to 65.
Make employment insurance compassionate care benefits available to anyone caring for a seriously ill family member and make the program more flexible by allowing the six-month benefit to be claimed in blocks of time over a year
-long period.
Implementing a new Seniors Price Index (SPI)
National Pensioners Federation_______________
Page 5
...continued from the President
A 10 % boost in the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
An increase in the CPP is also necessary to provide retirement income for future retirees, especially with the ongoing greedy determination by corporations to not only eliminate the bargaining of any new DB plans but the patient
and determined undermining of existing pensions in the public and private sectors.
As always the National Pensioners Federation will work with anyone who’s focus is building a democratic and compassionate future for all aging Canadians.
The decision to bring Syrian refugees into Canada is an example of the compassion that Canadians feel happy to
extend to those that are living such impoverished lives. The governments lead in opening these doors and the overwhelming outpouring of help from Canadians has put Canada back in its place as a global leader in extending compassion.
The news from Canada Post to suspend the elimination of door to door delivery was good news. The fact that they
said nothing about their challenges to pensions is concerning. We must continue to maintain our position that public
and private pensions are earned and can not be retroactively changed. This argument applies to current and future
retirees that have earned pension credits.
The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 21 or CMP is being held in Le Bourget, from November
30 to December 11. It is the 21st yearly session of the Conference of the Parties, to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (hence COP 21) and the 11th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the 1997
Kyoto Protocol. The objective of the conference is to achieve legally binding and universal agreement on climate,
from all nations of the world.
The results of this conference will obviously affect everyone on the planet and therefore it is an issue of importance
to seniors. We are running out of time to protect this planet for our grandchildren and future generations. These discussions have been ongoing for over 20 years, the environmental movement has been around for 45 years and we
are still destroying the planet at an alarming rate. What is it that national governments and global capitalists don't
get? There is no more room or time for outliers. I hope that the positions that Prime Minister Trudeau takes at COP
21 on behalf of Canada meet the hopeful expectations of Canadians. Our grandchildren’s future depends on this.
The NPF Executive Board wishes everyone a warm family holiday season.
Wishing you all the very best!
Herb John, President
Page 6
National Pensioners Federation
Thank you!!
Greetings; first let me thank the delegates for again electing me to office in spite of
the fact I couldn’t be present at our convention in Ottawa.
Thank goodness I am now almost settled in my new home in Lindsay, a rural town
north east of Toronto away from the hustle and bustle of the greater Toronto area.
1st Vice President
I was sorry to have missed the convention the reports of which have been excellent
form all accounts. I congratulate our president Herb John and the other members
of the executive who ran a tight ship with few complaints about this
convention from the delegates. I also congratulate my old colleagues on their re-election and welcome our latest
member of the executive, Mary Forbes on her election as our new Treasurer.
For most Canadians the most significant event experienced recently was the federal election. I am elated with the
result because we ousted a dictatorship run by Stephen Harper. Having said that, I am also somewhat disappointed
in the fact that some very fine deserving members of parliament were defeated, being swept up in this landslide that
really reflected the desperate need by the people to rid ourselves of this regressive self-serving government, and
who if not self-serving certainly served the financially elite of this country. I say Good riddance.
I am excited with the prospect of our new Prime Minister undoing some of the harmful changes enacted by the last
government e.g. with the promise to reinstating the Old Age Pension to age 65. I believe this in one of the most important issues that will affect many seniors in the near future.
When you really analyze this important change in government it I am reminded of the excitement I felt in coming to
this country with hopes and dreams of a better life for myself and my family. I sincerely hope my expectations are
note dashed, but I am prepared to give this young man the benefit of the doubt and allow him some time to bring us
back to progress for all not just the chosen few.
In the past I have mentioned an important event I have been involved in, that is our annual Health and Wellness
Fair, held in Oshawa at Unifor Local 222 hall. This is our tenth annual event that draws approximately 360 seniors
for a full day’s participation in a variety of health related issues pertaining mainly to seniors.
We have many agencies providing screening for Hearing Tests, Blood Pressure checks, Random Blood Glucose, we
have Massage therapists. WE have seniors demonstrating Tai Chi and Line Dancing. We also have many interesting
speakers discussing issues: Fire Prevention, the importance of fitness in seniors. The Prevention and Cancer
Screening Program, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and a speaker from the Ontario Health Coalition and last but not least a
speaker on Dementia.
As you can see it is a full day during which we provide Tea, coffee and muffins at breakfast, and a bagged lunch at
noon. We have prizes donated by a number of our sponsors. All in all it’s a very informative and entertaining day in
which our local Mayor along with many other dignitaries takes time to attend.
