RTO/ERO is

the best

organizational

friend a retired

teacher can

have.

Dedicated to

the needs of

retired Ontario

teachers,

RTO/ERO is

their official

voice,

promoting and

protecting

their interests,

particularly in

the areas of

pensions,

health care

and insurance.

With over

80,000

members,

RTO/ERO’s

motto is

Service to

Others —

helping to

improve and

maintain the

quality of life

for members.

September 2019 www.rtoalgoma.com Volume 39, Issue 1

Congratulations, Rich Prophet

The Mickey Contini Award of Merit has been established in District 3 Algoma to recognize outstanding contributions to our organization. We were extremely pleased to honour Rich Prophet as our District award winner this year at our An-nual General Meeting in June. Rich has played a significant role in RTO/ERO, both locally and provincially. He is cur-rently serving on the Board of Directors of RTO/ERO as Vice-Chair.

It is evident that no matter what Rich in-volves himself with, he does it with enthu-siasm and thoroughness, always keeping members at the heart of what he does.

Locally, he has worked on the newsletter,

~ Gayle Manley

our Constitution/Governance, the RTO/ERO Retirement Planning Workshop, the Festival of Trees, a golf tournament and has been our District President twice (2014-2015 and 2017-2018).

Provincially, he has served on various committees, including Member Services, Benefits, Governance and Nominating.

His experience in various leadership roles in OECTA, OTF, QECO and as a principal has been an asset for us in RTO/ERO.

But what stands out is his commitment to serve which he has shown in so many ways over the years.

On behalf of District 3, congratulations on a well-deserved award, Rich Prophet!

Rich Prophet accepting the Award of Merit from District 3 President Folgo Della Vedova

2

PROVINCIAL OFFICE:

Address: 18 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2S7 Telephone: 800.361.9888 Fax: 416.962.1061 Web Site: www.rto-ero.org

DISTRICT 3 ALGOMA rtoalgoma@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE FOR 2019-2020

President Folgo Della Vedova 705.949.3008

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President Chris Rous 705.945.1710

Secretary Kathy Greening 705.949.5876

Treasurer Sherrill Dewar 705.256.5575

Past President Kathy Greening 705.949.5876

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Benefits Bruce Avery 705.253.0673

Page Nicolson 705.949.1386

Goodwill Bernice Whalen 705.945.1074

Member at Large Marie Della Vedova 705.254.8290

Membership/Recruitment Moyra O’Pallie 705.253.4363

Newsletter Editor Maj-Liisa Donaghue 705.949.2390

Gayle Manley 705.949.4614

Pension/Retirement Page Nicolson 705.949.1386

Political Advocacy

Social Pat Latham 705.649.3102

Telephone Carmelina Spry 705.942.3916

Webmaster Gary Wills 705.942.1928

UPCOMING DISTRICT 3 MEETINGS

1. Tuesday, October 1, 2019: Presentation: Social Isolation 11:15 a.m. Legion Hall Speakers: Algoma District 3 Committee

2. Thursday, November 28, 2019: Christmas Dinner Dance 6:30 p.m. Marconi Hall Music by: A Touch of Class

3. Tuesday, February 25, 2020: Presentation: Wills and Powers of Attorney 11:15 a.m. Legion Hall Speaker: Algoma Legal Clinic Lawyer

4. Tuesday, April 7, 2020: Presentation: To be determined 11:15 a.m. Legion Hall Speaker:

5. Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Super Seniors Celebration 11:30 a.m. Legion Hall (Invitations will be sent by mail)

6. Tuesday, June 2, 2020: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 10:30 a.m. Legion Hall Entertainment: To be determined Silent Auction

2

3

I begin my presidency of RTO/ERO Algoma District 3 with mixed feelings of excitement and heart-

felt sorrow. Our dear and valued colleague, friend and 1st Vice President, Joanne Mantha

McConnell, unexpectedly and suddenly passed on July 22, 2019. She will very much be missed

by her family, relatives and many friends and colleagues. I will endeavour to complete this report

with the hope, positive attitude and enthusiasm that Joanne demonstrated throughout her lifetime.

