R T O / E R O EDITOR · of RTO/ERO. The By-Laws approved at the Fall Senate will replace our...
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Publication Mail Agreement #40052373 EDITOR John McLaughlin April 2018 Past President Jim Sparrow 519-978-2806 President Marg Clarke 519-735-0727 President-Elect/ 1 st Vice-President Bill Bowden 519-948-5214 2 nd Vice-President Art Dube 519-362-6630 Secretary George Merrett 519-956-8237 Treasurer Leo L. Couture 519-992-9935 Newsletter Editor John McLaughlin 519-736-5761 Website Address: http://district7. erorto.org./ R T O / E R O Windsor/Essex District 7 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By the time you receive this newsletter the official beginning of Spring would have arrived (hopefully). For those who stayed in the area, it was a very cold and snowy winter and better days are ahead. It has been a very busy year for our District. At the beginning of January we issued a Special Edition newsletter announcing our our 50 th Anniversary Luncheon on April 25 th . The planning committee has worked on this event for the past year and the response from the members has been tremendous. I am looking forward to seeing you on that day as we celebrate 50 years of the Retired Teachers on Ontario/Les Enseignantes et Enseignants Retraites de L’Ontario. In this newsletter, you will find other social events planned by Bill Bowden, our Travel Chair. Bill has planned trips in the following months. We also have our monthly Breakfast Club on the second Thursday of the month and more of our members are joining us. On February 9, 2018 RTO/ERO was successful in their application to become an incorporated organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. At the provincial level, there will be changes. The Provincial Executive will be re-named a Board of Directors. The President will assume the role of Chair of the Board and the First Vice-President will become the Vice-Chair of the Board. There will be 6 members of the Board of Directors and they will be elected at the May Senate which now becomes the Annual General Meeting of RTO/ERO. The By-Laws approved at the Fall Senate will replace our present Constitution. There will be some changes at the local level once the recommendations are forward from the Provincial Office. The Annual General Meeting of District 7 Windsor-Essex will be held on Wednesday, May 9 th . At that meeting reports will be RETURN TO – Publication Mail Agreement John McLaughlin #40052373 58 Venetian Drive Amherstburg ON N9V 3A2 THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO – LES ENSEIGNATES ET ENSEIGNANTES RETRAITES DE L’ONTARIO
Transcript of R T O / E R O EDITOR · of RTO/ERO. The By-Laws approved at the Fall Senate will replace our...
Publication Mail Agreement #40052373 EDITOR
John McLaughlin April 2018
Due to inclement Windsor/Essex District 7
++++
Past President Jim Sparrow 519-978-2806 President Marg Clarke 519-735-0727 President-Elect/ 1st Vice-President Bill Bowden 519-948-5214 2nd Vice-President Art Dube 519-362-6630 Secretary George Merrett 519-956-8237 Treasurer Leo L. Couture 519-992-9935 Newsletter Editor John McLaughlin 519-736-5761
Website Address: http://district7.
erorto.org./
R T O / E R O Windsor/Essex District 7
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By the time you receive this newsletter the official beginning of Spring would have arrived (hopefully). For those who stayed in the area, it was a very cold and snowy winter and better days are ahead. It has been a very busy year for our District. At the beginning of January we issued a Special Edition newsletter announcing our our 50th Anniversary Luncheon on April 25th. The planning committee has worked on this event for the past year and the response from the members has been tremendous. I am looking forward to seeing you on that day
as we celebrate 50 years of the Retired Teachers on Ontario/Les Enseignantes et Enseignants Retraites de L’Ontario. In this newsletter, you will find other social events planned by Bill Bowden, our Travel Chair. Bill has planned trips in the following months. We also have our monthly Breakfast Club on the second Thursday of the month and more of our members are joining us. On February 9, 2018 RTO/ERO was successful in their application to become an incorporated organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. At the provincial level, there will be changes. The Provincial Executive will be re-named a Board of Directors. The President will assume the role of Chair of the Board and the First Vice-President will become the Vice-Chair of the Board. There will be 6 members of the Board of Directors and they will be elected at the May Senate which now becomes the Annual General Meeting of RTO/ERO. The By-Laws approved at the Fall Senate will replace our present Constitution. There will be some changes at the local level once the recommendations are forward from the Provincial Office. The Annual General Meeting of District 7 Windsor-Essex will be held on Wednesday, May 9th. At that meeting reports will be
RETURN TO – Publication Mail Agreement John McLaughlin #40052373 58 Venetian Drive Amherstburg ON N9V 3A2
THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO – LES ENSEIGNATES ET ENSEIGNANTES RETRAITES DE L’ONTARIO
President
heard from our various committees and the local Executive for 2018-2019 will be elected. More information is found in this newsletter. If you are interested in serving on our Executive, please let Jim Sparrow, our Nominations Chair know. Our Executive meetings are held in the morning once a month except for the month of February and July. Consider participating on your local Executive.
