News & Views Contents Table of Volume 18 Number 2 Winter 2009 COLUMNS 11 27 FEATURES Emergency Medical Political Notes 2 Out-of-Country 4 President’s Message An Idea for Retirement Views From This 28 Volunteer Experience in Side of an Orb 12 No Reason to be Bored the Heart of Africa 3 In Memoriam —Judy Steiert New Prescription 14 Drug Cards Editor`s Musings 29 18 Provincial Politics What Are We Doing 7 Now? Executive Secretary’s Report 16 Scholarship 31 Marilyn Bossert Winners Letters 8 17 to the Editor 20 Erika and Health and Wellness Phishing— Bob`s Tour Column 33 A Cautionary Tale of Europe 22 Public Interest Alberta Honorary 9 Memberships and 34 24 Auto Rental Insurance Award Winner Time and Time Again 10 23 36 Tidbits of History Annual ACER Meeting Classifieds Teaching in China

News and Views is published four times a year by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 409, 11010-142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Tel.: 780-447-9474; Alberta only: 1-800-232-7208 ext 474; fax: 1-780-447-0613; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.albertarta.org Do you like a Contributions to News and Views to the editor: David J. Flower, 409, 11010 – 142 Street NW, challenge? Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Check page 15 for Printing by Central Web, 16940 – 110 Avenue NW, Edmonton T5P 1G9 more information

AR-ARTA-12e President page stays page 2

Greetings from the President Views From This Side of an Orb Paul E Boisvert

“An election is coming. membership, but of all Albertans burden of perceived public debt. Universal peace is declared and regardless of age or position. We must continually seek to form the foxes have a sincere interest In choosing to react strongly and in alliances with those who are able in prolonging the lives of the a timely manner to the Government to assist us as we work towards our poultry.” —T. S. Eliot of Alberta’s most unacceptable objectives. We shall not be deterred proposed health care changes, we by government ministers who label October 2009 marks the 16th have illustrated that we are a force us as “failed NDP candidates!” anniversary of my direct involve- that should not be looked down Since illness prevented me from ment with the Alberta Retired upon. We also recognize that we attending the 2009 AGM, I would Teachers’ Association. I will not have very much to gain by working like to take this opportunity to dwell upon the metamorphosis of in conjunction with other organiza- express my most sincere appre- ARTA over that period of time. tions that are of like mind. ciation to all those whose term has While the changes have basically When focusing on matters that are ended as members of the Board been in appearances, much like more unique to our membership, of Directors or ARTA committees. the butterfly transformed from the we soon discover that these issues Congratulations on a job well done. caterpillar, the basic nature of the all have a very distinctly political It is with a great deal of enthusi- species remains. And so it is with nature. It matters not whether asm that I wish to welcome into our association. The very funda- we are trying to act upon pension these positions those elected or mental tenants that were there in matters or seeking representa- appointed at the AGM. Your reward the beginning persist to this day. tion on committees or boards that will be in knowing that you have On every occasion that I have had have a great impact on elements served to the best of your abilities. to meet with our branches, I have of our retirement, we are faced tried to remind members that the with finding ways and means of common experiences we have had gaining access to the government Apology of the day. Given the “cult of politi- as teachers bind us together in The Fall 2009 edition of ARTA many ways. From our commitment cal parties” or the “democratic deficit” that continues to flourish News and Views contained an while trying to guide youngsters incorrect headline on page 16. in the province of Alberta, our as they developed the skills that The headline should have would allow them to be contribut- task remains very toilsome. Our read “Reflections on the ing members of our society and challenge demands that we be con- ARTA Wellness Initiative” not culture, we emerged with a social sistent and persistent in our pursuit “Reflections on Mentoring.” consciousness that persists to this of the goals we have set out for The editor apologizes for the day. We recognize this conscious- ARTA. We must not be reluctant error both to the author, Judy ness in the fact that we have never to be more politically active in our Steiert, and to the Health and deviated from our objectives of words and actions. It behooves us Wellness Committee. The editor attempting to be effective advo- to be ever vigilant of a government accepts full responsibility for cates in those matters that pertain that is content to make seniors and the mistake. to the quality of life of not only our the lower-middle class carry the

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 2 News & Views Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association Health & Wellness Benefit Plan New Prescription Drug Cards

MHCSI Please note the following: Johnson mailed two new • Members are not obligated to cards to all ARTA Health Supplementary use or change to a MHCSI affili- Plan members. Here is why. Pharmacy Benefit ated pharmacy. ARTA and Johnson are not endorsing or Program recommending members use the Johnson Direct Pay services of one provider over Drug Plan This year, in addition to your another. Johnson Drug Card, the Committee • Members should shop around. Last year, to improve service and approved a NEW voluntary pre- Sobeys do not necessarily have to reduce processing costs, ARTA’s ferred provider supplementary the lowest dispensing fee. In the Health and Wellness Benefits pharmacy benefit in partnership West their fees usually fall into Committee approved the introduc- with MHCSI Managed Health the lowest third. tion of Johnson’s Direct Pay Drug Care Services Inc. Johnson mailed • Because MHCSI pharmacy ben- Card. This card has been updated to this second card to communicate efit savings of $3.00 at Sobeys show the NEW group policy num- ARTA’s new Affinity prescription and its affiliated stores is an ber 644177. Prescription drugs benefit for members whochoose to Affinity discount (similar to eli- account for over 70% of ARTA’s shop at Sobeys, Lawtons Drugs and gible discounts at cer­tain hotel Extended Health Care Plan other affiliated stores. chains, etc), all ARTA members claims. With the Direct Pay Drug If you choose to purchase a are eligible for it, regardless of Card, electronic real-time claims prescription at any MHCSI net- whe­ther or not they are enrolled adjudication gives the member and work pharmacy including Sobeys in ARTA’s Extended Health the pharmacist the information Pharmacy, Sobeys Pharmacy by Care Plan. they need to make the best choices Mail, Price Chopper Pharmacy, • Members who belong to the at the point of sale. You will know Thrifty Foods Pharmacy (in British ARTA drug benefit plan are auto­ when your prescription is filled Columbia) and Lawtons Drugs matically enrolled and present how much will be paid by the Plan, (in Atlantic Canada), upon pre- both the Benefit Card issued by as well as your out-of-pocket cost. sentation of your Supplementary MHCSI along with Johnson Inc.’s When filling your prescription, Pharmacy Benefit Card issued direct pay drug card. ARTA please advise the pharmacist that by MHCSI, you and your eligible members who are not part of you are a member of the ARTA dependents will receive coverage the ARTA Health Plan can con- Extended Health Care Plan and of up to $3.00 per prescription tact ARTA for enrolment details that your drug claims are paid against your co-pay (out-of-pocket) under the Affinity program. by ARTA’s Plan Administrator, expenses. Your MHCSI Pharmacy Should you encounter problems Johnson Inc. Present your new Benefit Program also entitles you related to electronic payment of ARTA Health and Wellness Benefit to coverage for additional phar- your claim at your pharmacy, Program Identification Card to macy services including health please have your pharmacist call your pharmacy. Johnson Inc. is part risk assessments, medication the Johnson Inc. toll-free pharmacy of the Emergis electronic claims reviews and disease management/ help line at 1-866-773-5467. Should adjudication network—Johnson’s care planning consultations. Ask you have any further questions regard­ carrier ID number is 627265 in-store for details. To find the ing the use of your new drug cards, (pharmacists are familiar with this location nearest you visit www. please call the Johnson Inc. Plan process). pharmacynearestyou.ca. Benefit Claims at 1-877-413-6599.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 3 An Idea for Retirement Volunteer Experience in the Heart of Africa by Carol Bahry

Retirement is a time to rest, fin- The people who joined Friendship kilometres by 100 kilometres. Its ish those little projects, and travel Force in Burundi need experi- history of genocide mirrors that of the world, right? How do we do enced teachers to introduce a Rwanda, which borders it to the that? “Join Friendship Force new English school.” So in August north. Of the country’s eight mil- International,” said my friend. “Go 2008, I traveled to Bujumbura, lion people, one million reside in and stay with people of foreign the capital of Burundi, with my Bujumbura. In 2006 English was lands, get to know their culture husband Kevan and my good friend mandated as an official language and discover new countries.” So Barbara Olynyk to set up the third so that Burundi could participate we joined the Friendship Force. English school in the country. It fully in international economics, Little did we know what our first was named Bujumbura English communication and education. overseas experience would be! Friendship English School. So there we were in August, clean- The lady who established the Burundi is possibly the world’s ing and painting an abandoned Friendship Force Club in Edmonton poorest country and is situated just seminary, installing electrical out- asked politely, “Will you go to south of the equator in the heart lets, arranging furniture, nailing up Burundi and start up a school? of Africa. It is heart-shaped, 100 posters and word walls, selecting teachers and enrolling students. Edmonton Catholic Schools had very generously donated books, curriculum, furniture, kindergarten centres, computers, sports equip- ment and much, much more so we felt confident in our mission. On September 2, 2008, our school year began. We had eighteen chil- dren in playschool, Kindergarten and Grade One. The organizers were thrilled because the first English school in the city began with only eight students. We were amazed by the eagerness of our students and how quickly they grasped new concepts. In no time, the children recited and recognized the alphabet, read many words, spoke sensible sentences, counted to 100 and were able to sing our childhood songs “If You’re Happy,” “Old MacDonald,” “The Wheels on Toys—bricks and margarine containers the Bus” etc. We chose Animate

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 4 News & Views Meet the teacher evening The children love popcorn

Literacy to introduce English and modern four-bedroom house with so appreciative; it is a most gratify- with its songs, word building com- clean drinking water on tap. A cook ing experience. ponents and drawings, it proved very provides wonderful meals and all successful. Each day Barbara would your needs are met. All you have to On the way home from Burundi we teach in Grade One to implement do is travel to and from Bujumbura. enjoyed two wonderful side trips, the program and to share teaching We will support your preparation one to Cairo to visit the Sphinx and strategies with her Burundian col- and collection of materials before the great pyramids and another a league. The Grade One teacher, you go and we are only an e-mail safari in Masai Mara and Nakura Christine, can now fly having expe- away when you work there. in Kenya. They were both relatively rienced such a positive first year. inexpensive because we were Please say YES to join our team already in the neighbourhood. Kevan was quick to organize a cof- and travel to Burundi to teach for a fee break for the teachers. We term or even longer. It is a chance For more information please call found it necessary as it provided an to give back as well as to gain so Carol at (780) 438-6445 or e-mail opportunity for the Burundian teach- much. The people of Burundi are me at [email protected]. ers to practice their English skills, as the language is relatively new for them too. We were all amazed at the number of idioms and mul- tiple meanings our language has. The Bujumbura Friendship English School has adopted the Western Canada Protocol, knowing that it is very comprehensive and also suc- cessful. Each year a new grade will be added—Grade Two in 2009, Grade Three in 2010 and so on. We need your help to continue to build this school. We need teachers to introduce new grades, support existing grades, and administer the school as I did. If you enjoy travel, adventure, meeting new people in foreign lands, and have a pas- sion for teaching, this is for you. In Bujumbura, volunteers live in a School photograph

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 5 Your Vehicle and Winter

As winter settles in, your vehicle requires special attention to keep it running safely and smoothly. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle and its passengers. 1. Have your tires checked for winter season traction. When driving in harsh conditions, all-season tires are not a good substitute for winter tires. 2. Change your oil and filter. 3. Check your coolant level. Make sure the mix between antifreeze and water is correct. 4. Cold weather is hard on batteries. Make sure your battery connections are tight, corrosion-free and that the cables are not loose. 5. Always dress for the weather. If your car breaks down or you have an accident, you will want to be warm. It is a good idea to keep a hat and an extra pair of gloves in your car. 6. Do not leave the car running in an enclosed area. Never leave your car idling in the driveway. Unattended idling vehicles are prime targets for car thieves and wastes gasoline. 7. Before you leave your driveway or parking lot, make sure all vehicle windows are free of snow and ice to maximize your visibility. That means passenger windows too! 8. Make sure that you clear your tailpipe of snow. 9. Keep your fluids topped up and do not forget to carry extra windshield wash. 10. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a shovel, winter gloves, blanket, candles and matches. 11. Use caution when jump-starting a car and follow instructions provided by your cable kit and vehicle manufacturer. 12. Do not drive in stormy conditions unless it is absolutely necessary. Slippery roads, reduced visibility and high winds significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents. If you must drive, take your time and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you.