I extend a warm welcome to our current retiree members and look forward to meeting our new

ones for the 2019-2020 season. It’s a time to strengthen and renew existing friendships and look

forward to establishing new relationships. During my term, I will endeavour to focus on three

main goals:

The first will be to strengthen the team work begun by our previous executive and board col-

leagues in effectively serving our members. More specifically, our team will become more familiar

with the new RTO/ERO Governance Model, Policies and Procedures and the new Code of Con-

duct that was just adopted by the provincial Board of Directors. Still in progress are two signifi-

cant issues: new RTO/ERO fees and a review of our potential new identity. Feedback last fall

from members throughout our footprint have compelled RTO/ERO to withdraw a proposed new

name and to recommend an identity that would be more favourable to all its members.

A second goal will be to keep our members well informed of changes to health and travel benefits

and to clarify any issues associated with costs, claims, conditions and protocols. Having received

your feedback, we will also deliver on seeking a guest speaker who can address issues of wills,

powers of attorney and succession planning.

The third goal will be to provide social and entertainment opportunities to keep our minds and

bodies engaged. One of provincial RTO/ERO’s goals is to recognize issues around Senior Social

Isolation and the strategies that can be employed to reduce and potentially overcome them.

As always, our team will continue to hear you, be transparent, be accountable and be responsible

for the trust you have placed in us. We were pleased at Spring Senate and provincial AGM that

Gayle Manley was re-elected as a Director of the Board and Chair of the Benefits Committee, as

well!

I thank my colleagues for their trust, support and teamwork to accomplish great things for you, our

members.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our membership meetings.

From The President,

Folgo DellaVedova

3

4

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

As another year begins in District 3 Algoma, we welcome many new members. Your Executive has been busy planning interesting and informa-tive meetings. We hope to greet you at our meet-ings throughout the year.

Remember that any changes in your personal pro-file must be called in to the Provincial Office at 1. 800.361.9888 in order to keep our records up-to- date.

Check our excellent website regularly at rtoalgoma.com for all the latest news and views.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Be There!

Susan Barnes Carl Moffatt Vivienne Burns Mary Lou Morrassut

Maria Dalton Don Nadeau Sandra Dal Cin Chuck Rendell Maria Esposito Rose-Marie Scagnetti

Steven Giddings Traore Tra Monica Keating Robert Tank

Roseanne Lamon Marcella Tombari

Our present membership is 1172.

~ Moyra O’Pallie, Membership/Recruitment

4

To my District 3 Algoma Friends:

Thank you for your support to Mike and me as we made his Journey. Although the outcome was not what we expected and I am now on my own journey to my new normal, your friendship, kind-ness and support have been so appreciated.

Thank you, Kathryn Greening

Point to Ponder: Never look down on anyone unless you are help-ing them up. ~ Moyra O’Pallie

Keynote Speaker: R.D. Reid, PhD, University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Health, Wealth and Happiness in Retirement

What makes people happy?

Doing activities to…

→ Achieve valued outcomes (goals) … using skills

you possess … with people you enjoy … in a

place that inspires you.

Strength = Independence

→ Muscle loss = Reduced metabolic rate = Fat

gain. Muscle is the primary site for glucose tri-

glyceride disposal. Strength training reverses declines in physical function and ability to com-plete activities of daily living and self-care.

Walking speeds are improved.

Grow Your Support Network

→ Cast a wide net. Be proactive (make an effort).

Follow your interests. Improve your social skills.

(They don’t always come naturally.) Use tech-nology. Volunteer / work part-time. Seek out

peer support. Ask for help.

WHEN YOU ARE RETIRED,

“WORKING OUT” IS YOUR JOB!

RTO/ERO Benefits Workshop Highlights

(June 2019) ~ From your Benefits Reps, Bruce Avery and Page Nicolson

ENGAGE: End Isolation Last year the RTO/ERO Foundation launched the En-gage: End Isolation campaign to raise awareness on the issue of social isolation among Canadian seniors, and the response was overwhelming.

This year, the Foundation is asking you to help raise $100,000 for education, awareness and community ac-tion programs to help socially isolated seniors.

The campaign takes place during Social Isolation Awareness Month in October. Every little bit helps! A large number of small donations from within the RTO/ERO network can achieve our fundraising goal and make huge strides towards helping isolated seniors.