I feel very lucky to be a part of this group and only wish that these types of events could be shared by hundreds of
seniors at locations all across the country, who knows perhaps we will see similar events with the help support and
assistance from our new Prime Minister.
As I write this report i am preparing for your executives monthly conference call, we do this to stay in contact, plan
and discuss issues, and first and foremost to save money since we are from different provinces and cannot afford to
travel from one end of our country to the other to meet in body. It works!
Speaking about contact from one province to another and all that entails, I would at this time like to invite members
of our affiliates to join me by becoming a member of our Communications and Outreach committee, to help us engage with our members through the written word i.e. letters in our News bulletin four times yearly, or enabling us
through the “New method of communicating” E mail or internet to help grow this organization by reaching like
minded groups of seniors who believe that it is much more beneficial to belong to a National organization that can
speak on behalf of seniors from all across this great nation.
If you believe you have something to offer or you know someone who has the skills and ability to share, please send
me your name and contact address:
John Gatens, 1st Vice President
National Pensioners Federation
Page 7
Change and Choices
Summer is over, and fall is also passing at a fast pace. The green landscape has
turned to shades of brown and white. The temperature is dropping as the changes in
the surroundings are slowly, but surely, verifying the change in the season. Thanksgiving and Hallowe’en have passed and plans are being made for Christmas.
2nd Vice President
Change is a slow process. Many people don’t like change because it means that we
have to cope with things that we are not used to. Others like change because it is refreshing, offers new solutions, and explores new strategies. However, all change
needs to be based on a needs assessment, solid research and a comprehensive, integrated plan. Change for the sake of change itself is meaningless.
Seniors’ Issues, climate change, the economy, terrorism, security, etc. are some of the main issues that were debated during the last federal election. Many promises of change were made; however, too many were made to buy
votes and not necessarily address the concerns. Many novice politicians were elected to replace experienced ones
and charged with the task of addressing some very serious issues. While this might enable more “Thinking Outside
the Box”, there still needs to be some thinking done.
Some of the promises made were done to appease an electorate that expected Canadian solutions to solve world
problems. This might be a good political strategy, but only that! The reality is that a promise is not a solution, and
promises don’t, of themselves, solve problems. After the tragedy in Paris, our newly elected government and our
novice Prime Minister, need to seriously reflect on their promises and the premature initiatives, rethink their course
of action and try to envisage the impact of rushed decisions.
Remember, if you have a headache, taking a headache pill might dull the pain, but it doesn’t remedy the source of
the pain. The better cure is in resolving whatever is causing the pain in the first place. By this method, you don’t
have to continue with drugs to desensitise the nerves and not really solve the problem. Similarly, solutions to problems need to address the cause, not just the effects.
Canada is a cultural mosaic. However, it is a country with values and obligations. If we can find sufficient funding
for accepting refugees, then maybe we should be able to find sufficient funding to address the homelessness problems in each of the provinces. Maybe some additional money can be found to solve the shortfall of funding for seniors. Why is it so possible to find the financial resources for all the severance pay for defeated MP’s, terminated civil
servants, MP pensions, etc. and almost impossible to assist the seniors, the homeless, and the unemployed?
Mike Kaminski, 2nd Vice President
Learn from yesterday,
live for today,
hope for tomorrow.
Albert Einstein
"The secret of change is to focus all of
your energy, not on fighting the old, but
on building the new."
Socrates
Page 8_____________________________________________________________National Pensioners Federation
Hi: I am Mary Forbes: I have been a Cub Scout Leader and a
Brownie Leader, volunteered at Easter Seals Campaigns, walked
to raise funds for various Charities and always been involved in
Social activities at home and at work.
Treasurer
I had been employed at Spar Aerospace (now Mdcan) for approximately 3 years before the "Union Bug" bit me. I worked in Finance
which at that time was a large Department. I have always offered
people help and advice, in fact I have been called "Mother Mary".
Anyway the Election for Union Leadership arrived and I was asked
to run for the position of Committee Person. I took up the challenge and my handout was a fortune cookie with the message
“Vote for Mary Forbes” inside. I won!
My Husband had been very involved in Leadership roles with the United Steel Workers America (USWA) and
along with his advice and that of Brother John Woods, I took up the challenge and learned on the job. I must
have done okay because then I was elected to the Bargaining Committee and that wasn’t enough I became the
Health & Safety Rep., a Member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee and the Pay Equity Committee. I argued for hours on Pay Equity on that Committee and on the Bargaining Committee I tried to obtain Dental Benefits for Retirees (instead I obtained Dental Benefits for new hires and after 3 months with the Company). I have
attended many training courses and conferences to educate myself on issues affecting working people. In each
Company I worked for I was always responsible for Accounts Payable, Expense Claims and Time Keeping. I
believe that my extra curricular activities were really beneficial in my work. I gained the ability to deal with people
in all walks of life.