Courtesy of Johnson Inc. For further information please contact your local broker/agent or Johnson at 1-800-563-0677

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 6 News & Views Executive Secretary’s Report

have our new-look ARTA website click on “Register Here” and fill up and running. Please visit it at out the information in the ARTA your convenience. The website is Information page that comes up. www.albertarta.org. Some things Alberta Government Pharma­ Don Mock of note are that the home page ceutical Strategy: Past issues will help keep members informed of ARTA News and Views have of ARTA’s position on impor- provided a summary of the new ARTA Membership Continues tant issues such as health care. strategy that the government to Grow: Our active membership As well, under the “Insurance” proposes to implement on July 1, is now over 10,000. While this menu all benefits information 2010. As you know by now, this plan increase is partly the demographic has been updated to the current is to replace the current universal effect of more teachers reach- 2009–2010 renewal year includ- program for seniors that pays ing retirement age, we believe ing the Insurance Certificates for 70% of drug prescriptions up to a that our organization is becoming all ARTA plans. This information maximum of $25 per prescription increasingly useful to retirees so is shown in the left panel of the with a new means test premium they continue to join us. With fif- insurance page along with a link plan. ARTA continues to oppose teen branches in Alberta, we are in to Johnson Inc. on the right in this new plan and again we call the unique position of being able to case you want direct contact with on members to keep up the letters communicate on a provincial level. Johnson. Finally, members are now and telephone calls to their MLAs That capability is important in the able to renew online and pay mem- expressing their opposition to this context of the changes that are bership fees by credit card. Doing new plan. We need to do this now now occurring to seniors’ health so for the first time you must first before the plan is implemented. care, particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals and long-term care. Working with other seniors Important notice: Sobeys’ drug card clarification organizations like Public Interest Alberta and the Alberta Council Our office has had a number of calls from members who had questions on Aging, ARTA advocates for its about the mail-out in late October of the Sobeys’ drug card, the orange/ members and all retirees. While lilac/white hard plastic card with the initials MHCSI on the upper right we began as an organization for side. The first thing that we need to clarify is that this was not intended to retired teachers, we have now limit your choice in pharmacies in any way. The agreement with Sobeys added a number of non-teacher was intended to be an expansion of ARTA’s affinity/discount program that groups including post-secondary many of you use already at hotels, airport parking etc. For those of you institutions, support staff in edu- who are already shopping at Sobeys or may wish to check it out, this drug cational institutions and, more discount card was just a means of saving a little money for those individu- recently, retirees from participants als who choose that pharmacy. You may, of course, choose any pharmacy in other Alberta government pen- that you like and, indeed, we encourage you to look for the best price sion plans who have joined mainly wherever you may find it. to participate in our very success- You will continue to have the opportunity to use the updated electronic ful health and wellness benefit drug payment card (black/white and blue with the Johnson Inc. logo at plan. With the power of numbers, the bottom) that you were also mailed in late October at any pharmacy we can be an even more effective you choose. advocate for seniors. We do apologize for any confusion that this mail-out has caused our members. New ARTA Website: After some Don Mock, Executive Secretary, ARTA delay over the summer, we now

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 7 Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Europe 2009 with the third crossing from the U.S. to the Soviet Sector Bob and Erika Foley on Friedrichstrasse

Hungarian Parliament, Budapest

Village viewed through Manneken Pis— garden globe in Germany legend says a child by peeing had doused the fuse of a bomb set to blow up Brussels

The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium, model of an iron crystal from the 1958 World’s Fair The Bode Museum, Berlin, Germany taken from a boat on the Spree River

Bad Münstereifel, Germany, with wonderful food, beer and wine

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 8 News & Views Does my auto insurance extend to a rental vehicle?

When renting a vehicle, you are 1. Does this endorsement cover me if I rent a more expensive vehicle usually asked whether you are than my own? interested in purchasing physi- Each insurance provider will provide coverage to a stated limit, so you cal damage insurance from the should check with your licensed insurance representative. The limit rental agency. This comment may with Unifund Assurance is $60,000 Canadian. cause you to question “does my auto insurance extend to a rental 2. I booked my rental vehicle using a credit card that provides insurance vehicle?” The answer to this ques- coverage; however, I also have SEF 27 on my own vehicle. If I have an tion depends on your policy and the accident in the rental vehicle, which plan will respond to pay for the endorsements you have in place. damages? The endorsement that you need to If you have coverage from two different providers, you should contact know about in this situation is SEF both and advise them of your loss and that you have coverage else- 27 (Legal Liability for Non-Owned where. Terms and conditions will vary among credit card providers Automobiles), which may not auto- and, in certain circumstances, you may not be covered by both your matically be included with your credit card provider and the SEF 27. Where coverage is provided by basic automobile insurance policy. both, it will depend on the conditions of your contracts. Where the If you are not sure whether your credit card provider is deemed the primary provider, the credit card policy includes this endorsement provider would pay under that contract first with any balance being and you intend to rent a vehicle, we paid under the SEF 27. In the absence of this type of provision, pay- recommend that you contact your ments would be shared proportionately between the two providers. licensed insurance representative. 3. I recently had an accident while driving a rental vehicle. When I SEF 27 extends the same physical rented this vehicle, I waived the insurance offered by the rental agent; damage coverage that you carry however, I have SEF 27 on my own auto policy. Will my insurance on your own insured vehicle to policy cover damages claimed by the rental agent for loss of income, a vehicle that you rent, thereby while the rental vehicle is being repaired and cannot be rented out? allowing you to waive the extra The SEF 27 will respond to your legal liability imposed by law or physical damage insurance from assumed under your contract with the rental agency. So, if you are the car rental agency. Below are liable under these circumstances for any loss of income resulting from some frequently asked questions the vehicle not being available for rental because of damages covered about this endorsement. by the SEF 27, you would also be covered for these costs.

Courtesy of Johnson Inc. This article is provided for information purposes only and does not cover all exceptions or exclusions. For advice and further information please contact your licensed insurance representative or Johnson Inc. at 1-800-563-0677.

“We’re an oil-addicted culture living on a planet that’s fast running out of oil. It’s pretty much a moot point now as to whether we pollute ourselves out of existence with the by-products of our over consumption or blow ourselves to toxic fragments in the wars over the last few tankers of black gold. Either way, there won’t be many folk left to pick up the pieces.” Manda Scott, The Crystal Skull, Bantam Books, London, 2008.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 9 Tidbits of ATA Local History from Bill Dube in Millarville

Bill writes “these items are from the early 60s and earlier when Turner Valley District schools were not part of Foothills School Division. Here are bits from meetings—I am sending them now before they are gone forever.”

September 1961—Mrs Alice November 21, 1963—Turner November 27, 1963—mileage rates Watkins moved that the president Valley District and Foothills raised from 4 cents to 10 cents be empowered to get W. O. Mitchell Local held a joint meeting at a mile. for a speaker for our banquet and Okotoks regarding Turner Valley also be empowered to pay up to $25 District joining Foothills Local. January 28, 1964—Gordon Minue more or less for speaking expenses. Mr. Ed Bardock was present as stated he had appointed himself as (Bill’s comment: “W. O. Mitchell of was former ATA President Fred ATA president of the local with Mr. High River had many requests to Seymour. A motion was made by Brooks Gowan as vice-president to be a speaker for free or small Gene Deputat that they amal­ finish out the year—this was for amounts. He decided to make the gamate, seconded by Charles the Turner Valley District sub-local. cost so high that no one would be Simmons—carried unanimously. asking for his talks. To his surprise Discussion of the name of the November 17, 1966—(elections for it turned out that the different local, transfer of accounts and the sub-local) President—Bill Dube, clubs were quite happy to pay the the constitution followed. Two Vice-President—Arnold Tusa, larger amount. W. O. Mitchell was extra members were voted to the Secretary-Treasurer—Mrs. Schekner, busy writing books at the time). salary committee, Mrs. Marion Convention Representative— Ryrie nominated by Stan Gibson Mrs. Angelique Emmelkamp and November 1961—Mrs. Melvin and Van Diggery nominated by Don Program Chair—Mrs. Louise Briggs commented on the Calgary Tannas. Lansing. convention where the Turner Valley District teachers held their meet- ing. “The convention was enjoyable April 1953—salary schedule for Turner Valley District local but the hallway was unsuitable to $600 for principals in Black Diamond and Turner Valley but not more conduct a meeting because people than $100 for vice-principals. The salary negotiators wanted to give high (teachers) were walking around school teachers $200 a year more—teachers voted down this proposal talking, laughing and some guy with much cheering. with a noisy machine was working on the rugs. It was the only place 1954–55 salary schedule for Turner Valley District we could get for our meeting.” A (years of training) 1 2 3 4 5 motion was passed to hold a con- $2,100 $2,400 $2,650 $3,000 $3,300 vention banquet at the Stampede Hotel—cost $3. $3,100 $3,500 $3,850 $4,300 $4,600

(Editor’s note: If you have any items of information you would like to share with us please send them to David Flower at the ARTA Office or by e-mail to [email protected])

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 10 News & Views Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association Health & Wellness Benefit Plan Emergency Medical Out-of-Country Coverage

In the Fall 2009 edition of this magazine there was an article regarding ARTA’s Travel Plan. The Emergency Medical Travel Assistance information for the ARTA Travel Assist Provider, Sigma Assistel, included an inter- national toll-free number for overseas. While this number should work in most overseas locations, due to the possibility of multiple long distance suppliers in some countries, it is possible that certain suppliers are not included as international toll-free carriers. Sigma Assistel will accept all collect calls from our insured members. When travelling outside Canada/USA you may prefer to dial the collect number provided. To ensure expenses are covered and to benefit from the cost management and other assistance services avail- able, contact the 24-hour Sigma Assistel Center at the first onset of symptoms of a medical emergency, before seeking emergency medical treatment (or as soon as possible if medically incapacitated), in the event of a Trip Cancellation claim (prior to departure), or a Trip Interruption claim (post departure). • Sigma Assistel—any time of day or night from: Canada/USA (Toll Free) 1-800-465-6390 Other Countries (Call Collect) 1-514-875-9170 Or Fax 1-514-875-7729