You can express your interest by signing up online now at www.rto-ero.org/endisolation

Plan to attend the October 1st RTO/ERO District 3 Meeting where Social Isolation will be the focus. Learn more from your District 3 Committee.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SUBMITTED YOUR MEDICAL RECEIPTS TO JOHNSON INC.? DON'T WAIT

UNTIL THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!

5

We are saddened by the losses that have occurred within District 3 since February. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Fay Burton, Donna Cameron, Doris Cameron, Ruth Christilaw, Lorna Foster, Leone Hamilton, Joanne Mantha McConnell, Karen Wright Montgomery-Jones, Audrey Ness, Dawn Nyman, Patricia Speer; Yolanda Bonin (mother of Em-ma Bonin), Alfred Ethen (husband of Adrienne Ethen), Mike Greening (husband of Kathy Greening), Dolores Mandolesi (wife of Verne Mandolesi), Joan Maycock (mother of John Stadnyk). Donations were made to the

RTO/ERO Foundation in their memory. Four sympathy cards were also sent to members experiencing a loss of a sibling or close family member.

Twenty-nine tins of cookies, boxes of chocolates or Tim Horton’s cards were delivered or sent on your be-half to those with medical challenges of which we were aware. One hundred and sixty-one birthday greet-ings were sent to those 80+.

Four ladies were busy at camp this summer preparing for about 250 out-of-town Christmas cards. Special thanks to Marion Avery, Joyce Nicolson, Audrey Comeau and Patricia Pateman for getting a jump start on this major undertaking. Regardless of geographical area, we are doing our best to stay connected.

Many thanks to the generous card donations from Judy Gooderham, Linda Greco, Barbara Krmpotich, Carol McFarlane, Loretta McKay, Pat Pateman, Linda Prodan, Michelle Punch, Susan Shepherd, Elizabeth Szczotka, Holly Wicket, and Gerry Yeo. Hopefully I haven’t missed any of our group who left packages at the door and in the mailbox. But of course, RTO/ERO District 3 is noted for kindness and caring. Birthday cards, Christmas cards and sympathy cards that are not being used are a welcome donation at any time.

Hats off to a group of ladies who dedicated their talents to provide RTO/ERO with beautiful handmade cards. Special thanks to Natalie Cerilli, Judy Gooderham, Linda Greco, Steph Haddie, and Candy Richard. These sympathy, thinking of you, get well and birthday cards are indeed beautiful and will be appreciated by our members.

If you are aware of one of our members being incapacitated due to a misfortune, please phone 705.945.1074 and leave a message on my answering machine at home or e-mail me at bernicewhalen89@shaw.ca.

In the same vein, if you are aware of the death of one of our members or of an RTO/ERO member losing a family member, please let me know. It is difficult for me to know maiden names or have easy media ac-cess to information outside the parameters of the immediate area. I do depend upon all my teammates for information.

Welcome to the Goodwill Committee. You are a critical part of the team.

Alone I am helpless, but together what a difference we make!

~ Bernice Whalen, Goodwill Chair

ALGOM A DISTRICT GOODWILL

5

This ATTENTION TRAVELLERS

Before you cross the Ontario border, make sure

that each insured person has their own proof of

departure as to when they were last in Ontario,

their place of residence.

The RTO/ERO trip cancellation/interruption bene-

fit covers pre-paid, non-refundable travel arrange-

ments outside your province of residence.

SERVICE TO OTHERS

Festival of Trees Reminder: For those who wish to volunteer at this year’s Festival of Trees, there will be a sign-up sheet available at the October 1st General Meeting.

Our members have traditionally been the mainstay of volunteers for this event, the Lung Associa-tion’s signature fund-raiser.

6

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL RTO/ERO CHRISTMAS SCOIAL

Thursday, November 28th. Marconi Hall.

Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Dance to Live Music: “A Touch of Class”. Cash Bar.

$40 per person.

Tickets will be available at the October 1st General Meeting at the Legion.

We will have the Gift Table with treasures from the artists, bakers and artisans among us. There will be no gift cards this year as those were for the 50th Celebration.

Also, remember: we cannot put wine or alcohol as gifts.

The table registration form will be on our website in mid-September or available at the October 1st meeting. After the meeting, you can get tickets from Pat Latham (705.649.3102) or from other sellers

listed on the website or the registration form.