I was Financial Secretary of my Local Union, C.A.W. Education, Technical, Office and Professional (ETOP) 673
for almost 10 years and Financial Secretary of the C.A.W. Education Technical and Professional Council for
approximately 6 years. After my final layoff I attended Microsoft and Excel courses courtesy of EI (Government
Canada) and became proficient in Word. Then I was able to take on the role of Recording Secretary of my Local
Union’s Retired Workers Chapter for 2 years and now I am Chairperson. I am on the standing Committee for
Ontario Federation Union Retirees (OFUR) and the Recording Secretary for Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC), the co-chair of The Toronto Retirees Network and the Treasurer of Toronto West Retired Workers
Chapter. I attend Conferences, Demonstrations and Picket Lines representing the Committees I am involved
with. I volunteer at NDP and Municipal Political Campaigns. I would encourage any Retiree to get involved in
their Union. It is invigorating and one continues to learn, to keep busy and to meet many interesting people.
What do I want: Peace in all corners of our World and that our new Liberal Government start implementing
their election promises!
Mary Forbes, Treasurer
REQUEST FOR DONATIONS
As the treasurer for the National Pensioners Federation one of my duties is raising funds.
We would appreciate any donations that our Clubs/Groups and individual/family members can make.
Please send your donation to:
Mary Forbes, NPF Treasurer
2186 Stanfield Road
Mississauga, ON L4Y 1R5
National Pensioners Federation___________________________________________________________ _ Page 9
NATIONAL PENSIONERS FEDERATION (NPF)
The NPF financial year is from January 1st through December 31st (the calendar year). Club and Group
dues are to be paid each year in January and are based on the listing below.
Please complete this Submission Form (Club/Group address and contact) and submit your dues as early
as possible.
Annual Club/Group membership dues:
Select
( )
Club/Group - under 100 members
$35
( )
Club/Group from 101 to 500 members
$75
( )
Club/Group from 501 to 1,000 members
$125
( )
Club/Group with over 1,000 members
$350
( )
______
( )
Donations would be gratefully accepted.
The NPF depends on your financial support in order to continue and expand our advocacy efforts.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or write the Treasurer. Thank you
TOGETHER SENIORS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please print all information clearly and submit with your payment directly to:
Mary Forbes, NPF Treasurer
2186 Stanfield Road
Mississauga, ON L4Y 1R5
Phone: 905 306-1830 Email: maryforbes123@gmail.com
We need this information in order to keep our records up-to-date. The names and phone numbers of
your executive board members would also be appreciated. On occasion this information is helpful.
CLUB #
CLUB NAME
CONTACT
ADDRESS
PROV
POSTAL CODE
PHONE NUMBER
Individual/Family membership is $25/$35 respectively and application/payment may be submitted on this
form. Please note that the dues structure was changed at the 2013 Convention in Windsor.
Page 10
National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation
Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations
La Société des Organisations des Citoyens Aînés de l’Ontario
333 Wilson Avenue, Suite 406, Toronto, Ontario M3H 1T2 Telephone: 416.785.8570 Toll Free: 1.800.265.0779
Fax: 416.785.7361 Email: ocsco@ocsco.ca Charitable Registration Number: 88502 6351 RR0001
November 18, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE
HERB JOHN RECEIVES OSSCO’S 2015 DAN BENEDICT AWARD
Starting in the 1980’s when he became a Canadian citizen, through to the beginning of the 21st century, Dan Benedict’s name was synonymous with integrity and social justice within the labour movement in Canada. Benedict, a
long time board member of the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO), passed away in 2003 at
the age of 86. His legacy was such that OSSCO honoured him with an award in his name. This award is handed out
to individuals who embody Benedict’s spirit of leadership, innovation, community mobilization and partnerships.
On November 17th at OSSCO’s Annual Seniors Education Day &
Information Fair, OSSCO Chair-elect Claude Hould proudly presented Walpole Island resident Herb John with the prestigious 2015
Dan Benedict Award for Social Justice. John, a well-known and
respected advocate for social justice, was on hand at the event to
accept the award in front of hundreds of seniors and seniors service
providers in Toronto.