“To Hell With The Bell” Golf Tournament The fifteenth annual tournament kicked off on September 8 at the River Bend Golf Club, Red Deer. Seventy male, retired teachers from all across Central Alberta attended. They were treated to excellent weather, a great golf course and superb hospitality. The low gross winner was Barrie Wilson of Red Deer with a net 61, followed by Marty Klipper, Dave Weir and Don Percival all of Red Deer with net 62 and Larry Pizzey with a net 65. The low gross winner was Wally Dick of Cochrane with a 75 followed by Scott Balen and John Stone both of Red Deer with 78. Golfers in attendance were from Red Deer, Stettler, Rocky Mountain House, Lacombe, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Alberta Beach, Camrose, Bentley, Rimbey and Cochrane. This year we were able to raise $2,100 for prostate cancer research, which brings the total in the last eight years to approximately $16,000. Thanks to all of the golfers and sponsors who helped us to raise this amount, all while having a good time. This kind of support is encouraging as we may be able to help, in some small way to find a cure for this disease. We will once again hold the tournament at the River Bend in Red Deer on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. We encourage all male retired teachers to join us in this worthwhile cause and have a great time. Special thanks go to our major sponsors: Downtown Tim Hortons (Red Deer), River Bend Golf Club, Henry’s Eavestroughing (Red Deer), Ron Olney (Sun Life) and Johnson Inc. Thank you as well to the rest of our sponsors who very generously donated enough prizes so that every golfer went home with something. Anyone wishing to get on the mailing list or to join us next year, should contact Ron Hitchings at 403-343-6543 or Wayne Brenna at 403-347-5479.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 11 In Memoriam

Judy Abrey passed away on June 8, Raymond Philip Heard passed Brie Keith Jensen passed away on 2009. Judy taught in Edmonton away on June 26, 2009. After July 31, 2009. Brie taught school for thirty-five years in classrooms serving in WWII, Ray began in Picture Butte for twenty-four ranging from Grade One to high teaching in England and in 1954 years and after retirement taught school. immigrated to Canada teaching in the wood shop program with Florian Francis Borstmayer passed Acadia Valley. In 1956, he moved Livingstone Range School Division away on September 11, 2009. to Red Deer where he taught until and later with Palliser School Florian was a teacher not only in his retirement in 1980. He taught Division. He was a dedicated the classroom but also in life. English and languages and for peri- teacher and membership in ARTA ods served as associate principal of was important to him. At the time Charles Edward Connors passed Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive of his passing, Brie was president away on June 12, 2009. After High School and as principal of the of the South West Alberta Retired serving in WWII, Charles taught in Vocational High School. Teachers’ Association. the Lethbridge area from 1949 to 1969. He and his family moved to Theresa (Terri) Herchuk passed Nancy Kureluk (née Batiuk) Edmonton when he was appointed away on August 8, 2009. Terri passed away on May 25, 2009. to the staff of the Alberta Teachers’ retired in 2004 after a devoted Nancy attended Edmonton Normal Association. He served Alberta’s teaching career with Edmonton School and began her first teaching teachers, latterly as Co-ordinator Catholic Schools. assignment in 1930 at the two- of Member Services, until his room Oleskow School. Two years George Robert Hislop passed retirement in 1984. later she started teaching in Vilna. away on September 14, 2009. After her marriage she returned Lily Ertmoed passed away on George had a life-long devotion to to full-time teaching in Vilna from August 25, 2009. After attending education, reading and learning. 1952 to 1974. She continued sub- Normal School in Calgary, Lily After one year of teacher train- stitute teaching there for several taught for thirty-five years in a ing at the University of Alberta years after her retirement. number of towns in southeastern Calgary, he began his teaching Mabel Lee (née Fairman) passed Alberta. A dedicated teacher, avid career in one-room schools in gardener, baseball player and vol- away on August 1, 2008. After Fenn and Botha before moving to graduating from Normal School in unteer, she moved to Medicine Hat Lomond and Taber. After complet- after retiring in 1981. Edmonton in 1941, Mabel began ing his B Ed degree he was hired her teaching career in a rural Edith Elizabeth (Sally) Gardener by Ross Shepherd, teaching at school in the Edson/Yellowhead passed away on August 31, 2009. Rutherford and Ritchie Schools. School Division, instructing pupils After high school Sally took Subsequent to earning his M L S in grades 1 to 10. She moved on to teacher training specializing in he was the librarian at Harry teach mostly music at the elemen- English and languages and in Ainley High School for eighteen tary level, teaching three gener­ations 1941 began her teaching career in years until his retirement. of students during her thirty-year Edson. She taught high school for Arnold W. (Arny) Holmes passed career before retiring in 1980. twenty-eight years, retiring from away on June 1, 2009. Arny Dennis Roderick Murphy passed teaching at age sixty. earned a B Ed from the University away on May 23, 2009. Dennis Edna Caroline Grant (née Loyek) of Alberta and an M Ed from the started his teaching career in passed away on July 1, 2009. Edna University of Oregon. During his Bawlf School in 1954. He served taught in Bentley, Lacombe, Forest career with the Edmonton Public as vice-principal of Hay Lakes Lawn and Red Deer. It was in Red School Board he touched many School for five years, as principal Deer that she discovered her true students’ and teachers’ lives, not of St. Augustine Catholic School teaching passion, devoting herself only by teaching and being a great in Ponoka for six years and the exclusively to Early Childhood principal, but also by organizing remaining years of his teaching Education. In later years she sailing trips to the British Virgin career in Calgary Catholic schools. volunteered as a mentor in local Islands and outdoor education trips He retired in 1989 and moved to schools. within Alberta. Windermere, British Columbia.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 12 News & Views Terry Parsons passed away on Warren was born and raised Andrews High School in Coaldale. September 18, 2009. Terry moved in Saskatchewan and attended Over his career Ed took hundreds of from England with his family Normal School in Saskatoon. He students on trips across Canada and in 1966 and taught at Thibault taught school in Saskatchewan to Europe. He coached the school’s R.C.P.School District No. 35 in before moving in 1959 to CFB Cold “Reach for the Top” team to the Morinville for twenty-five years. Lake. He spent the next twenty- Canadian championship in 1985 He devoted many hours of work five years on the military base and coordinated the “Encounters negotiating on behalf of Alberta’s teaching English and art, serving with Canada” program for thirteen teachers and working on numer- one year as vice-principal and years. ous Alberta Teachers’ Association twenty years as principal of École projects. Athabasca School. Warren’s avid Margaret May Shupe (née Craig) interest in art was very important passed away on February 17, Patrick Quinlan passed away on throughout his life. As principal he 2009. Margaret got her start in August 23, 2008. Patrick was a always sponsored an extensive art education at Normal School, then well-respected senior administra- program in the school. taught all over Alberta and, after tor who served as president of her retirement, in Japan. She con- the Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ Edward Joseph Ryan passed tinued to educate herself, earning Local No. 54. He worked tirelessly away on June 18, 2009. Ed com- a bachelor’s and a master’s degree to convince retired Catholic teach- pleted his education studies at the and through her interests and ers to join ERTA and was awarded Universities of Lethbridge and courses continued to educate oth- a lifetime membership for his ser- Calgary. He taught for a year at ers. She always had a strong sense vice to the Association. Henry Wisewood School in Calgary of social responsibility and sup- Warren Stephen Roy passed then accepted a newly-designated ported, both in spirit and in action, away in Calgary on May 17, 2009. position as counsellor at Kate many progressive causes.

Please note that Calgary teachers who have passed away are remembered on the CRTA website at www.calgaryretiredteachers.ca.

Contest #4

Congratulations to the winner of Contest #4. The lucky, skillful winner with the eyes of a hawk is Rena Braund of Plamondon, Alberta. Rena can now fuel up with $50.00 worth of gasoline from PetroCan. I have to admit that I did not think that this contest would be that difficult, but I was in error. We did receive a number of entries, but Rena’s entry was the only correct one. So, the prizes I have left over from Contest #4 will be given out in Contest #5. Again, I apologize for the difficulty of the contest, and I hope Contest #5 will be much easier to complete. “This contest was fun but yet quite challenging. After several thorough searches of the whole magazine with the magnifying glass, I was finally able to locate the company names. They were very well hidden. Thanks guys for the interesting and informative publication of News and Views. I always look for- ward for the next issue. Also thanks for the prize.” —Rena Braund

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 13 Editor’s Musings by David Flower

What Economic Collapse? David Flower

In the spring of 1993, two col- the U.S.S.R. containing details of financial position than other major leagues and I were doing research their agricultural and industrial economies because of the legisla- in and around Mashhad in north- statistics. The statistics were tive controls over our banking eastern Iran. One Friday one of our fascinating. Time and again the system. Nonetheless, by February Iranian translators asked us if we documents would cite percentage 2009, we were informed that our would like to go to a local village increases comparing their output country would be running a $50 mosque. Naturally we agreed. We to that of the U.S.A. I would use billion plus deficit and our province sat cross-legged on the mud floor at these statistics to show students a $5 billion deficit. Then by June the back of the small mosque with how misleading statistics could be. 2009, the media began reporting the other men of the village. We As a simple example, the increase that sources such as the World were served tea in small glasses to Soviet production from one in Bank, some of our national banks along with pieces of sugar cut from 1963 to two in 1964 would be and some economists were pre- sugar loaves and smoked cigarettes shown as a 100 percent increase dicting that by the end of 2009 the while watching the service and the whereas a much more sizeable economy would begin to improve prayers. When the mullah began increase in the U.S. from 10 to and that the worst was over. Things his sermon he was reading from an 12 would only be a 20 percent could only get better. Inflation in Iranian newspaper. The villagers increase, ostensibly showing how May 2009 was only 0.1 percent, were illiterate and so depended on much more quickly the Soviet according to Statistics Canada, the mullah to tell them what was economy was growing than that of despite the rise in the price of happening in Iran as well as else- the United States. bread, vegetables, gasoline, and a where in the world. Interestingly So in the fall of 2008, the world host of other merchandise. Despite on several occasions during the suffered an economic collapse the economic downturn, advertis- mullah’s reading our interpreter that some equated to the Great ers are still promoting their items leaned over and whispered that Depression of the 1930s and others at the same or even increased what was being said was not in the to the global recessions listed by prices. So what are we not being paper but simply some propaganda the International Monetary Fund told—the truth perhaps? Could from the Shi’ite clerics against the in 1981–82, 1990–93 or 2001–02 it be that the statistics are being Shah. Naturally the village men (periods of economic slowdown used to confuse us? Is the media believed what the mullah was say- with growth of three percent or complicit in this huge economic ing since that was their only source less). Whatever the term used, the game by failing to investigate what of information, there being no financial world seemed to collapse is really happening? The massive radios and certainly no televisions in October 2008 and governments debts that have been incurred available to them at the time. the world over gave huge taxpayer by governments to “bail out” the greedy, profit-oriented banks and Manipulation of the message has funded bailouts to banks, mortgage corporations are seldom discussed intrigued me ever since. companies, car manufacturers, oil companies and others. In Canada, but, in order to meet the bills, When I started teaching in 1964 we were assured that we were are governments going to have to I used to receive documents from going to be in a more stable print more money thus threatening

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 14 News & Views significant inflation over the next since ostrich-like—we simply bury choosing to believe that continu- several months. If that is the case, our heads in the sand and pretend it ous economic growth is the only guess who is going to end up suf- will not happen to us. The Iranians future there is. Technology is for fering economically. It will not be have come a long way since 1963 playing games and twittering. We the super rich who can still hide and are now challenging their are manipulated by the vagaries of their money in tax havens. We are clerics and jurists on the Guardian the market, itself manipulated by being read a carefully selected Council—they may not win this the moneymakers. We are conned story, much like the mullah read in time around but they will shake up by statistics, by perpetual optimists the mosque. However, unlike those the system and technology will help who lecture us on how clever we Iranian villagers, we have the lit- them. We have regressed. We have are. It will only become apparent eracy capabilities to know better, been bought off by greed wanting how we have been fooled when the but invariably choose not to bother ever bigger houses, faster cars, and system collapses.