Margaret Clarke President
OUT-OF-PROVINCE TRAVEL One of the advantages frequently enjoyed by many members and their spouses is the 93 days of travel insurance outside the province of Ontario. A lot of members are not aware that in many provinces our Ontario coverage is not recognized. Many members who spend time in winter in southern parts of the United States have found that their insurance coverage is as good, and often better, than other plans. See some of the benefits listed below.
Out-of-Province/Canada Travel (100% reimbursement)
Unlimited number of trips of up to 93 days in duration.
Maximum $2,000,000 per insured/trip for eligible emergency medical expenses incurred
due to an accident or sudden illness while travelling outside your province of residence.
Pre-existing medical conditions are covered subject to a 90-day medical stability clause.
Air ambulance coverage.
$6,000 trip cancellation and interruption/delay per person/trip.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018 10:00 A.M.
CABOTO CLUB 2175 PARENT AVENUE,
WINDSOR
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT NO COST
Join us for an opportunity to meet your District Executive, ask questions, express concerns, participate in the governance
process.
RSVP BY WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2018 Toni Michalczuk
[email protected] or 519-258-7382
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2017 2016Assets at January 1
General Ledger Balance $ 29,130.15 $ 20,565.93 Investments 3,178.94 Other assets:_________________________ 1,227.72
Total Assets $ 29,130.15 $ 24,972.59
RevenueGrants Annual $ 33,415.24 32,601.53 Bilingual Services 100.56 Project - Service to Others Retirement Planning Workshops 940.00 706.18 Interest on Bank Balance and Investments 62.28 Other: Social, Excur., Spec.Proj.,Misc. 10,870.00 9,816.30
Total Revenue: $ 45,325.80 $ 43,186.29
ExpensesDistrict Goodwill $ 5,146.49 $ 4,857.39 Bilingual Services 100.56 Project - Service to Others - Recruitment - Meetings Executive 1,238.65 1,179.42 District Senate 2,335.76 780.66 Provincial Workshops 628.28 Newsletter (mailings, printing, postage) 8,550.25 11,883.77 Office expenses - (bank charges, faxes, photocopies, stamps, stationery, telephone etc.)1,784.30 868.07 Retiree Receptions - Retirement Planning Workshops 1,060.22 702.68 Transportation 1,729.35 1,657.64 Website 243.75 Donations 500.00 2,910.00 Political Advocacy 256.00 Other Expenses - 300.00
Socials, Excursions 14,533.90 11,925.21 Advertising, Cap.Exp.,Misc. 2,008.59 1,720.14 Awards,Bursaries 133.30
Total Expenses $ 40,005.65 $ 39,028.73
A) Assets + Revenue - Expenses: $ 34,450.30 $ 29,130.15
Assets at December 31General Ledger balance 24,450.30 29,130.15 Investments 10,000.00 Other assets:
B) Total Assets $ 34,450.30 $ 29,130.15
Consolidated Financial Statement for the Period January 1-December 31, 2017 District No. 7 - Windsor-Essex
Treasurer’s Report The attached Financial Statement reflects the financial position for Windsor-Essex, District 7for the year 2017. In addition, we submit our Budget Proposal for 2018.The majority of our budget revenues is received from RTO/ERO. It is a per capita allotment based on our membership effective December 31, 2017.The balance of our revenues is received from monies collected from excursions, social gatherings and incidental revenue generating projects(50/50 draws, ornament sales, etc.) Respectfully submitted, Leo L. Couture
Rapport du trésorier Les états financiers ci-joints reflètent la situation financière de Windsor-Essex, district 7pour l'année 2017. En outre, nous soumettons le budget proposé pour 2018.La majorité de nos revenus provient d'ERO / RTO, un montant généré par notre membriété locale à compter du 31 décembre 2017.Le solde de nos revenus provient des fonds amassés lors des excursions,rencontres sociales et autres projets (tirages 50/50, ventes d'ornements, etc.) Respectueusement soumis, Leo L. Couture