This will be the last dance I, Pat Latham, can organize. If you would be interested in assuming my role, please contact me or a member of the Executive. While it can be busy in the fall, it is not overwhelming, and there are several regular helpers who make it all go smoothly. I will show the new planner the routine as I go along this fall. It is very gratifying to see the fellowship and pleasure of old friends mingling at the start of the Christmas season.

We look forward to a good turnout of old friends, fellow teachers and new retirees.

For info, or if you wish to drop off a gift for the Gift Table early, call Pat Latham at 705.649.3102 or email her at byrski@hotmail.com

Encourage your friends and newly retired co-workers to join us!

6

Telephone Committee (By Carmelina Spry)

Hope everyone had a great summer!

Our Telephone Committee, vital to our District 3 Algoma, is ready to begin another year of service!

Information gathered for our meetings is necessary for seating and food preparation.

A special thank you and welcome to our new members!

Members of the Telephone Committee – Marion and Bruce Avery, Ann Blake, Ruby Buck, Rica Carella,

Kim Carter, Carmen Charsley, Mary Coulas, Sandy Fulcher, Maureen Gooderham, Sandra Gordon,

Kathryn Greening, Raymond Jonusaitis, Carol Kirkland-Boissineau, Barb and Dave Lawrence, Leslie

McAuley, Joyce McCrady, Carol McFarlane, Loretta McKay, Diane Marshall, Lois Mealey, Janet Morris,

Patricia and George Pateman, Judith Pratt, Michele Punch, Bill Purnis and Florence MacLeod, Marilyn

Rouleau, Moyra O’Pallie, Susan Shepherd, Elizabeth Szczotka, Rose-Marie Valade, Rita Wagner, Merri-

lyn Webb, Delmer Weber, Bernice Whalen, and Geraldine Yeo; Blair Sterling [Blind River], Rita Rawn

[Bruce Mines], Marny Pollard [Desbarats], Jean Campbell and Mary Eaton [Echo Bay], Carol Rossetto

[Elliot Lake], Laurian Montgomery [Iron Bridge], Alice Ward [St. Joseph Island], Linda MacDonald

[Thessalon] and Barbara Jarvis [Wawa]. Thank you also to Carol Fortino, Helen McLeod and Cindy Spen-

cer for helping Blair with the Blind River area.

Calls will be made the week before scheduled meetings. Please let your caller know if you will attend.

Thank you to Judith Chytil, Marg and Bob Cole, Mary Eaton, Ida McKinnon, Toni Nanne-Little, Wes and

Joan Triplett, and Brenda Wilson for their past service on this committee.

~ Carmelina Spry, Telephone Committee Convener

7

The tenth year of Vision Screening was successfully completed by April 2019! Thank you to Carolyn Evoy for her outstanding leadership and excellent reporting. The team consisted of Carolyn Evoy (co-ordinator), 21 RTO-ERO members, as well as 3 members from the Lions’ Club (Don Cameron, David Kidd, and Myra

Kiernan).

Kudos to:

797 students were screened. 176 students were identified as having possible vision concerns.

You too can be part of this dynamic team making a difference in the lives of young students. Contact Carolyn Evoy at 705.759.1145 or e-mail her at carolyn.evoy@gmail.com for more information.

You will find this a rewarding experience. Many hands make light work!

~ Bernice Whalen

RTO/ERO District 3 Volunteers at the Davey Home One of our local projects is volunteering at the Davey Home Tuck Shop which we have been doing since

2009. About 20 RTO/ERO members have volunteered to serve coffee and tea at the Tuck Shop to

seniors and their visitors for the afternoon, usually from 2:00 to 4:00.

This year we are slated to volunteer for the following weeks:

Tuesday, October 22 to Saturday, October 26

Tuesday, November 26 to Saturday, November 30

We will be reviewing our list of volunteers to see if you want to continue on the

list for this year, but we can always use some help if you are interested.

Contact Gayle Manley at 705.949.4614 or at gmanley@shaw.ca if you wish to volunteer.