“I distrusted politicians, and I avoided making friends with politically powerful people, because (I said) the nearer you are to such people, the more morally blind you become.” —Paul Theroux, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Emblem, McClelland and Stewart, Toronto, 2009

Contest #5 Match the photo of the baby to the name of a person associated with ARTA. I am including the names of six people associated with ARTA. Your job is to figure out which four of these six have their baby pictures featured. Names to choose from: Shannon Patershuk, Don Mock, Paul Boisvert, Sara Schmidt, David Flower and Terry Storch. Note: the adult photo of each one of these five people have been or are in theNews & Views. You could win on the following prizes: 1. $100 Gift Certificate Coupon from Choice Hotels 2. Buffet Gift Certificate (Thursdays) from Coast Plaza Hotel—Edmonton 3. $50.00 gas card from Petro Canada 4. $50.00 gas card from Petro Canada A 5. $50.00 gas card from Petro Canada C All you need to do is match the babies to their adult counterparts, submit your entry to us at: Contest #5, ARTA, 11010 – 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. The first correct entry drawn will win the 1st prize, the second correct entry drawn will win the 2nd prize, and third, fourth and B fifth correct entries drawn will win, respectively, prizes 3, 4 and 5. D The contest officially closes January 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Entries received after that date and time will not be considered. Winners will be notified shortly after. The decision of the judges is final. This contest is open to all ARTA members, regular and affiliates. Baby A is Baby B is Baby C is Baby D is

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 15 Scholarship Winners

Kirsten Miazga Thank you so much for the honour of receiving this scholarship. I am going into my third year of a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology at the University of Alberta. Upon achieving my undergraduate degree I plan to pursue a master’s degree in physical therapy. I enjoy lifeguarding for the City of Edmonton and hope to someday apply my skills to explore aquatic rehabilitation.

Camille Stankievech First of all, I would like to thank ARTA for choosing me to receive the ARTA–Johnson Scholarship. I was born and raised in the small town of Trochu. In 2007, I graduated from Trochu Valley School as Class Valedictorian. During the years at Tro-Val, I played many sports including golf, volleyball, basketball, and badminton. I am currently in the second year of the Education program at Red Deer College. Last year I was on the RDC golf team. Our ladies team won the bronze medal at nationals in P.E.I. I am looking forward to another great golf season and year at Red Deer College.

Nisse Pittman I am from Warner. As a child I was frequently hospitalized with asthma and a heart condition. Being in and out of the hospital piqued my interest in the medical field at a young age. Now, as a second year nursing student at St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, I feel like I am on my journey to giving back to the profession that has given me so much. After I graduate with my BScN, I hope to go on to medical school and am considering urology. In the meantime, I plan to satisfy my love of travel, do yoga, love my family with all my might, and read, read, read! Thank you for this scholarship; it has been a tremendous contribution and I appreciate the honour.

Caitlin Andrea After successfully completing my first year of a Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Alberta, I have transferred to St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia to broaden my post-secondary experience. I am continuing to pursue an Arts degree with an emphasis in the study of English. Currently, I am studying English courses in Genre Narrative, 18th Century Literature and Shakespeare along with courses in Psychology, Art and Religious Studies. While I have not yet determined what career path I will pursue after graduation in 2012, a master’s degree in English is of interest and could lead to doctoral studies, professional journalism or possibly teaching English at the high school or university level. My hope is that as I continue to study and grow, my plans for the future will become clearer. I am very appreciative of the support that the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association has given me through the ARTA–Johnson Scholarship. Rest assured—it will be put to good use. Thank you!

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 16 News & Views Was Your Summer C l or Was It a Cool Summer? by Wayne Flaska

How are you shaping up? Did your cycling’s most widely known race. done on monkeys but the ­findings summer meet your expectations? I felt a twinge of regret, maybe were thought to have definite The answer may be in the attitude even jealousy, that I was not with human applications. or the motivation with which we them. In addition, there are more In Canada, Leah Cahill of the approach the season/life. west of 40’s cycling in our commu- University of Toronto and Murray nity this year than in the past. Paulette and I enjoyed our sum- Hull of the University of Western mer walks and found it more A more enjoyable way to improve Ontario found that a daily diet that taxing than the gym, but also more physical and emotional health is included citrus fruits, or a cup of fun and satisfying. A more posi- through taking a vacation. Jill orange juice, or three spears of tive ­outlook was achieved when Barker reported in the Montreal broccoli or some other foods rich we experienced nature up close, Gazette, that in the Framingham in Vitamin C can help prevent taking in its beauty and variety. Heart Study, failure to take vaca- weight gain, heart disease, cancer, It certainly was easier reaching tions over a period of six years put and diabetes. Interestingly, the that 10,000 step goal than in the people at a fifty percent greater report did not advocate Vitamin C winter when at times 7,000 was risk to have a heart attack than as a pill supplement. This diet may looking okay. those who vacationed regularly. be a little easier to follow than a reduced caloric one. In addition, we met people on The article encouraged the read- the local trails that we had not ers to combine a vacation with Summer and fall are times for had contact with for some time. physical activities such as hiking/ reconnecting with family and Michael Moore, the American walking trails, kayaking, or cycling neighbours. Block parties where movie producer and writer, had to to enhance the benefits of a health- people mingle and share a few make some adjustments for health ier lifestyle. outdoor games such as horseshoes, reasons and was advised that Just remember, if you are enjoy- darts, badminton, or croquette can 10,000 paces per day was a good ing the sun, avoid overexposure be fun and assist in community goal to strive for. between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. bonding. One can use the gym or the tread- when the sun is at its brightest. This fall, several ARTA branches mill at home for fitness. However, Wear a hat, and use a sunscreen of are hosting sessions led by, or mod- many people are using local trails at least SPF 15 that has a broad eled on, Judy Steiert’s mentoring and golfing, to name a few activi- spectrum of UVA block. Check the workshops that are designed to ties, to increase physical fitness, expiry date of your lotion as the have us search for our strengths strengthen the heart muscle, and components degrade after two and have us discover ways we can control weight. years. share with others. The workshop is an excellent program put together In St. Albert, I have witnessed Julie Steenhuysen, in an article by Judy and promoted by Ralph some of the grey set cycling in shared by Reuters, wrote about Levinson and Terry Storch. It groups. All decked out they looked a twenty-year study done at the is guaranteed to be an uplifting like a peloton from the Tour de University of Wisconsin that experience that encourages us to France. Kids of the hood like to don revealed that a low calorie diet led interact with others and be active. pads and engage in street hockey to less incidence of diabetes, can- during the NHL playoffs. These cer, and heart disease, as well as a Remember: Be Active, Be Healthy, hardy souls ventured forth during longer life. However, the study was and Be Happy!

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 17 What Are We Doing Now?

Retirement is a time to do what we want when we want if we want. This column is designed to share with you stories of how retired teachers are doing just that.

Marilyn Bossert

How Was Your Trip? When Are You Leaving? At a recent ATA retirement celebration, the most common ques- tion in the room seemed to be “How was your trip?” or “When are you leaving?” We retired teachers love to finally be able to travel in the off season. This spring Ken and I returned to the Maritimes, this time fly- ing to St. John’s. We would like to share with you some of our favorite 2009 Newfoundland experiences. St. John’s: Located on the Avalon Peninsula only fifteen minutes out of St. John’s, Cape Spear is as far east as one can go in North America. The May breeze is sharp, but we are not about to miss the scenic stroll along the Atlantic shoreline.

Skies are clear as we look across the entrance of St. John’s har- bor and see the Cabot Tower on the crest of Signal Hill. When we reach that area, we are amazed at the wonderful views of St. John’s and the Atlantic Ocean. We also tour the Cabot Tower that was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s arrival in St. John’s. On the way down, we stop at the Johnson Geo Centre and Geo Park. Here Newfoundland and Labrador’s geology illustrates the evolution of the life forms of our planet.

Ice Bergs and Puffins: The Irish Loop leads us south of St. John’s to the village of Bay Bulls for a two-hour boat tour with O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours. This tour is our first experi- ence with icebergs. About 40,000 icebergs are annually calved off the glaciers of Western Greenland, 1500 of them will reach Newfoundland before melting, and about half of that number will reach St. John’s. The bergs we see are of medium size, and are temporarily grounded not far from the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, the summer home of North America’s largest puffin colony where more than 260,000 pairs of puffins nest on one of the four birds-only islands.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 18 News & Views Newfoundland Hospitality and Pottery: Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, a winding road leads us to the scenic Green Bay District and the small community of King’s Point. We soon find there is no cell phone service and we have no address, so how are we to find the folks we plan to visit? Along the waterfront of this saltwater bay is King’s Point Pottery studio, the home of “Whales and Waves” pottery design. Yes, they know where we need to be. It is the 2nd last house and if we get to Rattling Brook Falls, we have gone too far. Ken knocks on the door several times, and hears a voice, “No need to knock. Around here, you just come on in.” Several hours later, we are on our way again with a new piece of pottery and an ample sampling of Newfoundland hospitality. Viking Trail: Foggy weather accompanies us as we journey north of Deer Lake through Gros Morne Park National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Canada, even when it is rainy. On our drive along the northern peninsula, we watch closely for moose and caribou. Between 600 and 900 moose-vehicle acci- dents occur every year in the province, and we do not want to be one of them. As we pass through the numerous little fishing villages, the temperature continues to drop. Patches of snow are still in the ditches and chunks of ice in the Strait of Belle Isle. Along the highway, we see dozens of stacked lobster traps, numerous woodpiles and garden plots that belong to the locals who live in a nearby town. This early in May, L’Anse aux Meadows, UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site, is not open. More than 1000 years ago, a ship carrying Viking Norseman was blown off course, and found shelter on these Newfoundland shores. In the 1960’s, archeological excavations uncovered the evidence of the first European settlement in North America. In the summer, many aspects of Norse life are reenacted, including donning Viking costumes for a ride in an open long boat similar to the one used by Leif Eriksson. On our way into St. Anthony’s, we stop by the Dark Tickle Company, an ecomuseum that, in the summer, leads to a Newfoundland bog, the home of wild berries such as bakeapple, partridgeberry, crowberry, squashberry and blueberries. The jams, sauces, etc. are the perfect gift to bring home from Newfoundland. On our way back through Gros Morne, we stop at Martin’s Point to check out the shoreline. In the water, we discover the remains of the wreck of the S.S. Ethie, a coastal steamship that ran aground in a blizzard on December 11, 1919. According to local legend, a powerful Newfoundland dog swam out to the ship with a lifeline. All 92 passengers and crew were saved, including a baby that was sent to shore in a mail bag. This story lives on through poetry, song, plays and a children’s book. All too soon, our time in Newfoundland comes to an end, leaving us wanting more. We will return, but at a different time of year—maybe the end of June next time.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 19 A Cautionary Tale Careful you don’t get phished out!