REVENUE Amount DISBURSEMENTS Amount
Grants: Annual 33170 Meetings: Executive 900Grants: Bilingual 3000 Bilingual 3000Grants: 50th Anniversary 5680 50th Anniversary 9000Project: Service to Others 4000 Meetings: Senate 2500RPW 1650 Mileage: Executive 300Social: AGM Spring 800 Mileage: Goodwill 400Social: HWBell 400 Mileage: Senate 1000Social: Fall Luncheon 800 Mileage: Provincial 0Excursion: Stratford 10800 Awards, Bursaries 2450Excursion: Petrolia 3200 Project-Service to Others 4000Excursion: Great Lakes Crossing 2250 Member Services 200Interest Earned 0 RPW 1650Investment Interest 100 Social: AGM Spring 500Miscellaneous: General 0 Social: HWBell 600Miscellaneous: Special Projects 500 Social: Fall Luncheon 1450
Social: Spring Golf 400Social: Fall Golf 400
TOTAL 66350 Excursion: Stratford 11500Excursion: Petrolia 3600Excursion: Great Lakes Crossing 2200Excursion: Breakfast Club 300Administration: Media/Public Rel. 1750Administration: Cap. Expenditures 0Administration: Newsletter 7500Administration: Office Supplies 1200Administration: Website 250Goodwill 5100Political Advocacy 1700Donations, Grants 1000Miscellaneous: Archives 75Miscellaneous: Bank Charges 50Miscellaneous: General 500Miscellaneous: Pension 75Miscellaneous: Special Projects 500Miscellaneous: Teacher Ed. 300 TOTAL 66350
HEALTH REPORT Submitted by Bill Bowden - District Health Rep
The past year has been exciting in so many ways. RTO/ERO embarks on a new journey with a Board of Directors to be elected in May. I will be attending the annual meeting of the District Health Representatives, June 3-4 in Toronto. We gain so much knowledge regarding our plan and our administrators, JOHNSON Inc.
I received many phone calls and emails over the past 12 months from members searching for answers to questions, queries about coverage and travel insurance coverage. Once again, the number one question was regarding outside of province coverage. Be sure to have that proof of date of departure on one of the days prior to your leaving Ontario.
I contacted Johnson and Allianz Global on behalf of several members in order to seek clarification on certain issues.
Naturally because of privacy issues there are limits to my involvement. But hopefully I can point members in the right direction and assist wherever possible.
This month our organization had a first. I received an email detailing the highlights of the HSIC meeting held in February. It included discussion on and results of our open enrolment campaign and the final wrap up of transition from Manulife to Sunlife. Now the committee has the daunting task of working through the 40 suggestions submitted by members for consideration for plan enhancements for January 2019.
*** Please remember it is YOUR PLAN. If you would like to see something added to our plan all you have to do is submit it to the committee. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to call myself or Stephen Wong at the RTO\ ERO offices in Toronto (number available in your year planner and our newsletters or from myself).
Please remember if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email myself, Johnson Inc, or Allianz Global. You may also get in touch with Stephen Wong at the RTO\ ERO offices in Toronto (number available in your year planner and our newsletters or from myself).
Bill 519-948-5214 [email protected] Johnson Inc. 1-877-406-9007 www.johnson.ca/rto-ero Allianz Global 1-844-310-1576 HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY YEAR FILLED WITH JOY AND LAUGHTER!