7

Susan Allen Carolyn Evoy Susan Shepherd

Jan Baraniuk Maureen Gooderham Carmelina Spry

Ann Blake Mary Johns Dave Tyrrel

Carmen Charsley Maria LaTassa Penny Tyrrel

Mary Coulas Carol McFarlane Rita Wagner

Frank Donnelly Wendy Piper Merrilyn Webb

Joyce Duncan Linda Prodan Gerry Yeo

Pensions and Retirement Bob ColeThe pension plan has achieved a plus of $10.3 billion as of January 2018. The surplus last year was used to restore full inflation protection for all retireand to lower the contribution rate for active members by 1.1%.The surplus as of January 2018 has been allocated to a contingency fund. The purpose of this fund is to redcue volatility anstability to pensions. Future inflation protection depends upon the stability of the plan.The inflation protection for 2018 is

The Little Black Book of Scams ~ Gary Wills The Canadian Government has produced an excellent booklet called The Little Black Book of Scams, Volume 2.

District 3 provided each member with a copy at the March 2019 General Mem-bership Meeting.

You can access a digital copy by visiting the District 3 Website — the Benefits Page: http://www.rtoalgoma.com/benefits.htm

View / Save the booklet. Share with friends. Especially those vulnerable.

8

8

RTO/ERO Position on Medical Cannabis

~ Submitted by Page Nicolson and Bruce Avery, Benefits Reps

Medical cannabis has been available to Canadians for many years now, followed by a variety of changes in Health Canada regulations that have culminated in the 2016 Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). Following physician approval, patients may obtain cannabis through Health Canada approved suppliers, or choose to pro-duce their own supply.1

At present, no formulation of medical cannabis has received recognition by Health Canada as an approved drug with a formal Drug Identification Num-ber (DIN). Plan members will recall that this qualification is necessary for medical cannabis to be an eligible expense to be claimed under our plan.

With innovation and change comes the need to balance the impact of new services and therapies with the ability of the plan and members to afford premium rate changes. The challenge with therapies such as medical can-nabis involves cost and a demographic profile that would see higher utiliza-tion than the general population of Canada2. In other words, because our plan is entirely composed of retirees who represent the fastest growing age group of medical cannabis users, the expected cost to our benefit pro-gram over the longer term could eclipse member affordability.

Cautionary Tale: Veterans Affairs Canada

Many RTO/ERO members will be familiar with the implementation and challenges associated with medical cannabis coverage for our veterans. Cost for medical cannabis exploded from $19,088 in 2008-2009 to $63,703,151 in 2016-2017. Cost controls, including capping the number of grams per month covered, resulted in an initial reduction to overall claim cost; however, increasing utilization across all veterans is expected to push costs up to over $88m in 2017-2018.3

While costs can be controlled with various “levers” of plan design – annual limits, etc. – the case of Veterans Affairs serves as a reminder of the po-tential impact to plan sponsors like RTO/ERO. As a voluntary benefit plan, RTO/ERO must balance the impact of claim cost on overall premium and the ability of our members to pay for normal utilization/inflationary increas-es versus the shock that could be associated by including other services and supplies.

Our Conclusion

The Benefits Committee welcomes input from our members on plan changes, and we have heard from a few members suggesting the inclusion of medical cannabis within our health plan.

After a thorough review of the evidence at hand, we have concluded that for the time being we will not include medical cannabis within our health plans due to the various issues: expected cost and the ability of members to absorb this cost, ambiguity in treatment regime, and significantly the lack of Health Canada recognition of a product. However, your Committee will continue to diligently monitor what is an evolving landscape from a medical, legal and regulatory environment with respect to medical canna-bis, and, indeed, all new treatments and technologies.

____________________________

1 Medical Marijuana Update, RTO/ERO Benefits Committee, 11 April, 2018 (Toronto: Johnson Inc.) 2 IFEBP 3 “Veterans Affairs has no plans to lift cap on medical marijuana reimbursement,” writ. Rob Antle, CBC News, 1 Aug 2018.

At the annual summer meet-

ing of District Health Insurance Rep-

resentatives, speakers made the fol-

lowing observations about the legali-

zation of marijuana:

A. Research into the effects of mari-

juana is a vast wasteland. Money to

fund formal research into what was an

illegal substance was not available.

Anecdotal reports abound.

B. If you don't smoke now, DON'T

START.

C. If you do choose to start, use a

low dose and start small. "Go low and

slow!"

D. Inhaled product enters the brain

very quickly; edible product takes

much more time.

E. Taking cannabis across the border

is illegal, even for medical purposes.