by Dr. Ralph Levinson

In the past two months I have received e-mails notifying me of Phishing—the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely the following situations: claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in 1. My e-mail address and account at Shaw will be cancelled if I do an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private not verify my address, date of ­information that will be used to identify theft. birth and social insurance num- ber immediately; 2. The information on my bank None of these are legitimate. snake oil salesmen of the current account is out-of-date and must These are all bogus e-mails! My age. Such e-mails can originate be updated or verified within first clue that these e-mails are from almost anywhere in the world. 48 hours or my account will be suspicious is that I do not have a Most come from places that are closed from the TD Bank, Scotia TD, Scotia, HSBC, DFS, National out of reach of our law enforce- Bank, HSBC, DFS, National or BMO bank account, or a ment. However, they could Bank and BMO; MasterCard. I did not buy a lottery originate, just as easily, in a house ticket in the Virgin Islands; I am down the street from you. The 3. The security department of not expecting a parcel delivery; senders want us to think they are a MasterCard has detected sus- nor do I have relatives in Scotland. company with which we do busi- picious activity on my account I do have accounts at other insti- ness, or we are kind people who and requires that I confirm the tutions, a couple of credit cards, will help them out of a jam. In account number and password relatives in foreign countries and phishing that is the bait. They make immediately to prevent crimi- I do receive parcels via couriers. the assumption that a number of nals from using my card; In the past I have received e-mails the recipients will have accounts at 4. I won a lottery in the Virgin purporting to be from them. They financial institutions in their Islands and to get the $120 mil- too were phishing attempts and I e-mail. To make the bait more lion pounds sterling I just had to deleted them. attractive the perpetrators copy send some money to expedite the look and logos from the institu- the cash transfer; In the past I have received other tion they are impersonating. They e-mails where I did not even read 5. I received a notice that a DHL ask us to update or verify the infor- more than the introductory line mation they already have in their parcel could not be delivered to before I recognized them and my home until I pre-paid the records, or make a payment for deleted them. If you have e-mail, delivery fees on-line; services, or, as is the case with the chances are you receive these “relatives in a jam” e-mail, simply 6. My distant relatives in Scotland types of e-mails just as I and mil- send them money. What is amazing require my immediate financial lions of others do. It is known as is how many people take this bait. assistance to bail them out of a phishing. It is fraud. Criminals are I have read that two or three per- jam or they will lose their home; using the power and anonymity of cent of these e-mails receive and the Internet to attempt to steal responses. Considering the hun- 7. A very devout missionary in personal information and use it to dreds and thousands of phishing Africa has been wrongly put in rob people like us. We must all e-mails sent, a very small response jail and needs only $10,000 become more wary of unsolicited can amount to thousands of bites from me to get out. e-mails. They are the tools of the for the perpetrators.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 20 News & Views These general phishing e-mails up. The senders are swindlers and from an institution, telephone and tend to have the following features they keep sending thousands and ask if they sent you this e-mail. in common: thousands of e-mails because some If it appears to be from someone • The e-mail is unsolicited; people do respond with the infor- you know but you are suspicious, • The “to” e-mail address line mation they request. They keep a phone the sender and ask why you does not contain your name; few steps ahead of the police. received it. • The “to” e-mail address may not What should you do with phish­ be yours; What phishers ask for typically is ing e-mails? Delete them or put • The body of the message does your bank account numbers, credit them in the trash and then empty not have your name in it; card numbers, usernames, pass- it. If they are unusual, report the • You are urged to respond quickly, words, PIN numbers, date of birth, phishing attempt to RECOIL, a usually within 48 hours; and SIN and addresses. national police task force attempt- • You are asked to use the link in Amazingly, people do reply and ing to combat this type of crime at the e-mail to respond. send their bank account num- http://www.recoil.ca. A trick in the bait is that the bers and PIN numbers and some response address appears to be actually send money. Legitimate I have heard that if you fall victim at the institution they are imper- businesses do not send e-mail ask- to these fraud attempts, typically sonating. If you look carefully, it ing for this information. It is just financial institutions will replace may not be exactly the same as the the data required to enable these the funds in your account. It is very website address of the institution thieves to charge expensive items inconvenient and time-consuming to which the e-mail refers. The to your credit card, take all of the to recover funds and even more “from” e-mail address is always money out of your bank account or difficult to restore your financial fake, often an address they have to steal your identity. reputation if it is ruined. Television reports on people whose identities borrowed. A very sophisticated The crooks who use phishing to have been stolen paint a gruesome trick that phishers use is to make separate you from your savings picture of a battle to restore their the e-mail appear to come from have been upgrading their skills. someone you know or an employer lives. It is simply a matter of time until or institution at which you may For those who have their insur- have or had a relationship. Another spear phishers figure out how to target retirees. I do not know what ance with Johnson Inc., Unifund trick they use is to have you click Assurance offers a benefit called on what appears on your screen to targeting retirees on a phishing attack might be called, but I am “ID Restore” as part of their PS be a legitimate Internet address Home Plus “gold” and “platinum” which then takes you to a fake site sure readers could coin a term or two. insurance coverage. Policyholders that impersonates the real one. should consult with their assigned So, the best advice is do not ever The point is BE WARY OF Johnson representative for details. respond to suspicious e-mails. You SUSPICIOUS LOOKING E-MAIL. There is additional information on will rarely hear from them again If it does not look or feel right or identity theft on the website: www. unless you reply to them. They do if it is from someone you do not identassist.com/idra, http://www. not stay put long enough to follow know, do not respond to it. If it is identassist.com/idra.

From Wikipedia “While the first examples of phishing were sent indiscriminately in the expectation that some would be received by customers of a given bank or service, recent research has shown that phishers may be able, in principle, to determine which banks potential victims use, and target bogus e-mails accordingly. Targeted versions of phishing have been termed spear phishing. Several recent phishing attacks have been directed specifically at senior executives and other high-profile targets within businesses, and the term whaling has been coined for these kinds of attacks.”

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 21 ARTA Honorary Memberships

At the 2009 Annual General Meeting held October 7, three honorary memberships were awarded.

Ralph Levinson presents honorary Ralph Levinson presents honorary Ralph Levinson presents honorary membership to Jack Fulwiler. membership to Dean McMullen. membership to Madeline Fischer.

ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Winner Kirsten Miazga (second left) receives her scholarship award from Sara Schmidt (Johnson Inc.). Also included are Ralph Levinson, ARTA Vice-President, Kisten’s grandmother, Janice Gobberson and extreme right Irene Bruzga, Chair of ARTA’s Governance Committee.

All photographs courtesy Koni Macdonald, ATA

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 22 News & Views Annual Meeting of ACER/CART —The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers

Provincial representatives at the ACER-CART (Canadian Association of Retired Teachers) AGM, Dean McMullen—West Regional Representative— back row, fourth from left; and Paul Boisvert—ARTA President—back row— fifth from right.

Report of the ACER/CART West Regional Representative to the ARTA AGM, October 7, 2009 The 2009 ACER-CART Annual General Meeting was held in Ottawa, June 5–6.At that meeting the ARTA nomination to the ACER-CART executive position of Regional Representative West, Dean McMullen, was elected. Thirteen of the fourteen retired teacher organizations across Canada were represented. The ARTA President, Paul Boisvert, was the ARTA Director at the meeting. The AGM was an opportunity for the Executive, Directors, Observers and the new Executive Director to renew acquaintances, meet new representatives and carry out the important business of the Association. Reports were received from the Communications Committee, the Health Services and Insurance Committee and the Pension and Retirement Income Committee. An executive officer chairs each committee and organizes the work of the committee during the year. As a member of the Congress of National Seniors Organizations [CNSO], ACER-CART participated in prepar- ing submissions to the Federal Minister of Finance. An extensive submission supporting the five key principles of the Canada Health Act was sent to the government and the opposition parties. The Bylaws and Articles of ACER-CART were reorganized in line with the review conducted last year and new finance operational arrangements were completed. Motions passed at the 2009 AGM established the following ACER-CART priorities for the coming year: 1. Apply to become an Associate Member of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation; 2. Work to improve communication in both official languages, and to communicate with francophone members in French; 3. Request a meeting with the federal minister responsible for healthy, and with opposition critics to provide them with the position of ACER-CART as outlined in our policy on health care in Canada and to solicit similar support from our member organizations through their MPs; 4. Lobby the Government of Canada and opposition parties to a) establish a national Securities Regulator through legislation that enhances the rights of investors and to seek the support of other national seniors’organizations, b) implement the Canadian Health Coalition Report [2008] recommendations for a universal pharmacare plan with a national formulary, and c) phase in a national prescription drug strategy that would begin with coverage for key catastrophic drug costs, 5. Advocate for adequate financial support for Radio Canada and the CBC in all parts of Canada; and 6. Explore and schedule, if feasible, a presentation at the 2010 AGM on how to effectively lobby governments. Vaughn Wadelius, from the Retired Teachers of Manitoba, was elected the new President of ACER-CART, which necessitated the election of the new Regional Representative West, Dean McMullen.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 23 Fruit market Clan with Lorine Retirement Adventures in Macau Retired Teacher Lorine Sweeney

Why would a retired teacher fessional development and inquiry in 2002 and teaches the Alberta decide to leave her family and learning, I quickly embraced the curriculum from Kindergarten to the comforts of home and move to challenge. The first six-month Grade Twelve. China for six months? I thought it retirement adventure began. I traveled nervously to Macau in was the opportunity of a lifetime! How did I get to China? In 2007, January of 2009. I arrived on the In the fall of 2007, I had just fin- a former colleague of mine invited ferry from Hong Kong and was ished my long career as a teacher, a me to present a few day-long met with flashing casino lights, principal, and an AISI coordinator in-services both in Hong Kong busy streets, and an abundance of all within the Buffalo Trail School and Macau. However, due to strange sounds, sights, and smells. Division. During that time I was my mother’s illness, the speak- I was able to quickly find a west- also teaching on-line courses part- ing engagement was postponed. ern-style apartment and began time for the University of Alberta Subsequently it evolved into a to meet the challenges of getting and offering teacher professional longer, more in-depth experi- used to the language, living in an development sessions in the field ence, primarily affiliated with the apartment, and learning the local of inquiry learning. What could be International School of Macau culture. next? (TIS). Macau, with a population of approximately 500,000 people, is Although there is a fair bit of Common advice to retirees such as situated on the south coast of China. English spoken in Macau, there myself is that we should breathe It is one of the two special admin- are times when a bit of Cantonese life into our retirement by assessing istrative regions of the People’s is essential. Most cab drivers speak our skills, following our interests, Republic of China (the other being no English, so I quickly learned the and looking for opportunities. Hong Kong), but unlike Hong Cantonese names of the school, my So—when the opportunity arose to Kong, Macau originally belonged apartment, and “right, left, stop combine my passion for travel with to Portugal. The International and wait.” At other times, before my interest and experience in pro- School of Macau was established calling a cab, we asked our Chinese