ANNOUNCING STRATFORD
JUNE 26, 2018
“THE MUSIC MAN”
PRIME SEAT LOCATIONS (MAIN FLOOR OR BALCONY)
LIMITED AVAILABILITY $135.00
(TICKET & TRANSPORTATION)
BUS DEPARTS ESSEX AT 7:30 A.M DEPARTS WINDSOR AT 8:00 A.M RETURN APPROXIMATELY 8:30 P.M.
CONTACT BILL BOWDEN @ [email protected]
519-948-5214
Kenneth Ambrose Marie Ash
Yvonne Beetham Patricia Bodendistel
Claire Borders Joan Bruno- Singh
Dorothy Brush Katherine Buchanan
Edna Burton John Carey Ann D’Asti
George Dragich Marguerite Elliott Eileen Fontaine Joan Garceau
Craig Halliday Jean Johns
Maurice Gerald Lamarre Richard Lawrence Veronica Manolakos
Ann Matheson Frances McNaughton
Mary McNulty Mary Mills
Helen Mogyorody Russell Munro
John Nash Dolores Nelson Maureen Nye
Mary Ann Ouellette Judith Pearson Susan Phillips Howard Pillon
Audrey Rothwell Joan Sandford Mary Showell Lenore Showers Dalton Snelling George Soteros Joseph Szychta Gary Thachuk Olive Triolet
Jacqueline Welch Alvira Wigle
Margaret Zannier
In Memoriam
Retirement Planning Workshop Report
The RPW Workshop will be offered on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Caboto Club. Two workshops are offered in separate rooms: an English workshop and a French workshop with no registration fee to be collected as per executive committee motion. Registration is currently ongoing but it appears as though there will be an increase from last year. Contacts were made with the local school boards to encourage senior administration to publicize these workshops through their internal networks given that these workshops are open to all board employees. Numerous emails and phone calls have been received from education workers requesting additional information about the workshops in particular, and about retirement in general. All were answered in a timely manner. Marilyn A. Laframboise et Roger LeBlanc Member Services, District 7 The committee had considerable input into the wording of the new RTO/ERO Bylaws and Policies. Communication with Districts regarding changes necessary to local Constitutions will follow. The committee also assists as parliamentarians at the semi-annual provincial Senate meetings. I thank the District 7 Executive for their continued support of my participation on this committee. George Merrett Constitution Committee
PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE
MEMBER SERVICES REPORT Annual General Meeting – RTO-ERO District 7 2018
COME OUT AND
JOIN OUR
GROWING
CROWD FOR
GOOD FOOD
AND GREAT
CONVERSATION
AND
FELLOWSHIP
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018- 9:30 A.M. Johnson’s Restaurant 2414 County Road 42 (just West of the Airport before Walker RD.) Windsor THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 - 10:00 A.M. Beach House Grill
70 Park Street Kingsville THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018 - 9:30 A.M. Etta’s Greeklish Restaurant 5975 Wyandotte Street East Windsor (West of Jefferson) THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018 - 10:00 A.M. Family Kitchen 73 Erie Street, South Leamington
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 - 9:30 A. M. John’s Place
7450 Walker Road Paquette Corners THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018 – 9:30 A.M. Route 42 Diner 2825 County Road 42 (across from the airport) Windsor For information contact Bill @ 519-948-5214 or @
FOR THE
LATEST
BREAKFAST
CLUB AND
TRAVEL NEWS
BE SURE TO
CHECK OUR
DISTRICT
WEBSITE
AGE FEMALES/FEMMES MALES/HOMMES TOTAL 0-54 6 1 7 55-59 50 21 71 60-64 152 59 211 65-69 377 187 564 70-74 331 194 525 75-79 263 198 461 80-84 140 116 256 85-89 93 57 150 90-94 42 17 59 95-99 18 3 21 100+ 3 0 3 TOTAL 1,475 853 2,328
0-54
65-69
95-99
AGE BANDING for WINDSOR-ESSEX MEMBERSHIP BY AGE/GENDER
60-64
0-54
55-59
60-64
70-74
75-79
80-84 85-89
90-94
100+
55-59
65-69
70-74 75-79
80-84 85-89
90-94 95-99 100+
FEMALES/FEMMES MALES/HOMMES
Hi
KEEP THIS DATE!!!