OTHER NEWS ABOUT CANNABIS

Retirement Planning Workshop

Register for a retirement planning workshop designed for those in the education sector – early years, K-12, post-secondary and more.

Learn more about:

• Planning for your financial future

• Your pension

• Health benefit needs in retire- ment

• RTO/ERO benefit plans

• Retirement insights from your peers.

Workshops have an approximate duration of 3 hours from point of check-in.

The workshop for District 3 will be held on Saturday, October 19 starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Delta Hotel.

9

MEET CANDIDATES FOR MP(SSM)

Focus on Issues of Concern to Seniors

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 2 - 4pm

Seniors Drop-In Centre

619 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Refreshments will be served Parking behind the Seniors Drop-In Centre

9

10

Election 2019 Priorities ~ Submitted by Marie DellaVedova, Member at Large

The next federal government will be elect-ed on October 21, 2019.

As seniors, it is important for us to realize that we are the fastest growing demo-graphic in Canada. As such, we play an important role in making sure our federal government addresses the needs of sen-iors.

RTO/ERO is part of a collective of nine senior-focused organizations that has iden-tified three issues to highlight this election.

The three issues are:

1. Prioritize Pharmacare, 2. Make retirement income more secure, 3. Implement a National Seniors Strate- gy

The Vibrant Voices Campaign seeks to make sure these three issues are ad-dressed in the political platforms of all the political parties and by our next federal government. But it is we, the voters, who will ultimately decide who will represent us and therefore how these issues will be ad-dressed by government.

The nine organizations involved in the Vi-brant Voices Campaign are the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers, Canadian Federation of Pensioners, Canadian Health Coalition, CARP, College and University Retiree Associations of Canada, Interna-tional Longevity Centre Canada, National Association of Federal Retirees, National Pensioners Federation, Retired Teachers of Ontario.

The issues:

1. Pharmacare

Canadians pay among the highest prices for medications. One in ten Canadians does not have adequate drug coverage and one in four households cannot afford their prescriptions. RTO/ERO believes that a universal, public pharmacare program would help Canadians manage their drug costs, allow for better evaluation of the ef-fectiveness and safety of medications and reduce hospital overcrowding and strains on other parts of our health system.

Moreover, a national public pharmacare

plan would save between 4 and 11 billion dollars annually.

When a federal candidate knocks on your door an appropri-ate question would be, “How will your party implement a universal, public, comprehensive, accessible and porta-ble pharmacare program?

2. Make retirement income more secure

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 60,000 Cana-dian seniors live in poverty. More needs to be done to en-sure that all Canadians have a secure and dignified retire-ment with a guaranteed and sufficient source of income.

In 2005, 70% of individuals in the private sector were cov-ered by defined benefit pensions. Defined benefit pensions are paid out to retirees as a specific amount for the rest of their lives from a fund comprised of contributions from both employers and employees. Defined benefit pensions make retirement secure and are good for the economy as most pension dollars come from investment returns which are then paid back into the economy. Unfortunately, the rate of individuals covered by defined benefit pensions has dropped drastically to only 42% in 2015. Moreover, defined benefit pensions are not always sufficiently guaranteed. When a company goes bankrupt, retirees’ pensions may not be honoured. Such was the case for the employees and retirees of Sears. Government policy and legislation must support the protection and expansion of defined benefit plans.

When a federal candidate knocks on your door an appropri-ate question would be, “How will your party support de-fined benefit pension plans and how will you ensure employees and retirees with defined benefit pensions are protected if their employer goes bankrupt?”

3. Implement a National Seniors Strategy

Although seniors are the fastest growing segment of Cana-da’s population, there are gaps in healthcare and social poli-cies that hinder older Canadians from aging with dignity. A coordinated National Seniors Strategy is needed to optimize health, financial security and social inclusion. Dedicated funding and accountable goals are needed to meet the evolving needs of seniors.

Canadians must have a healthcare system that keeps up with changing demographics. We need consistent national healthcare standards, adequate healthcare staffing, includ-ing more geriatric services and personal support workers. A national strategy should also encourage the integration of hospital, community and home care services to allow sen-iors to receive necessary care in comfortable settings. We need support for family caregivers who are presently

(Continued on Page 11)

10

11

Date:16-August-2019

I begin my presidency of RTO-ERO Algoma District 3

with deep heartfelt sorrow.