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 24 News & Views Square in Macau Chinese New Year acquaintances to write the address ovens or dryers. A common sight primarily on a slow cooker or stir- in Chinese, and presented that is a balcony full of drying laundry, fried meat or fish, veggies and rice. note to the driver and that usually or special clothes drying racks One of my most enjoyable eating- solved the problem. Even though attached to windows. out experiences was participating there is little English spoken in the Many people were wondering grocery stores, it is easy to man- in dim sum with other staff mem- what I would eat when I got to age by simply taking the groceries bers, including the Chinese who China, but that has not presented a to the till. Although being out in are the experts and can help in problem at all. Macau is noted for the mainstream poses a bit of a the ordering and eating protocol. its mixture of Chinese, Portuguese, challenge, the school that I am in Dim sum in Macau, like a brunch Macanese, and Western food. As is English-speaking and there is a here, is most popular on a weekend one wanders around, one is met great deal of English spoken in the morning. There are many dishes, with new sights and smells ema- casinos and in the western-style mostly wrapped in dumplings, nating from traditional Chinese restaurants. served in steamers. Everyone sits grocery stores with windows full at a round table and helps him or Living in an apartment was, for of hanging ducks, chickens and herself from the Lazy Susan in the me, another adjustment. There so on, and from street fruit and middle. There is always an abun- are very few houses in Macau and vegetable stalls. However, near my dance of food, conversation, and almost everyone lives in high-rise apartment there were also many tea. Although I loved the dim sum apartments. From my apartment grocery stores, some more Chinese atmosphere and became somewhat window I could see a brief glimpse than others, and one called Park proficient at using my chopsticks, of the ocean, other apartments and Shop that sort of resembles I still have not tried shark fin or (some very ugly from the outside) one of our Superstores. I found bird`s nest soup. and a park. I lived in a complex myself eating out with colleagues of sixteen high-rises, each with about four times a week—about a At the end of January my husband from 27 to 33 floors. The centre block away are Mexican, Indian, arrived to visit and we experienced of the complex houses a gym, Italian, French, Chinese, Western the festivities of the Chinese New clubhouse, pool, and green spaces. and Macanese restaurants; and Year. The entire city was decorated I calculated that if the complex within a twenty-minute walk were in orange trees, dragons, and New were full, it would have a higher many more including a food court Year decorations. For ten days we population than my hometown of and other up-scale restaurants were immersed in the sound of fire Vermilion. Apartment kitchens are housed in the many Macau casinos. crackers going off and the activity small as eating out is so cheap, Because of the mixture of cultures, of yet another dragon dance. The and no one wants to heat up their there were some amazing dishes school held festivities as well, and apartments in the hot seasons. served that I certainly enjoyed to all—including myself, were dressed Most apartments do not have the fullest. When I cooked, I relied up in our best Chinese finery. The

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 25 Learning and teaching Children performing dances little children were so very cute in as well, but I did not get to experi- much fun discussing where every- their costumes. ence one. one was off to—including Borneo, Australia, Tibet, the Philippines, To further enjoy the culture, I My work experience included and so on. joined a yacht club and enrolled delivering professional develop- in sailing lessons. What a great ment to teachers and working with Vietnam was amazing as we time I had sailing on the South individuals and teams of teachers relaxed at the resort at Hoian, China Sea watching pink dolphins, preparing and delivering inquiry going on an overnight junk boat Chinese fishermen, and the beauti- units. When I was at the school, I trip in Bay Tu Long at Halong, and ful shorelines! I guess I thought was housed in the library and had exploring the Viet Cong tunnels that if I was to live near the ocean lots of contact with delightful stu- near Saigon. I could not believe for the first time in my life, I may dents from Macau, Australia, the the crowded streets in Hanoi and as well experience some time ON United States, Canada and other the challenge it was to cross them! the ocean as well. countries. It was great to be back As I was getting prepared to return working in a school setting. I enjoyed living in the subtropical to Canada at the end of June, I climate, especially this last winter One positive aspect of living in realized how much living in China when the mercury seemed to be at Macau was the abundance of travel and travelling throughout Asia has minus 30ºC much of the winter in opportunities thanks to many given me a deeper understanding Alberta. In Macau the temperature budget airlines and the proximity of a new culture and way of life. I ranges from average daytime tem- to hundreds of places throughout realized that, even as a retired peratures of plus 18ºC in January Asia. In the six months I was there, teacher, my life was being enriched to plus 32ºC in August. The winter I travelled to Hong Kong, Beijing, by the abundance of new learning. can get cold in the apartments as Vietnam, and Shenzhen. I planned When asked if I would come back for there is no central heating, and the to go to Xìan, Bali and perhaps an additional six months, my answer, summers are very hot and humid Japan before I returned in April. of course, was a resounding, “yes” at times. There is the odd typhoon During the Easter break it was so . . . and the adventure continues.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 26 News & Views Political Notes

Alberta’s money problems to 44 percent in 2008. The premier’s reaction to the The spokesman for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation result was that the party would have to become more responding to the premier’s comment that “Alberta’s conservative. Is that the real answer? economy is in for a few rough years” stated “it’s a Will incentives to oil and natural gas produce spending problem. The only way to fix a spending the best returns for Albertans? problem is to start cutting.” In March 2009, the Alberta Minister of Energy, Mel Presented below are the budget figures from Knight, announced that the government would reduce Managing Our Growth, the Alberta government’s own royalty rates and introduce royalty credits for oil com- budget document (figures are in millions of dollars): panies embarking on new drilling projects over the Financial Revenue Expenditure Declared next year. The cost of this move is around $1.51 bil- Year Surplus lion. In November 2008, the government announced royalty breaks to encourage new drilling that cost the 2000–01 $25,527 $18,956 $6,571 government $1.8 billion over five years. In addition, 2001–02 $21,926 $20,845 $1,081 there was the $2 billion the provincial government 2002–03 $22,662 $20,529 $2,133 had set aside for the oil industry to invest in carbon 2003–04 $25,887 $21,751 $4,136 capture and storage. 2004–05 $29,328 $24,153 $5,175 2005–06 $35,542 $26,991 $8,451 According to the government, the money is intended to 2006–07 $37,059 $29,671 $7,388 “encourage new investment and help keep Albertans 2007–08 $35,332 $33,149 $2,183 working.” The government had good reason to be concerned Question: What happened to the $37,218 total about of the significant loss of jobs between November declared surplus money? 2008 and February 2009. The question to be asked Premier’s comments—August 25, 2009 is whether investing in the oil and gas sector is the best way to encourage investment and create new At a news conference at the Legislature on Tuesday, jobs. The Alberta government has created models and August 25, the premier said that the province would tables for determining the impact $10,000 invested use its $17 billion sustainability fund to continue to in various sectors of the economy will have on the “protect programs and the services Albertans need provincial economy and in the number of jobs cre- the most.” He added that he believed the fund could ated. These numbers clearly show that oil and gas last three years. (CBC News, August 25, 2009). extraction creates fewer jobs for each dollar invested Part of the $1.3 billion Alberta Health and Wellness’ in the health care, education, arts and recreation, or deficit was created by the abolition of the Health Care construction and transportation sectors. Oil and gas Premium program that generated approximately $1 extraction is, after all, capital-intensive. billion annually. Should the protection start here? According to the models every dollar invested in So what happened in the Calgary Glenmore • health care will generate almost seven times as by-election? many jobs compared to that dollar being invested For those of you who missed it, there was a by-election in oil and gas extraction, in the provincial constituency of Calgary Glenmore • education will generate 5.5 times as many jobs per on September 14 due to the resignation of deputy dollar, premier Ron Stevens in May 2009. Paul Hinman, • transit and mass ground transportation will gener- the candidate from the Wildrose Alliance Party, won ate a huge 49.4 times as many jobs per dollar. the seat. Mr. Hinman received 4,052 votes (the party The way to protect government revenues is to put as received 1,025 votes in the 2008 election), in second many people as possible back to work in good well-paying place was the Liberal candidate with 3,776 votes jobs in sectors like health, social services, education, (4,175 in 2008) and in third place the Progressive transportation and arts and recreation. (Op-ed article by Conservative candidate with 2,863 votes (6,441 in the Parkland Institute’s Diana Gibson, and Ricardo Acuña 2008). The turnout was only 40.5 percent compared published in the Edmonton Journal, March 9, 2009).

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 27 No Reason to be Bored Reflections by Judy Steiert

As I am writing in this third week day progressed through such top- of October in the fall of 2009, I am ics as elders involved in theatre, amazed at how fast the time flies conversation cafes, movies, heal- and also at the abundance of activi- ing art, story circles, drum circles ties available for our participation. and movement-inspired creativity. I have just experienced five days of Susan had conducted a study that Word Fest in Calgary with incred- provided evidence of positive ben- ible showcases of writers and then efits associated with involvement two days in Banff where we heard in arts and cultural programs. the distinguished Banff author Doug Coupland (of Generation X The ARTA Wellness Initiative fame) and listened to panels of led me to the municipality of authors discussing themes such Wainwright. Planned by Erika as Through a Glass Lightly and Foley for retired teachers and members of the commu- Through a Glass Darkly Judy Steiert as reflected in their writ- The First nity, the workshop took ing. Thirteen events and up most of the day. I Annual one of my favorite short videos: fifty-five authors later, I think a power surge shut Creative Celebrate What’s Right with cannot imagine why I have down my LCD projector the World produced by National not done this before. I Aging so one of the former Geographic. In the midst of beau- was aware of it but never Symposium … teachers called up the tiful photography, Dewitt Jones committed to purchasing a progressed school and we borrowed invites us to be open to possibility, pass and picking up tickets theirs. I do not think that through to live in uncertainty but act with for the events. I highly would have been as easy such topics confidence, and to do the inner recommend Word Fest as in a city. The participants as elders work that makes us the “best for it enters its 15th year in ranged in age (I call it the world.” He relates the stories 2010. The fact that it coin- involved years of life experience) of two elders who illustrate these cides with a 10-week Life in theatre, from 55 to 97 and all fine character traits. We pro- Writing 50+ Continuing conversation participated fully. What gressed though activities related Education course I am a privilege it was to cafes, to the labyrinth (one is on site), currently taking made it experience the wisdom movies, your “calling card,” and harvesting even more relevant. Many of these elder women healing wisdom of life experience. of us need the structure in and have them tell me a course to share our own art, story that they would recom- Another workshop emphasized that or someone else’s story. circles, drum mend the discussion to if we stopped engaging in the five circles and their own adult children human habits of gossip, judgment, So, what if reading and who may be 55+ too. blame, criticism and condemna- writing are not on your movement- tion, the world would be entirely agenda at this stage of your inspired My work in Sage-ing® different. What would be on the retirement? Let me tell creativity. has allowed me to co- news, in the newspapers and in our you more. The First Annual lead two retreats for coffee time discussions? We may Creative Aging Symposium was women at a facility called King’s have to start celebrating what is held on September 18 at Mount Fold northwest of Calgary. On the right with the world and that could Royal University in Calgary and it banks of the Red Deer River on never be boring! was free. Led by Susan Perlstein, a one of the most perfect weekends noted expert in the field of Creative for weather, we investigated the Any events or thoughts to share, Aging in Washington, D.C., the theme: Joy of Autumn. I shared contact me at jsteiert @shaw.ca.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 28 News & Views Provincial Politics