The Goodwill Committee
FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018
1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
at
Colasanti’s Tropical Garden
CACTUS ROOM 1550 Road 3 East
KINGSVILLE, ON
Games
Light refreshments
Prizes
ALL FREE
Hope to see you there!
Come One—Come All
In June there will be an election and the political direction of Ontario for the next four years will be decided by the voters of our province. As members of RTO/ERO, we represent a powerful voting bloc. Are we preparing to make a significant comment about our priorities? Are we evaluating the statements and positions of the candidates in our ridings and their party leaders? Are we endeavouring to ensure that our power to impact the future of Ontario is being used to advantage? We are all aware of the high cost of energy, the high rate of taxation and many other issues of general concern. To help us think about some of the other priorities that may be of significance to retired and aging educators, RTO/ERO has prepared some talking points that we, as individuals and as a group, may want to share with aspiring members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. As the campaign gets into high gear between now and the election, I will be sharing these points with you. I hope that you will find time to peruse the information about the following topics. Age Friendly Communities Geriatric Training Elder Abuse Bill 33 – Amending the Long-Term Care Homes Act
In this article I have decided to focus on Age Friendly Communities. I will address the other priorities in subsequent newsletters. If you have any issues which you feel should be addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me through the newsletter or at my e-mail. ([email protected]).
Age Friendly Communities According to RTO/ERO, an age-friendly community optimizes opportunities for health, participation and security, the enhancement of quality of life while aging. There are some challenges. If communities are not age-friendly, it can affect health outcomes, add to the burden on the health care system and increase demand on spaces in long-term care facilities. Social well-being and vibrancy may be affected. Without age-friendly strategies, we can lose many of the contributions that seniors make, from their own families to local causes. We must endeavour to meet the needs of diverse communities. There is no single approach to making the range of communities, from urban centre to rural and remote areas, age-friendly. Here are some questions that can be presented to prospective MLA’s.
1. How does the concept of age-friendly communities fit into your party’s policy? 2. Where is your community on the spectrum of age-friendliness? 3. What benefits do you foresee from promoting age-friendliness in our community? 4. What are the challenges to implementing an age-friendly community?
For more information: i. Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide http://bit.ly/agefriendlyguide; ii. Age-Friendly Checklist: http://bit.ly/age-friendlychecklist; iii. Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Communities: A Guide http://bit.ly/agerural.
Political Advocacy Report
Frankenmuth sports all that is Christmas and Fried Chicken!
Birch Run and Great Lakes Crossing both sport the ultimate in an endless outlet shopping experience!
Plan to join us for a fun filled day spent with old and new friends. Enjoy good conversation; good food and of course -great shopping!
When: TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018 Cost: $55.00 Depart: Essex at 7:30 A.M. Devonshire Mall at 8:00a.m.
Book early!!
Avoid being disappointed!!
For information contact Bill
@519-948-5214 or @ [email protected]
BIRCH RUN,
FRANKENMUTH
AND
GREAT LAKES
CROSSING
FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US AS WELL
DON’T FORGET PASSPORTS, PROOF OF DATE OF DEPARTURE FROM ONTARIO AND COMFORTABLE SHOES!