I was struck with the shocking and heartbreaking

news of the sudden passing on July 22, 2019 of our

1st Vice President, Joanne Mantha McConnell. I have known and worked with Joanne for many years.

During my principalship at St Basil Secondary School,

Joanne was a talented, dedicated and effective Eng-

lish teacher loved and respected by staff and stu-

dents. She inspired all of her students to reach their

full potential. She also served our school as English

Department Head and the Huron-Superior Catholic

School Board as Curriculum Coordinator. For a num-

ber of years, Joanne played the piano and I played

the guitar as we accompanied our student choir dur-

ing Eucharistic services at our school. She was also

an active member of her church. Beyond dedication

to her career and church, Joanne became a valued

volunteer at ARCH and enjoyed music, art and mak-

ing her own jewellery.

In more recent times in our new roles on the Execu-

tive, Joanne and I worked together so very well,

sharing ideas and planning for RTO/ERO’s 2019-2020

upcoming events and activities. In the previous

year, Joanne capably fulfilled her role as 2nd Vice

President and readily volunteered to simultaneously

take on the role of Secretary to fill a vacancy. It

was just in her nature to generously share her

knowledge and skills wherever they were needed. It

all ended far too soon.

On behalf of all RTO/ERO District 3 Algoma mem-

bers, I extended our deepest condolences to Don,

Joanne’s husband, and to her family and relatives.

Along with her many colleagues and friends, I will

miss Joanne’s smile, positive attitude, talents and

dear friendship. May she rest in eternal peace.

Knowing that Joanne would wish us to continue ef-

fectively servicing our members, let us go forward

with the same hope, enthusiasm, and positive atti-

tude that she demonstrated throughout her lifetime.

MEMORIAL

Joanne Mantha McConnell

11

Election 2019 Priorities (Continued from Page 10)

contributing an estimated 2.5 billion dollars in unpaid labour providing care to family members. Social iso-lation, elder abuse and the lack of age friendly strategies must all be addressed.

When a federal candidate knocks on your door an appropriate question would be, “How will your party implement a National Seniors Strategy so that quality, safe and adequately funded home, communi-ty and long-term care options are available to meet the needs of our aging population? “

Please raise these three important issues with your friends and family members. Ask pertinent questions at All Candidates’ Meetings and when you have occasion to interact with federal candi-dates.

Above all, RTO-ERO encourages members and the general public to become in-formed and exercise their democratic right to VOTE!

To send a personal email to SSM MP candidates and to find more information on the Vibrant Voices campaign please go to https://www.rto-ero.org/vibrant-voices

12

RTO/ERO District 3

34 Grand Blvd. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT

Sault Ste. Marie, ON #40845511 P6B 4R7

12

The passing of a family member is a difficult time for all concerned. The best advice for a prospective Estate Executor is to consult with and accept the advice of a qualified law-yer. Provincial laws are subject to change and may contain subtle phrasing beyond the knowledge of the average person.

It is important that all family members be aware of the following, in the event of a member’s passing.

If a survivor is not already a member of RTO/ERO, they may not be aware that they are eligible to continue their coverage within the RTO/ERO Health Plans.

If their existing policy indicates Couple or Family coverage, then the survivors are eligible for Membership, and therefore continued RTO/ERO Health Plan Coverage. This seamless transfer of membership would enable them to continue their existing coverage without the need for evidence of medical insurability. This request should be made as soon as possible following the passing of the member.

• In order for survivors to continue with RTO/ERO Health Plan Benefits, the Executor needs to contact our Service Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 1.877.406.9007 and re-quest that a document entitled “Continuation of Benefits Form” be mailed to him/her. The form offers the survivor the opportunity to select which coverage they wish to continue and requires that RTO/ERO membership be in place. RTO/ERO member-ship requires a yearly fee; whereas, health plan premiums are paid monthly. This form along with a death certificate would then be mailed as per the instructions on the form.

• If the deceased is in receipt of a pension, it is also good practice to notify the pension provider of their passing.

If further information would be of assistance, please contact our Service Administrator at 1.877.406.9007 or 1.416.920.7248. You may also contact them by email at healthbene-fits@johnson.ca.

The Passing of a Member

~ Gayle Manley