ARTA’s Strategic Planning ­predictable but it will no longer 20 percent of each listed Committee raises the following exist after July 1, 2010. prescription’s cost up to $15. concerns about health care reform 3. The new pharmaceutical plan is d. If your annual taxable and, in particular, the government’s not based on need but on income income is between $36,001 new pharmaceutical strategy. and will affect the majority of and $48,000 (single) or single seniors. Here is how it 1. Those seniors who opted to rely $72,001 and $96,000 (fam- works: only on the previous Health and ily), you can pay a monthly a. If your annual taxable income premium of $42.62 (single) Wellness drug plan that cost is less than $12,000 (single or $88.50 (family) and 20 individuals up to a maximum of person) or less than $24,000 percent of each listed pre- $25 per prescription are now (family), you will pay no pre- scription’s cost up to $15. being abandoned in favour of miums and no co-payments a much more costly drug plan e. If your annual taxable for listed drugs. income is $48,001 or more based on a means-test premium- b. If your annual taxable income (single) or $96,001 or more based plan. As of July 1, 2010, is between $12,001 and (family), you can pay a the old plan will cease. You may $24,000 (single) or $24,001 monthly premium of $63.50 opt into the new plan and, if you and $48,000 (family), there (single) or $118.00 (family) have no other coverage and can- will be no premium but you and 20 percent of each listed not qualify for any other benefit will pay 20 percent of each prescription’s cost up to $15. plan, you will have no choice, listed prescription cost up to According to the minister you unless you want to pay the full $15. can choose to pay the premium. price for your drugs. c. If your annual taxable If you choose not to, then you 2. The brochure provided to all income is between $24,001 are responsible for the full cost seniors by the Department of and $36,000 (single) or of the prescription. Health and Wellness states that $48,001 and $72,000 (fam- 4. This plan is the second round this new drug plan is “affordable ily), you can pay a monthly of pharmaceutical plans from and predictable.” Many believed premium of $31.75 (single) the Department of Health and that the old plan was also or $59.00(family) and Wellness and is not much of an improvement on the first one. It is important to note that delisted drugs will not be covered under this plan. 5. Although the cost of each pre- scription drug has been reduced from $25 to $15, the average cost will be much, much higher because of the premiums that have to be paid as well. 6. Taking care of seniors should be a function of income tax and this government is losing billions of dollars as a result of its 10 percent flat tax that favours the wealthy. Everybody should con- tribute to ensure that the need is met for those who are low income and not just seniors.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 29 Remember that the premier promised no tax increases under his mandate—is this imposition of premiums not a tax? Write to the premier and let him know what you think. Premier Ed Stelmach, 307 Legislature Building, 10800 97 Avenue, Edmonton. AB T5K 2B6

Commentary from Public Interest Alberta Who really benefits from the phase two drug plan? Both the editorial and Graham Thomson’s column in the October 22, 2009, Edmonton Journal were effusive in their praise of Minister Liepert’s phase two of the Pharmaceutical Strategy. Thomson suggested that, in addi- under which Alberta Blue Cross plan will realize, at most, twenty tion to the $100 million the was required to triple the pre- percent of any price reduction. At government claims it will save, miums for its Non-Group Plan by least four times as much (eighty the reduction in drug prices could July 1, 2010. This move was percent) will go to the government. result in up to another $100 million supposed to create a “level play- Under phase one, middle-income in savings to Alberta consumers. ing field” to encourage private seniors will not be paying less for This “logic” ignores the fact that insurance companies to enter the their prescription drugs. They will most Albertans do not pay over market. No doubt they will, and be paying so much more that they the counter for their prescription they will also cream off most of the will cover the cost of free prescrip- drugs. They buy supplementary reduction in drug prices resulting tion drugs for low-income seniors health care coverage either directly from phase two. while, according to the govern- from an insurer or as a benefit of One group that certainly will not ment’s own figures, saving $20 their employment. In either case, benefit is seniors who enrol in the million in public spending. they normally have a small co- government’s new drug plan that payment with the insurer covering In both phases one and two, the begins on July 1, 2010. On that day, the majority of the drug costs. government seems more concerned seniors will lose the universal drug Accordingly, the benefit of reduced with the welfare of the insurance coverage on which their retire- drug costs will go principally to the industry than it is with the welfare ment was planned. Instead, they insurer, not the consumer. of Albertans, particularly Alberta’s will be offered a new, and for many seniors. Have we also forgotten phase one of an unaffordable, means-tested plan Minister Liepert’s Pharmaceutical that has a twenty percent co-pay- Noel Somerville, Chair, Strategy introduced last December ment. Consequently, seniors in this Seniors’ Task Force

Did you know . . . That the Alberta government set up a crown corporation called Alberta Investment Management Corporation on January 1, 2008? This crown corporation invests $70 billion on behalf of public sector pensions, endowment and special purpose funds for the government. The website for AIMCO is www.aimco.alberta.ca.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 30 News & Views Dear Editor: 2. I also know that some Sobeys stores— I just received the letters providing maybe the individually cards and information and I partic­ owned and not corpor- ularly feel the need to address the ate stores—have been issues raised by the preferred cover- obtaining local produce age on the MHCDI Supplementary­ and foods to offer for Pharmacy Benefit Program. retail, but generally one While the wording seems exces- cannot easily find local foods in sive and the examples of savings Sobeys stores. This is import- obscure, what I gather is that if a ant to all communities, and for member purchases prescribed medi­ retailers to obtain products cations from a Sobeys or affiliate, based on cost alone means they there is a nominal further saving in will be supporting other conglom- cost and loyalty program points. erates and doing such things as get prescriptions filled? With that routinely missing out on local meat If this is wrong, ignore the rest and comes the issue of access and the products, and on seasonal pro- please try to correct me. need to have wheels to get to the duce availability. Try to find eggs retailer. If I am right, I have several objec- produced in northern Alberta in a tions that I would ask you to relay central-northern Alberta Sobeys! I do remember that the IGA stores to the people or committee that in rural and urban areas were 3. Sobeys contributes to local com- decided on this action. First, I am locally owned, were involved with munities through their involvement not holier-than-thou. I do purchase their local Chambers of Commerce, with various national campaigns, most of my prescribed medications and were approachable about their and some well-­recognized local from a Canadian box store— business policies—or they were out food basket resources i. e. Food Shoppers Drug Mart. of business. Then Sobeys bought Bank. But most corporate stores them all and pretty much closed all I do not like the fact that you have discard their stale-dated food but a few—Andy’s IGA might be obtained the further discount from products by compressing and the remnant in Edmonton. one large Canadian retail con- garbaging—rather than mak- glomerate—albeit it is not Costco ing these usable goods available I do not think that ARTA should or Safeway. to the smaller community food, encourage a migration towards security and homeless support the big box conglomerate—they 1. Sobeys probably sets its pricing organizations. have carefully figured out that a and advertising policies nationally, prescription discount of $3 is more so there might not be any Edmonton 4. Local pharmacies with local than made up by what those people benefit to the advertising and mar- people working in the pharmacy/ will purchase as they walk to the keting fields—I even imagine the retailer businesses will now find far corner of their stores to find printing of flyers is done in Calgary. it even more difficult to maintain the staff pharmacist of the moment I know the regional office for the an independent and local business (who will do an efficient job but west is based in Edmonton, but do operation with the competition will have no personal investment in you not think the main decisions from this huge corporation. Will all knowing you or your family). www.albertarta.org are made in Ontario and Nova of our members eventually have to Scotia? find their way to a big box store to —David Baker, Edmonton

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 31 Dear Editor: Seniors Drug Plan Dear Editor: From: Saskhealth, Webmaster HEO I would like to comment on Minister ([email protected]) I would like News and Views to Leipert’s statement that “he has Sent: August 14, 2009 1:49 PM compare our prescription cover- heard almost no criticism of what he To J Wees ([email protected]) age information with what our is doing...” as of June 11. WELL! He MLAs have. After all, we pay their is in receipt of letters from me from No, Saskatchewan does not charge wages, they decide what their March 27, April 24, May 5, June 5, premiums for health care, nor for wages will be, and they must have June 15, August 4, August 14 (twice). drug plans. Yes, those income levels a health plan. What do they pay So “almost no criticism” is not really seem awfully low to be charging for that? What percentage of their premiums to your seniors. true. He still will not answer my wages is the coverage for their question about the fairness of charg- So he may say he is getting little health care? ing someone with $24,000 income criticism but he is wrong. He also and someone with $36,000 income wrote me a letter on July 20, saying We need to be able to compare the same premium when there is a the province’s position was “not to the “so-called great plan” they gap of $1000 a month between the reduce the number of nurses avail- are offering for seniors with other two groups. If you use percentages, able to provide care” yet we all know plans and benefits enjoyed by the lower income seniors ($24,000) now that it is not true. His Australian others with a much better income are paying more of their income as manager is saying something differ- than we are enjoying! a premium. ent I think. There is also the problem of pre- In one of his e-mails (yes, he So, I think we need to keep sending scriptions given that either do not answers me, but I am using the him letters so he knows we are con- help us, or actually make us worse. word “answer” rather loosely), he cerned about the following issues: We are then left with a container says “Seniors in all provinces pay a 1. The premiums have not been fairly of medications paid for, but that deductible, a co-payment and/or a calculated. Other provinces use percen­ cannot be used. What a waste! My premium. The other western prov- tages of income. Drop the premiums. doctor said, “Oh, just give it to the inces also base seniors’ contributions 2. Taxable income and gross income pharmacists and they will dispose for their drug costs on income.” Well, of it.” How much money is wasted I did some research and found the are not that far apart so neither like that? following (see attachment below). should be used. He seems to think I also e-mailed someone in Sask that seniors have no mortgages, By the time I pay for the Johnson Health and told her what was going expenses, car payments, other health Inc. premiums, and the extra cost on here and she was shocked. Here expenses like dental and vision. of prescriptions, I do not gain at are our e-mails. 3. Our payment into the health care all. I lose. And if we pay monthly system should count for something. The first paragraph is what I sent premiums to Blue Cross, plus a per- Yes, we are entitled; we’ve already Leipert on August 14: centage of the prescription costs I paid and continue to pay in our taxes. can foresee that that is a plan I will Here is a response from Sask Health. We are being taxed twice. opt out of if it is possible. At the Their opinion is the same as mine; 4. Blue Cross i.e. the government, ie. income levels you propose are too moment nothing in the plan makes will not cover diabetic supplies— low for payment of premiums. Their it attractive to me. only insulin but not the syringes with income levels begin at $64,000 and which to administer it, nor the lancets Furthermore, I am getting more it was probably established when it or test strips to monitor it, thereby and more disturbed with the way was cheaper to live there than here, possibly causing more money to be pharmaceutical companies seem so it makes no sense for our province spent in future when these seniors to be raking in the profits and we to start charging seniors at $24,000 are developing kidney, eye, heart and are told we are guilty of raising the when it costs us more to live. What stroke problems due to their inabil- cost of health care! do you think? ity to pay for their diabetic supplies Furthermore, we are paying for Since Saskatchewan populated a ($200+ a month for Type I). layer upon layer of administrative good part of Alberta from the 50s to Keep up the good work with all the costs—Johnson Inc., Blue Cross, the 70s, these ex-pats may be going information. One other thing, can etc. It is confusing; it means a lot back there to live now that they any of us send in photographs for of extra book work on our part are retiring. And this is one reason. the cover? Do they have to be from to figure out what goes where for And so Saskatchewan benefits from Alberta? what! these people and Alberta loses out. Too bad. —Janet Wees, Calgary —Helma Voth, Edmonton

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 32 News & Views Public Interest Alberta PIA to tackle cuts