Since 2011, the RTO/ERO Foundation has been committed to enhancing the quality of life for older Canadians by targeting funding support for:
Aging-related research and training Community-based programs that promote social engagement
Why target these two areas? Because while family doctors are invaluable in knowing us and our medical histories, a geriatrician offers expertise that is specific – even critical—to caring for older adults. There is a shortage of geriatricians and those trained in geriatrics. According to the National Seniors Strategy, there is currently one geriatrician for every 15,495 older Canadians. Also, for almost all health and social care professions, there are no mandatory training requirements around providing care for older adults. As we age, we may require more time for consultations and detailed treatment programs because of multiple conditions, numerous medications or other factors. Geriatricians are more likely to know when a health problem is reflective of natural aging, when it is a new condition or when it is related to drug side effects. They are also more strongly connected with other experts and specialist and community resources to create solutions and plans that address the specific needs of older adults. The RTO/ERO Foundation has played an important role in addressing these gaps. Since 2011 it has provided $2.65 million for geriatric research and training. Please support:
Online: www.rto.ero.org/support-the-foundation/donate-now Phone: 1-800-361-9888 – ext. 271 Mail: Cheques payable to the RTO/ERO Foundation
300—18 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
Submitted by: Margaret Clarke, RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation Representative
As the nominations Committee prepares for the Annual Meeting, it has come to our attention that our Treasurer, Leo Couture will not returning to this position after May 31. Leo has served our District and two previous Districts in this role and has done an outstanding job. Here is the opportunity for someone who has an interest in keeping the "books" and joining our Executive as Treasurer. The position would be effective June 1. If interested, please contact me at or by phone at [email protected] or by phone at 519-978-2806.
Jim Sparrow, Nominations Committee Chair
RTO/ERO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION REPORT
NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Thursday April 5th --- 9:00 am --- Route 42 Diner and Dairy Bar (2825 County Road 42, Windsor – across from airport) Thursday May 3rd --- 9:00 am --- Breakfast at Lux Diner (33 Amy Croft Dr., Tecumseh – across from Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Sobeys Plaza) Wednesday May 16th --- 11:00 am --- Spring Luncheon at the Fogular Furlan (Elections are held at this luncheon.) Thursday June 7th --- 9:00 am --- Breakfast at Back Road Café (3316 Grand Marais Rd. E., Windsor) Wednesday June 13th --- 11:00 am – Walk starting at the Ojibway Nature Centre (5200 Matchette Rd, Windsor) Lunch after walk. Thursday July 5th --- 9:00 am --- Breakfast at Suzie’s Grill Café (150 Ouellette Place --- #120, Windsor -- Deloitte Building) Wednesday July 11th --- 7:00 am --- Grand Bend Theatre Day Trip Thursday August 2nd --- 9:00 am --- Breakfast at Rise N Shine Cuisine (4440 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor) Thursday September 6th --- Breakfast at Stacks (1950 Lauzon Road, Windsor) Thursday September 13th --- Blyth Festival & Bayfield Overnight Tour
& Friday September 14th
Tuesday September 25th --- Fall Luncheon at St. John Hall Woodslee Tuesday December 4th --- Christmas Luncheon at Ciociaro Club
RWTO --- SAVE THE DATE
Provincially Speaking Submitted by Judy Bowden, Director, RTO/ERO Board of Directors Where to begin? The Provincial Executive continues to look for ways to improve the lives of our members and indeed seniors in general. To this end we are making progress on the goals as outlined in our Strategic Plan 2020. In November of 2015 an Ad Hoc Committee was struck to review and re-vamp our Governance structure. This past year saw of their hard work come to fruition. This past February we became incorporated under the Canada Not for Profit Corporations Act. We changed from an Executive with the Senate as our governing body to a Board of Directors. The Senate will now be comprised of Corporate Members who still maintain a substantial role and need to approve any fundamental changes to the organization and its operation as well as the amount of District grants and membership fees. New By-laws and Policies were developed in accordance with the Act and we are continuing to work through the transition period. Another Ad Hoc Committee that has been working very hard is the one that is planning the celebration of our 50th Anniversary taking place during this year - 2018. Each District has also planned its own activities to commemorate this tremendous milestone. Our RTO/ERO Foundation is also commemorating the occasion with a $50,000.00 grant in support of a research project aimed at educating Geriatricians in aspects of geriatric medicine. A call for proposals has been sent to Ontario Universities with Faculties of Medicine. We continue to use our collective voice – now referred to as Vibrant Voices - to advocate on behalf of our members with respect to these and other issues: – Age Friendly Communities; Elder Abuse; Geriatric Training; Pharmacare; Clean Water; Bill 33- Amending the Long-Term Care Homes Act; Bill C-27 - Amending the Pension Benefits Standards Act. These issues form the basis for our discussions with Candidates in the upcoming Provincial Election. A Digital Campaign is also being created to make our members aware of at least the first 3 of these issues. We continue to make improvements to our health plan and because increases in premiums have been minimal for the past couple of years it was necessary to implement a 5.2% increase in premiums this year to cover the cost of enhancements and the cost of inflation. Venngo, our Affinity Programme has seen a steady growth in usage and has grown from 1200 vendors to 1600 vendors. Once again, we offered an open enrollment window for eligible members of the educational community who were enrolled in an individual health plan. They were invited to compare their health plan with the RTO/ERO plan and if, as a result of that comparison, they wished to join our plan they were able do so without a medical until the end of February. Another area where we have directed a tremendous amount time and energy is in finding ways of reaching all potential members in the educational community. One barrier we have made some gains on is in gaining access to active members. It has been a challenge in some areas to get our information regarding our Retirement Planning Workshops into schools. A successful meeting with the Provincial organization representing Directors of Education has helped to eliminate some of those barriers. Please remember to check out the Provincial and District websites for news and or information on a variety of programmes and opportunities available to you as a member of RTO/ERO. I am happy to respond to any questions or concerns regarding this report or other issues or concerns you may have. I can be reached at 519-948-5214 or at [email protected]
health | matters
While millions of North Americans are growing more conscious of nutrition and the eects of food on their bodies, researchers are noting a rise in food allergies in recent years.
Food allergies occur in the immune system and can lead to reactions such as hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, itching, swelling or even a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 1
Some of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions include shell�sh, eggs, soy, dairy products, and nuts, as well as some fruits or vegetables.
However, food allergies are often self-diagnosed and symptoms can easily be misinterpreted. Food allergies are sometimes confused with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. �ough bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that doesn’t involve the immune system, but occurs when you have di�culty digesting a certain kind of food. But the confusion between the two makes food allergies very di�cult to diagnose.
�ere has never been a perfect test that can con�rm or rule out a food allergy. Physicians typically consider a number of factors and use several investigative methods before making a diagnosis, such as:
• Symptoms.• Family history.• Routine medical exams to try to identify or exclude
other problems.• Skin tests, where a small amount of the suspected food
is placed on the patient’s skin.• Blood tests.• Elimination diets, where suspected foods are eliminated
for a week or two.• Oral food challenges, where you are given a small
amount of the suspected food in the doctor’s o�ce.
Doctors sometimes have great di�culty diagnosing food allergies or distinguishing them from food sensitivities. Often, the �rst steps in understanding any symptoms or issues that may be food-related is to study and monitor your diet, paying close attention to how you feel when you eat any given food.
With your Best Doctors bene�ts, a comprehensive review of your symptoms and issues can give you additional insight into your medical case, with an easy-to-read report that either con�rms your diagnosis and treatment or recommends a change. If you are afraid to eat certain foods or feel you may have food allergies, Best Doctors can help you eliminate any uncertainty on your health and nutrition.
�is newsletter is not meant to provide medical advice or service, and should not be construed as the professional advice of Best Doctors. As such, Best Doctors does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the correctness of the information or its applicability regarding any speci�c factual situation. Personal health problems should be brought to the attention of physicians and appropriate health care professionals. Best Doctors and the Star-In-Cross logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc.
The Scary Truth About the Rise in Food Allergies
For more information, call 1.877.419.2378 or visit bestdoctors.com/canada.
Di�cult to diagnose, allergy e ects can range from merely bothersome to deadly
1. http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergy
1. Question
Recently the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has restored complete indexing. Does this mean that if I retired after 2009, that I will not be affected by future shortfalls? Answer No, while complete indexing has been restored at this time, the inflation protection levels will be invoked to address all future shortfalls. You will be affected, and your indexing will be reduced according to your years of service after 2009. Inflation protection There are three levels of inflation protection and they are based on when you earned pension credit: before 2010, during 2010 to 2013, and after 2013.
