Retired Members Division Executive Committee List for 2024-2026
| Region | Chair | Vice-Chair | Secretary | Treasurer |
| 1 | Philip Shearer(519) 494-7301[email protected] | Mickey Riccardi(519) 981-7748[email protected] | Debbie Riopelle(519) 978-3055[email protected] | Paul Opper(519) 666-2060 |
| 2 | Ed Faulknor(905) 385-2142[email protected] | Elaine Young(519) 327-1914[email protected] | Randy Sloat(905) 549-1198[email protected] | Keith Bates(905) 928-6396[email protected] |
| 3 | Betty Cree(705) 748-2076[email protected] | Ethel LaValley(613) 334-2912[email protected] | Dora Robinson(905) 751-9851[email protected] | Pending |
| 4 | John Hanson – Div. Vice-Chair(613) 213-4674[email protected] | Ben Treidlinger(613) 570-1171[email protected] | Ianthe Stringer(613) 503-4533[email protected] | Sue Stevenson(613) 476-6526[email protected] |
| 5 | Yasmin Damani(647) 549-9118[email protected] | Perminder Grewal(416) 560-8055[email protected] | Sam Chopra(647) 234-3555[email protected] | Joyce Jackson(416) 371-8005[email protected] |
| 6 | Beth Anich – Div. Secretary(705) 949-6135[email protected] | Brian Luckett(705) 492-7556[email protected] | Elaine Kerr(807) 355-4786[email protected] | Elaine Kerr(807) 355-4786[email protected] |
| 7 | Sandra Snider – Div. Chair(807) 630-4751[email protected] | Janet Wright(807) 630-5064[email protected] | Sophia Ambrose(807) 621-5062sambrose@tbaytel.net | Brenda Clapp(807) 629-9395[email protected] |
Important Numbers
- Great West Life,1-800-874-5899
- Sun Life, 1-800-361-6212
- Pension Board (retired before Dec. 31,1992), 1-800-668-6203
- OPSEU Pension Trust (retired after Dec. 31,1992), 1-800 906-7738
- CAAT Pension Plan, 1-866-350-2228
- HOOPP Pension Plan, 1-888-333-3659
- OMERS Pension Plan, 1-800-387-0813
- Province of Ontario – OPSEU – Travel Insurance -Can/USA, 1-855-222-4051
- OPSEU Head Office, 1-800-268-7376
A Message from the Retired Members Division Chair
Don’t Let Doug Ford Buy Your Vote With Your Money As The System Fails Us!
We are anticipating an early election. So, what does Doug Ford do? He will be sending two hundred dollars ($200) to every taxpayer, as well as $200 for each eligible child in early 2025. That’s 15 million people totaling 3 billion dollars. Even the richest of the rich will get a cheque, the same as those on ODSP and Ontario Works who are not getting enough money for food and shelter now.Where is the investment in ambulance care, in family medicine, in long term care, in home care, or affordable housing? All these investments would make a difference in the lives of seniors. Doug Ford has demanded, and I repeat demanded more money from the federal government because the health care system in Ontario needs more money…. then he turns around and gives it to every man, woman and child. That won’t help us when we need medical care.The Toronto Star reported that on October 18th, 2024, Euplio Cusano was beaten to death at the Toronto South Detention Centre. Euplio was 69 years old and had been living in a long-term care facility due to a brain injury and epilepsy when he was involved in an altercation with another client. The police he was arrested and charged with assault. He ended up being incarcerated at Toronto South Detention Centre for more than 7 months without a bail hearing. All our public services and safeguard systems failed him.- The long-term care system failed him as they refused to take him back to the facility. The system did not prioritize him in a new facility that had staffing or the level of care to meet his needs. Profit is more important than people in this mostly for-profit system.
- The Public Trustee and official guardian system failed him, he was in their care. It should have been their responsibility to get him placed quickly in a new facility.
- The Court System failed him, by allowing him to remain incarcerated for 7 months without bail and allowing repeated remands.
- The Legal Aid System failed him. He never should have been in the system.
- The Correction System failed; he was tripled bunked in the over crowed jail. In a system that was not able to meet his needs.
- The Mental Health System failed him. In the past we had units for seniors with mental health issues that may have violent tendencies. We also provided trained nurses and doctors, not PSW’s, that are severely over-worked and not trained to meet this level of care.