Herb John started his mission as a social justice leader at a young
age, beginning as a member of the Windsor N.D.P. Youth Group at
14. He was an employee of the Ford Motor Company from 1973
until 2003, during which he was highly active with the Canadian
Auto Workers union (C.A.W.). For 20 years, he held various leadership positions: including #3 and #2 Shift Committee Person, Plant
Chairperson, Trustee on the Local Executive Board and member of
the Local and Master bargaining Committees. Herb was involved
with the Local 200 Environment Committee, C.A.W. Council Environment Committee, & the Citizens Environment Alliance to name a
few of his many connections to advocacy.
Upon retirement, John maintained his community involvement and
was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Essex Kent/Windsor C.A.W.
Area Retired Workers Council.
September 2010 at the Retired Workers Annual National Conference, Herb was elected to the C.A.W. National Retired Workers Advisory Executive Board and gave his up his local CAW council work. In addition, he holds the post
as President of the National Pensioners’ Federation (an organization with 60,000+ members that raises issues that
are important to aging Canadians) and serves on the Board of Directors of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance; demonstrating an individual wholly inspired and dedicated to helping his fellow Ontarians in any way he can.
Dan Benedict created a legacy by showing Ontarians how to blaze their own trail in the area of social justice. Over
the past 40+ years, Herb John created a road map of his own, following in the footsteps of great people like Benedict. John added his own templates to the social justice model, acting as an inspiration and voice to the people he
has encountered in a life dedicated to the service of others.
National Pensioners Federation
Page 11
Press Release: November 5 2015
Public Consultation Is Step One.
Today the text for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) was released globally. The National
Pensioners Federation is requesting that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implement a public
consultation process so that seniors in Canada have the opportunity to review the document
and have input into the consultations.
“We need guarantees that this trade deal will not have a negative impact on aging Canadians
collecting pensions and living on fixed incomes. We know from experience that even though
trade deals are proclaimed to benefit everyone they do not. The promised jobs and trickle down
economic assurances of the past are not enough anymore. We are looking for the promised
change in the new governments approach to how Canada does business,” said Herb John NPF
President.
National Pensioners Federation is demanding,
1)
2)
3)
A comprehensive and independent analysis of the TPP text by the Parliament Budget
Officer. Among other things, the analysis must assess the deal’s impact on human rights,
health, employment, environment and democracy.
Public hearings in each province and territory across Canada as well as separate and
meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities and First Nations. No agreement
can be ratified without their consent.
Ensure that the any progress made at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change
in Paris (COP21) is protected from the investor-state dispute settlement provisions
(ISDS) in the TPP. Furthermore, ISDS must be excided from the TPP.
The complete TPP text may be accessed here:
www.mfat.govt.nz/Treaties-and-International-Law/01-Treaties-for-which-NZ-isDepositary/0-Trans-Pacific-Partnership-Text.php
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Did you know you may advertise in this newsletter?
Business card - $25
One quarter page - $40
One half page - $75
One full page - $150
Don't Plan for Seniors
Plan with Seniors
Page 12
National Pensioners Federation
December 3, 2015
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
70 Colombine Driveway,
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Location: 0906C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Dear Minister Philpott,
We welcome you to your new role as Canada’s Minster of Health and we look forward to working together to defend and expand Canada’s public health care system.
Your experience within our public health care system as well as advocating for some of our
world’s most vulnerable people speaks volumes about what you bring to this role. It is very
clear that strong vision and leadership are required to ensure that all people in Canada have
access to the public health care they need regardless of where they live or how much they
earn.
As a national coalition, we have been working since the inception of public health care to ensure the preservation and improvement of Medicare. We are a public advocacy organization of
national organizations representing seniors, faith groups, anti-poverty groups, women, nurses,
health care workers, trade unions and students as well as affiliated coalitions in 9 provinces
and 2 territories.
As a part of this year’s National Medicare Week, public health care advocates from across the
country are contacting their MP’s to share their priorities and expectations for our health care
system. We would also like to outline our priorities in hope that we will collaborate to maintain
and improve our system from coast to coast to coast.
We are pleased that the Prime Minister has committed to renegotiate the Health Accord with
the provinces and territories to provide a long-term funding agreement. As a coalition, we look
forward to providing you with our input into this process to ensure that the new agreement
meets the needs of all people in Canada. Additionally, we are pleased to learn that you have
on a number of occasions joined our call for a National Public Drug Plan. You are no doubt
aware that almost a quarter of people in our country have not taken necessary medications because they could not pay for them and that the implementation of this plan could save as much
as $11 billion annually. We are ready to work with you to create a National Drug Plan for all
people in Canada.
As we look at the increasing health care needs of our aging population, it is clear that we are in
desperate need of a plan. Our movement is calling for a National Strategy for Seniors Care.