When you earned your pension credit
Inflation protection level
What it means after you retire
Before 2010 100% This portion of your pension will keep pace with annual increases in the CPI.
During 2010–2013
50% to 100% This portion of your pension will receive at least 50% and up to 100% of the annual increase in the CPI, depending on the plan’s funded status.
After 2013 0% to 100% This portion of your pension will receive from zero to 100% of the annual increase in the CPI, depending on the plan’s funded status.
Your pension is indexed annually in January. It is based on the Canadian price index (CPI) and is calculated as of the end of September of each year. In January 2018, you’ll receive a pension increase equal to 100% of the annual CPI increase. If you retired after 2009, your pension will be restored to the level it would be at if the 100% inflation protection has been provided on January 1, 2017. If you retired in 2017, your first pension increased will be prorated from your last day of credit in 2017. FOR YOUR INFORMATION Ontario Teachers' is one of Canada's largest institutional investors having reported $175.6 billion in net assets on December 31, 2016. It has an excellent track record for investment performance with an average annual return of 10.3% since its inception 29 years ago. Over the past 10 years, Ontario Teachers’ has placed among the top two performers in the world—out of 273 funds managing a total of $8.5 trillion.
ONTARIO TEACHER’S PENSION PLAN
POSITION NAME PHONE E-MAIL PAST PRES. Jim Sparrow 519 978-2806 [email protected] PRESIDENT Margaret Clarke 519-735-0727 [email protected] PRESIDENT-ELECT/FIRST VP Bill Bowden 519-948-5214 [email protected] SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT Art Dube 519-362-6630 [email protected] SECRETARY George Merrett 519-956-8237 [email protected] TREASURER Leo L. Couture 519-992-9935 [email protected] STANDING COMMITTEES ARCHIVIST Emy McBride 519-945-1380 [email protected] COMMUNICATION (Co-ordinator Bill Bowden)
Data &Social Media Rep Paul Barber 519-981-3529 [email protected] Newsletter Editor John McLaughlin 519-736-5761 [email protected]
Newsletter Assistant Editors Gord & Maggy Miall) 519-944-1061 [email protected] Public Relations and Media Rep Judy Bowden 519- 948-5214 [email protected]
Web Manager and E-Comm. Editor Eleanor Douglas 519-980-4144 [email protected]
GOODWILL CO-CHAIRS City Mary Mason 519-735-1766
City Glenna Hemphill 519-735-7022 [email protected] County Val Luscott 519-839-5128 [email protected] HEALTH & INSURANCE Bill Bowden 519-948-5214 [email protected] MEMBER SERVICES (Co-ordinator – Art Dube)
Member Records Glenna Hemphill 519-735-7022 [email protected] Member Services Marilyn Laframboise 519- 978-1897 marilyn_laframboise34 @sympatico.ca & Federation Liaison Roger LeBlanc 519-969-9916 [email protected]
PENSION Gord Miall 519-944-1061 [email protected]
POLITICAL ADVOCACY Ray Guillet 519-735-7030 [email protected] SOCIAL Toni Michalczuk 519-258-7382 [email protected] Assistant Freddie Beekhuis 519- 736-3013 [email protected] TRAVEL Bill Bowden 519-948-5214 [email protected] TEACHER EDUCATION Judy Bowden 519- 948-5214 [email protected] PROVINCIAL REPS. Constitution Committee George Merrett 519- 956-8237 [email protected] Provincial Executive Judy Bowden 519-948-5214 [email protected] Governance Committee Jim Sparrow 519 978-2806 [email protected]
RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL OFFICE 1-800-361-9888 (TOLL FREE – Canada and United States) FAX (416) 962-1061 Website www.rto-ero.org
Office Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday ONTARIO TEACHERS PENSION PLAN BOARD
1-800-668-0105 FAX (416) 730-5349 Website www.otpp.com Office Hours: 8.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. JOHNSON INC. (RTO/ÉRO Health Plan Administrator) Service: 1-877-406-9007 Claims: 1-800-638-4753
RTO/ERO DISTRICT 7 TABLE EXECUTIVE 2017 - 2018