Beware! Service Canada will never request the following information by email or text:
- your SIN
- your credit card #
- your bank account #
- your passport #
Cruising
by Ed Faulknor, Chair of Region 2 RMDBack in 1993, Kathy, my lovely wife, and I embarked on our very first cruise. It was on a ship called “The Song of America” with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and because it was our very first cruise, we thought the ship was enormous. By today’s standards, it was barely more than a tugboat, but it was a great experience and lots of fun. We ran about the ship doing various activities and earning shipshape dollars and ten of those got you a ship shape T-shirt. I tell you this just to let you know that on a cruise ship there is no end to all the possible things you can do to keep entertained, from exercising to group games to just lounging by the pool and reading your book. With this cruise began our love affair with the adventures of cruising.Since then, we have been privileged to go on twenty-five cruises so far and our next one is already booked for November of this year. We have covered most islands in the Caribbean, been to Tahiti and the Society Islands, went through the Panama Canal, went to Hawaii and circumvented the islands there, flew to Sydney Australia and did a two-week cruise of the Fiji Islands and on our most recent trip we did a trans-Atlantic from Florida to Bermuda to Gibraltar and Spain.These many trips and experiences have educated both my wife and I on what to look for to make a cruise successful and what, if possible, you should avoid. Keeping in mind we all have different tastes and preferences, but the following is what we have found works for us.- Research whatever cruises you are considering on the cruise line web pages to check itinerary, information of the ship, departure and return dates, and what shore excursions are available.
- Book your dining preferences early to get the time of day and size of table you want. Be sure to notify the ship of your dietary concerns and allergies when doing this.
- Pre book your shore excursions on the same basis. The good trips go fast and if you wait till the last minute, you may miss out on a trip you really want.
- Smaller ships make for more intimate gatherings and closer relationships. They also can get into a lot of ports the bigger ships can’t, which affords greater experiences. The Paul Gaughan from Papeete Tahiti, to Bora Bora, Morea, and the other society islands is a perfect example of the smaller ships and why we prefer them.
- Just because you have been to a port of call before, doesn’t spoil the location. Different shore excursions give you a whole new perspective on the island or city that you didn’t get the first time around.
- Many new travelers get worried about sea sickness. Don’t! Today’s ships are so big and stable that you forget you are on one, half of the time.
- Sign up for each cruise line’s loyalty program when you sail. It doesn’t take too long to start getting freebies & perks which can save money.
- If you are a light drinker of alcohol, stay away from the drink packages, unless it is thrown in as a perk. The number of drinks per day to justify the cost of a package is well beyond my level of normal consumption and Kath doesn’t drink at all. If 1 person in your cabin takes the drink package, then both of you have to take it.
- Positioning cruises where they are taking a ship across the ocean for an extensive stay will require you to fly home but are surprisingly cheaper than your standard 10-day Caribbean Junket and is a nice change of pace.
- Watch for lectures and movies and evening theatre presentations, which are all part of the fun and entertainment.
- Walk when you can to burn off all those extra calories from the great meals, but if you can’t just enjoy every minute of it. Anyway, cruising is a great way to break up those long cold winters.
Dispelling Travel Insurance Myths
Whether you are travelling by yourself or with your family, for a single trip or multiple trips, it’s nice to know you’re covered in the event of many emergency illnesses or injuries, and in case any other travel-related mishaps occur. Travel Insurance plans are designed to help protect you and your family – wherever your travels take you!Emergency medical coverage is criticalNobody wants to think about getting sick or injured on vacation, but it happens. And when it does, having insurance gives you one less thing to worry about. Let Travel Insurance take the load off coordinating care and covering potentially huge costs. Our plans may also cover pre-existing conditions.Whether you’re heading south, travelling in Canada or going to Europe, travel insurance is wise. Don’t fall prey to these myths!Myth 1. You’re covered under your Government Health Plan.
Your Government Health Plan may not cover all your emergency medical expenses—even if you’re travelling in Canada. For instance, it won’t cover ambulances, prescription drugs and dental. A single ambulance ride will likely cost more than the average travel insurance plan.Myth 2. Multi-trip plans are expensive.
Multi-trip plans use one policy to cover numerous vacations taken within 365 days of the date of purchase. If you’ll be taking a few trips anywhere from four to 60 days in one year, this plan will save you money since it covers several trips with a single policy. CAA Travel Insurance offers both a Multi-Trip Medical Plan and a Multi-Trip Vacation Package Plan. Plan to cover all your bases.Myth 3. Airlines will reimburse you for expenses.
If your flight is delayed until the next day, airlines rarely cover the cost of your unused hotel room. Vac package insurance plans often include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, so your lost hotel room will be covered. Cancellation and interruption plans also typically cover lost luggage, so you’ll have an allowance to buy some clothes while the airline finds your bags.Myth 4. Short trips don’t require insurance.
Don’t convince yourself that it’s all right to travel unprotected for just a few days or just a short trip across the border. Travel insurance will give you peace of mind that you’re protected.Myth 5. Your credit card coverage is sufficient.