This plan must include the appropriate continuum of publically-owned care providing hospital
care, long-term care, homecare, as well as hospice and palliative care. Our aging population
deserves nothing less.
National Pensioners Federation
Page 13
Across this country our public health care system is under attack, whether it is increased user
fees in Nova Scotia, the legislation of extra billing through Bill 20 in Quebec or the Dr. Day case
in BC. There is a clear need to uphold single-tier Medicare as well as to stop user fees for
medically necessary services and extra-billings of patients. Health care advocates are committed to working to protect our precious public health care system.
We invite you to join us in this important work.
Sincerely,
National
Canadian Health Coalition
Canadian Association of Retired Teachers
Canadian Federation of Nurses
Canadian Labour Congress
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Congress of Union Retirees of Canada
Council of Canadians
National Pensioners Federation
National Union of Public and General Employees
United Steelworkers
Provincial and Territorial
Alberta Friends of Medicare
Alternatives North
BC Health Coalition
Nova Scotia Health Coalition
Ontario Health Coalition
Hospital Employees’ Union
Contact:
Melissa Newitt, National Coordinator (Interim), Canadian Health Coalition
251 Bank St., Suite 212, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3
E-mail - mnewitt@healthcoalition.ca
Telephone - 613-688-4973 X1
Page 14
National Pensioners Federation
National Pensioners Federation___________________
Website: www.nationalpensionersfederation.ca
___Page 15
Toll Free: 1-877-251-7042
OBJECTIVES
National Pensioners Federation is an organization devoted entirely to the welfare and best interests of Canada’s
elderly.
1. To promote and establish and foster Seniors’ Centres (called Clubs or Groups) and Regional and Provincial Seniors’ groups throughout Canada.
2. To provide education for persons in the retired and senior citizens age group and other individuals interested in
aging, and the status and well being of seniors.
3. To reach out to seniors who are lonely, or isolated, or at risk.
4. To provide programs which promote healthy active lifestyles for seniors, thus sustaining mental and physical
health.
5. To assist in developing the knowledge that seniors should learn during their aging process, through promotion of
educational experiences.
6. To research the aging process, and any problems and benefits pertaining to the aged that might be of interest to
the Federation and to use the knowledge gained from that research to educate seniors and any other party or parties
who are or might become interested in these concerns.
7. To provide opportunities for seniors to utilize their volunteer and leadership skills for the benefits of all persons.
8. To consult with other private and public organizations which offer similar services in order to gather any educational information that will add to knowledge and be of use to seniors and the public.
"YOU
are the
Change"
Page 16
National Pensioners Federation
Saluting the National
Pensioners Federation
The Executive & Membership of the Retired Workers
Chapter of UNIFOR Auto Workers Local 222
President - Les MacDonald
Secretary Treasurer - Art Field
Vice President - Lyle Hargrove
Sergeant at Arms - Mike Saunders
Member at Large - John Redko (R.I.P. Brother)
Female Member at Large - Wendy Rolfe
Trustees - Lance Livingstone
Paul Herrington
Don Revoy
1425 Phillip Murray Ave., Oshawa, ON L1J 8L4
905-723-1187 1-800-465-5458
www.local222retirees.ca
National Pensioners Federation
Page 17
UNIFOR Local 200 Retired
Workers Salutes The National
Pensioners Federation
Serving Ford Windsor Retired Workers since 1966
Chairperson: Jack Gibbons
Vice Chairperson: Jim Mitchell
Financial Secretary : Mike Lepine
Recording Secretary: John Gray
Sergeant-at-arms: Roger LeFrancois
Guide: Pam Strong
Windsor Essex/Chatham
Kent Area
UNIFOR Retired Workers
Council
Representing Retired Workers from
UNIFOR Local 127
UNIFOR Local 195
UNIFOR Local 200
UNIFOR Local 240
UNIFOR Local 444
UNIFOR Local 1498
UNIFOR Local 1941
UNIFOR Local 1959
UNIFOR Local 1973
UNIFOR Local 2027
UNIFOR Local 2098
UNIFOR Local 2458
Page 18
National Pensioners Federation
RETIREES AREA
COUNCIL
AJAX, OSHAWA &
PETERBOROUGH
UNIFOR LOCALS 1090, 222 & 524
Bill Woodbeck - Chairperson
Roger Lathangue - Vice Chair
Sandy Carricato - Financial Secretary
Art Field
Les MacDonald
Gord Terry
Lyle Hargrove
Armindo Vieira
John Gatens
Buy Canadian Union Made Products
If Not Delivered Please Return to:
Mary Forbes
2186 Stanfield Road
Mississauga, ON
L4Y 1R5