In the near future, Public Interest such ill-considered cuts. A recent chronically ill and frail seniors and Alberta and its affiliate organiza- Canada-wide study shows that turn them over to the tender mer- tions will launch a campaign to in 2006, Alberta had the lowest cies of private operators. Clearly, counter indiscriminate cuts to median age (35.8 years) of any private operators are willing to public services imposed by the pro- province. It also had the smallest build and operate such facilities if vincial government. percentage (4.93%) of population the accommodation and care fees aged 75 or older of any province. are high enough, so these facilities, Spooked by a projected $6.9 bil- Yes, the proportion of seniors will too, will become unaffordable for lion deficit, the Alberta government grow as the baby-boomers turn many of those who require them. is seizing on the global economic 65, but Alberta will be the least Yes, Alberta may have some imme- downturn as a pretext to curtail or affected province in Canada. off-load its costs for child care, both diate cash flow problems, but these public and post-secondary educa- Despite this occurrence, Alberta are largely the result of deliber- tion, health care and seniors care. appears poised to abandon much ate government policy to reduce of the care it has traditionally revenue. The elimination of the While other jurisdictions are provided to its senior citizens. Its proposed liquor tax increase is a attempting to stimulate their first move in this direction is the recent example. Before that, we economies to alleviate unemploy- Pharmaceutical Strategy under had the elimination of health care ment and the effects of the global which the government will aban- premiums that generated close to recession, Alberta is doing exactly don the current universal seniors $1 billion each year. Before that, the opposite. drug plan and replace it with a we had the introduction of the flat These cuts will lead to lay-offs of means-tested plan. While this new tax which, if eliminated, would teachers, university and college plan will provide free prescription probably now generate close to faculty, nurses along with other drugs to very low-income seniors, $3 billion each year. health care professionals and the the government plans to cover The unsustainability mantra that principal victims will be the most this cost and still save $20 million our government trumpets at every vulnerable members of society: annually by imposing premiums opportunity is an inevitable con- children and young adults, the sick that will be unaffordable for many sequence of trying to fund social and mentally ill, and seniors— middle-income seniors. programs from resource revenues particularly those with chronic The second major cut for seniors that, by their very nature, are vola- conditions. is the Continuing Care Strategy tile and unpredictable. While the None of this should be happening under which the government is low-tax policies, known as “The in Alberta. We are, as our govern- freezing the inadequate number of “Alberta Advantage”, may be fine ment often proclaims, a debt-free long-term care beds and possibly for multi-national corporations, province. In the Sustainability removing the cap on accommoda- they do not serve the interests of Fund and the Capital fund alone, tion charges in such facilities. the citizens of Alberta. we have assets of close to $15 Readers interested in helping the Last fall, PIA exposed the pro- billion. If the Heritage Trust Fund, campaign against the cuts should ceedings of the government’s the Medical Research Fund and contact Public Interest Alberta Long-Term Care Accommodation numerous other reserves are at 780-420-0471 or by e-mail at Variable Fee Structure Advisory included, Alberta’s assets are about www.pialberta.org. $44 billion. Team, which clearly shows the government’s intention to get out Noel Somerville, Chair Alberta is the last province where of the business of providing nurs- Seniors Task Force seniors should be the target of ing homes for cognitively impaired, Public Interest Alberta

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 33 Time and Time Again (part two)

by Jim Lavers

In the Summer 2009 issue of sensitivity and sense of community. that that part of the world is fall- ARTA News and Views, we ran We must regain a modern measure ing apart. It has not fallen apart the first part of a lengthy item by of it as all else is but the ashes of largely by the grace and good James Lavers describing his edu- commerce. works of mostly unheralded souls cation memories. What follows is who laboured mightily and without On page thirty-one of On Dialogue, the second part of that article. thought for their own exposure to David Bohm says “what blocks the fortunes and winds of time. Time and time again, we would be sensitivity is the defence of [our] reminded by the community of our assumptions and opinions.” We can I remember a learned (Greek, inferior education, our rights of see, when these quotations are Latin, English, French, Chemistry, passage into the larger society off taken together, that our present Physics, Golf, Scotch Whiskey) the school grounds and of our need adversarial opinionated approach individual who travelled with to justify our existence at taxpay- ill-serves us and generates not John W. Barnett so that teachers ers’ expense. sensitivity, but unwarranted would be ready for the Aberhart assumptions about the plight and revolution. Perhaps it is time to quote briefly moral tone of others. Let us be real- from two scholars, both of whom I I remember a wisp of a woman, istic, however. The year 1945 was a have found useful when trying to among the first of the district microcosm; 1995 is an inevitable sort things out. The quotations may nurses, who once spent a night in macrocosm. Time and time again, help balance the negativity of the her Model-T Ford on a height of we must remind ourselves that the previous paragraph although the land surrounded by cows, as if in beginning of the greatest adven- statement is an accurate portrayal a prairie-Noah’s ark, waiting for a ture of any civilization has begun in of the viewpoint of one segment of river to subside. this, our lifetime. Or as “A Critique society thirty or forty years ago. On of Perspectives and Imperatives; I remember another wisp of a page nineteen of the Psychology Technocratic Mindedness, or woman whose poor father from of Consciousness, Ornstein says Emancipatory Learning”, points Oklahoma was unwilling to have “each community shares a set of out: we fail ourselves and others her schooled. She became the implicit assumptions . . . a para- unless we can, somehow, work first female high school principal digm. The paradigm is the shared toward emancipation. As we are all in rural Alberta, an advocate for conception of what is possible, the “inside” this macrocosmic change educational change that made boundaries of acceptable inquiry, we have a tendency to be like the sense, eventually taking her the limiting cases.” I believe we frog in increasingly hot water: “enterprise” to Toronto as a form understood and acted through that unaware. Were we unaware in the of enlightenment. shared conception of community last fifty years? Did we, all, fail our in 1945, partly as a result of the I remember a high school princi- electorate while being the elector- great levelling process of a world pal who understood the nature of ate? I think not. war, and we are struggling now, learning and could transmit it in all fifty years later, to find again, that When moving some musty books to its manifestations. John Charyk, at common ground. The point being make room for new, I realized that the time when the Americans were that as Alberta society got richer, the Queen’s University courses of making a fuss about miraculous more mainstream and briefly the the late forties gradually became (and they were) results achieved mainstream of Canada (my, how the course work for matriculation, at Grover Cleveland High School, central Canada reacted to that), then for Grade Ten, and now for Los Angeles, achieved the same we lost, at least in part, the very Grade Seven with more difficult miraculous results earlier and over thing for which we are known—our vocabulary. So much for the idea a longer period of time. Typically,

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 34 News & Views except for his homey portrayals of and scientists in 1945. Also the is impossible. I doubt if the very life on the prairies, he is unknown. formidable traps of the “informa- modern woman would care for that tion revolution,” predicted earlier state of being. Nor would I remember a discussion with a accurately by a Canadian thirty her male friends since these peo- distinguished-looking and acting, years ago, mean that we have far ple can actually be friends in a way senior official who gave me pause more to “download” and having unknown to us or to our ancestors. with his injunction to “come and done so may not be too sure what Have we made progress in fifty stand over my grave and tell me is relevant, useful or permanent. three substantive changes in edu- years? Have we generated out of cation.” In the present hiatus one Time and time again, we must the powerful titles of Ivan Illich, might be hard pressed to confirm remind ourselves that while Tools of Conviviality, Energy and substantive change since we seem “money never sleeps” we must. Equity, De-Schooling Society, A to be nibbling at the foundations of Keeping in mind that George Bush’s Celebration of Awareness not our hard won social order. golf cart must have gasoline, Stalin experienced heretofore? The ele- suggested Russia would never go ments in the citizenry for balancing Whither, then, go we? Are “peace, to war since the only thing they change, prosperity and community order and good government” now did not have were bananas, and are, as always, there . . . but are appropriately derived, one hundred that the King of Siam found the our leadership and followship and thirty years after the sugges- world “a puzzlement”, what must capable? tion was made that these notions we do, more parochially, to sort In such time of troubles, I hark are central to Canada, Alberta? out the enormous conflict between back to our philosopher king hauled Does the young teacher, doctor, technology and ecology, between out of retirement during the war to lawyer, computer specialist, car- reason and faith? penter, business administrator run this important little enclave beginning her/his career in 1995 Are we indeed Voltaire’s Bastards, called Calgary branch. Dr. Sansom face the same challenges we did and can there be a return to sim- used to give us philosophical mini- fifty years ago? Not at all. The pler times? torials before going on to incompre-­ hensible things like “A Little world is infinitely more complex But what simpler times? Whose Mensuration” (after all we were and better organized, but, there- version? Though we may cling to mathematics matriculants weren’t fore, infinitely more challenging; mythology about the dignity and we?) and these enlightenments are demanding degrees of flexibility worth of individuals and their perhaps what we need now. and scope of information known mores in our societies long gone, only to a handful of philosophers realistically we know that a return Not sound bites.

Not only a Canadian problem A recent 2005 World Bank study of pension policies revealed that there is a global pension crisis. The “bank calls for creative thinking to ensure that elderly people are looked after without jeopardizing commitments to other important sectors,” such as education, health care and physical infrastructure. The current pension systems “were designed on the assumption that a larger pool of workers would make contributions for a smaller pool of retirees, and retirees would not have a very long life after retirement. But that assumption has broken down, not only in developed countries, but also in emerg- ing economies.” The report does suggest some ways to provide a solution to the problem. The base of such a system would comprise a non-contributory social pension that would provide the minimum level of protection for everybody. In addition, governments should consider mandatory individual savings accounts, “a voluntary scheme that could be sponsored by employers and an informal element consisting of financial and non-financial support for the elderly.” Such a scheme, the report claims, should be “adequate, affordable, sustainable and robust.” (Source: “Poor old things,” by Salil Tripathi, Guardian, June 29, 2005)

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 News & Views 35 Rental CUBA—‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ Sunrise Chalet in Radium, BC. (Havana), university age to seniors. Does Canada need a national Beautiful ­family-style chalet in- $3,200.00 Can. for 6 weeks. summit on pensions? cludes kitchen, living, ­dining, Hotel with breakfast and dinner, deck, BBQ and many other tuition fee. (Airfare not included.) The appeal for a national ­amenities. Overlooks Radium 250‑478‑0494 or [email protected] summit on pensions was Resort and Golf Course. Quiet given by the provincial ­neighbourhood. Near Hot Springs. premiers over the Sleeps 2 to 10. Two-day or weekly A Life Story in 50 Christmas summer but, to date, the rates. Ideal for the retired or fam- Cards, 1945–2003 Prime Minister seems largely unmoved. He has ily groups. Call 1‑888‑809‑2233, This recently published soft-cover or www.kootenayescapes.com assigned Ted Menzies, the coffee table book by Warren Roy parliamentary secretary would make a unique Christmas to Finance Minister Jim gift! Since 1945 the author has For Rent—Parksville, Flaherty, to travel across designed and published his own Vancouver Island the country and hear greeting card nearly every year. presentations. The premiers Fully furnished, lovely home close The book contains full colour believe someone with to golfing and beach. Perfect for reproductions of his 50 card designs direct access to the cabinet retired folks. Long-term rate for (often semi abstract), along with a table would have been winter, or by the week or month short story or explanation on each preferable because the throughout the year. NS. NP. opposite facing page. issue has reached significant 780-435-0128 or The graphics employed for the concern, more so as a result of the economic downturn [email protected] original cards include linocuts, “when insolvent pension serigraphs, reproductions of the plans [were] orphaned Our Children Need You! author’s drawings and paintings, by bankrupt companies, and finally, computer graphics. Are you happily retired but still employees [were] left at the Together, the cards and notes pres- miss being with the children? ABC back of the line.” According ent an insight into the life of a Head Start invites you to become a to Canadian Pension Plan’s family and the changing shape of volunteer in one of our preschool David Denison, head of classrooms. We offer flexibility of society over the last six decades. CPP’s Investment Board, times and locations. Your few hours The book sells for $19.95 which policymakers need to a week can make a huge difference includes shipping costs. consider the interests of in the lives of these children. Please contact Heidi Roy at some 11 million Canadians 403‑249‑0002 or who do not have any Ann Babb 780-461-5353 or company pension coverage. [email protected]. [email protected] All believe that, with significant political will, solutions could be found A quotation from J. M. Keynes but something needs to be “Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men, done soon. (Source: “Finding for the nastiest of reasons, will somehow work for the benefit a fix for broken pensions,” of us all.” editorial Toronto Star —Canadian Dimension, March/April 2009 October 3, 2009)

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 18, No. 2 36 News & Views

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