Many credit cards only cover trip interruption and baggage loss or have limits on how much travel insurance they provide. They also may not cover people over 65. Review your credit card plan carefully and consider an additional policy to fill in any gaps.Myth 6. I can just pay out-of-pocket if something happens on vacation.
In places like the U.S. and Mexico, medical costs and hospitals can be extremely expensive. Many medical providers require upfront cash payment before they will treat you. Trip cancellation and insurance typically costs 4%-10% of your total, prepaid nonrefundable trip cost. That’s a small amount compared to the total cost of your trip!So before you travel this winter, ensure you purchase travel coverage before you go – your life may depend on it!This article was written for Autumn View by Leony deGraaf Hastings of a certified financial planner from deGraafWe offer renewal reminders as a fast & simple way to get notified when it’s time to renew your:- Ontario Photo Card
- health card
- driver’s licence
- licence plate
OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees Support LBED Striking members across the province
Ben Treidlinger Region 4 Vice Chair leafletting cars on LBED picket line in Ottawa Region 1 Retirees executive on the line in London Above – LCBO show of solidarity in Sault Ste. Marie, Beth Anich’s grandson Nathaniel, Beth Anich, Ruth Galinis, Jeff Arbus and Jane Forster Region 6 Brian Lucket and Carol Hamilton in North Bay John Hanson Region 4 chair in Kingston. (left to right) – unknown, Janet Wright, Elaine Johnson, Greg Snider and Sandra Snider, Region 3 Cindy Reichert and Betty Cree showing support in Peterborough.
Self-Evaluation Of Health: How Do Our Seniors Rate?
Canadians are living longer and benefit from a higher standard of living through advances in medicine, technology, nutrition, and health care. Improved housing and living conditions have also made a significant contribution. Improving the health status of seniors is an important goal of Canada’s health care system.What do we mean by “health?” A popular definition of health, especially as it pertains to seniors, was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”Can the health status of seniors be determined through self-rating methods? Initially, self-ratings of health were developed to determine how health affects the general functioning of seniors; specifically, how health affects seniors’ physical capacity for role fulfillment and social participation. Self-rating or self-evaluation of one’s health is a complex issue. The health care field is fraught with medical, social, and attitudinal complications which can bias the subjective response of seniors. If self-evaluation measures are viable, this method of health assessment can supplement our current body of knowledge and help serve the needs of our increasing population of seniors. The implementation of programs for the prevention and detection of health problems and distribution of health care services, require a thorough knowledge of the health status of seniors. Health status information is also beneficial in understanding the prevailing attitudes toward health and health care by seniors, in research, and in formulating policy.Various methods such as interviews, rating scales, surveys, and checklists can be used to obtain a subjective evaluation of health. One method is to ask seniors to rate their health as excellent, good, fair, or poor (rating scale); another is to ask them to compare their present state of health with others their age (comparison rating); and still another is to inquire about illnesses, diseases, and injuries that affect them by using a checklist rating system.How valid is the self-evaluation rating of health by seniors as it relates to the physician’s health rating? In a study to determine the validity of this relationship, seniors were asked to rate their health as either excellent, good, fair, or poor. The senior’s medical history was obtained by a physician preceding the medical examination. The results of the study indicated that self-evaluation of health was significantly correlated with the physician’s health rating. A survey of the published research found a positive relationship between seniors’ self-evaluation of health and physicians’ health rating, with a level of agreement as high as 75%.Caution, however, must be exercised in the interpretation of health and disability data based on self-reports by seniors. The issues of concern include (a) the extent to which self-reported health reflect true health status, and (b) the extent to which seniors reflect social processes (i.e., perceived demands by the interviewer, such as whether the information provided by seniors would be used to deny benefits).What is the relationship between seniors’ self-evaluation of health and other factors of social life, such as the way males and females assess their health status? Within similar categories of self-rated health, one study found (a) that women tended to tolerate more health problems than men, and (b) that males expressed poorer health than females.One researcher found that self-evaluation of health among the 65–74-year-old group and the 75+ group was significantly related to measures of objective health status. Findings indicated that although the 75+ group reported more health-related problems (as would be expected), they were more positive in their self-evaluation of health than the 65–75-year-old group. As well, the 75+ group who evaluated their health to be excellent, manifested about the same degree of disability as seniors in the 65-74 age group, who considered their health to be good.Does self-evaluation of health differ significantly between institutionalized and noninstitutionalized seniors? While it is true that many older seniors suffer from chronic health conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, most institutionalized and noninstitutionalized seniors say they are in good or excellent health. In a study conducted by this author at the City of Thunder Bay Homes for the Aged, 48% of institutionalized seniors described their health as good or excellent. In comparison studies with noninstitutionalized seniors in the United States, 49-59% of seniors reported to be in this category.The impact of socioeconomic factors (e.g., income, occupation, education, social status) on seniors’ self-perception of health is complex. Results suggest that research should focus attention on the social consequences of ill health (i.e., retirement, unemployment) rather than presumed sociological causes.Overall, the research literature supports a positive relationship between seniors’ self-evaluation of health and physicians’ health rating. As a result, self-evaluation measures of health appear to be related to measures of objective health status and can be of value when objective measures of health are not feasible. Self-evaluation methods can provide a valid, cost-effective means of health assessment in experimental or survey research involving seniors where other forms of health information are lacking.It is important to understand that a senior’s self-evaluation of health is not intended as a substitute for a medical examination by a physician. Self-evaluation is valid only in the context of the senior’s personal perception of health.Seniors Mobilize across Canada on October 1stBy Barbara Linds, OPSEU/OPSSU RetireeMy grandson Escher will turn 9 on Christmas Day. I became involved in seniors’ climate action soon after he was born because I’m concerned about the world we are leaving for our grandchildren.I am a member of Seniors for Climate Action Now! and an organizer with Seniors for Climate.Seniors for Climate was formed this past spring at a discussion by 6 seniors climate organizations across the country – Seniors for Climate Action Now, Grandmothers Acting to Save the Planet, the Suzuki Foundation, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners, Climate Legacy, and For Our Children.These groups decided that October 1st, National Seniors Day in Canada, and also, since 1990, the United Nations Day for Older Persons, should be a day to focus on the climate crisis and to mobilize seniors to take action.Following this, 61 organizations across the country endorsed the project, including the OPSEU Retired Members Division. Thanks so much for your support!I had the great privilege of using the organizing skills I developed in my 30 years working for OPSEU to support groups across the country as they planned their actions.At the end of May we had confirmed climate action events in 18 communities. By October 1 this had grown to 76, 34 of these in Ontario.Across the country groups organized everything from large rallies and festivals to potluck dinners and coffee parties in seniors’ residences. There were workshops and demonstrations. Climate expos and meetings with politicians. Flash mobs and Raging Grannies. They got petitions going, including one to the House of Commons. There were newspaper ads, letter writing campaigns, art installations and music. There were seniors in rocking chairs outside RBC branches calling attention to Canada’s biggest fossil fuel lender.A number of municipalities across the country proclaimed October 1 as Seniors For Climate Day, including Toronto, Kingston and Grimsby in Ontario. These proclamations were very clear in their focus. The Kingston proclamation read, in part “Whereas we must reduce carbon emissions for a livable future. Extreme weather is the symptom; fossil fuel pollution is the cause…”One of the ways we united seniors across the country was with a personal pledge that was read and signed at each event. It reads in part:
In pledging support to future generations, I recognize the debt we owe to Indigenous wisdom: the decisions we make today must assure a better future for the seven generations that will come after us. I will bring my skills, compassion and resources to join with others in a movement for environmental justice. I pledge to use my voice and my vote to protect future generations. Later Is Too Late!What’s next?Organizers from across the country met recently to share their experiences from October 1. All agreed that we must continue to mobilize, as seniors, and with others to save our planet. Seniors for Climate events will happen in 2025. Stay tuned!Please get involved!I encourage you to go to seniorsforclimate.org for more information. Please sign the online pledge and sign up to receive regular updates.
Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Confronting the Climate Crisis and Working for a Sustainable, Caring, and Equitable SocietyThe climate crisis is here. We seniors are alarmed.- Wildfires, heatwaves, and floods are endangering our lives and society
- High levels of pollution are affecting our health
- Climate breakdown is destroying our natural world.
- The main culprits are the oil, gas and coal industries
- Fossil fuels must be phased out as soon as possible
- The oil and gas industry should no longer be subsidized by public money
- Banks and our Canada Pension Plan must divest from fossil fuels.
- Make huge investments in renewable energy, especially wind and solar
- Make public transit free to get more private vehicles off the road
- Create a public national railway system
- Provide more affordable housing with subsidies for sustainable retrofits
- Increase industry regulation to promote production of goods that last and save energy
- Increase electrification
- Ensure the preservation and enhancement of our natural ecosystems.
- Cooling centres and free air conditioning in all rental units
- Flood protection and increased firefighting capacities
- Early warning and service systems for weather disasters
- SCAN! supports Indigenous sovereignty and the Land Back movement
- Indigenous stewardship of land and water provides a model for our relationship to the natural world.
- Supporting workers in their transition from carbon intensive industries to sustainable jobs by providing free training and income support increasing low carbon public service jobs in education, health care, and other social services
- Taxing the top 20% of Canada’s wealthy, the most responsible for the climate crisis
- Redistributing wealth and reducing inequality.
- We are one of the worst per person climate polluters in the world
- We need to provide “no stri