Allstream Pensioners Association

Allstream Pensioners’ Association Newsletter Website www.allstreamret.ca

Toronto, Ontario ______Volume 19, No. 2______September 2010

Allstream Pensioners’ Association Minutes of the 20th Annual General Meeting Eagles Club in Toronto, 17 Elm Street 9 June 2010 1.0. Call to Order. President Norm Hobbs called the meeting to order at 12:11pm and introduced, Len Ferguson, Bob Harrison, Norm Czepila, Bruce Fulcher, John Thomas, Fred Perchaluk, Richard Golding, Bob Clarke, Earl Kettle, Vic Johnson, Andy Kruk, Casper Lewitski, Sal Baguio, and, Gerry McCaie, our new treasurer. There were approximately 65 members in attendance. 2.0 Approval of Agenda Moved by C. Lewitski, seconded by J .Snowdon that the agenda be approved. Motion carried. 3.0 Approval of Minutes of the 19 th AGM. Moved by K.Bishop, seconded by A.Kruk that the minutes be approved. Motion carried. 4.0 Presentation of Reports. 4.1 Presidents Report. Norm Hobbs gave a brief rundown on his report as printed in the “Report to Members”. He mentioned that the Ontario Government is going to rework the generic drug legislation before asking for approval. He also covered the contents of Wayne Boyle’s report on the non-contributory plan as Wayne was unable to attend this meeting. He also advised that the contributory plan report mirrors Wayne’s in that both plans are in good shape. He added that MTS will be fully funding the pension plans. 4.2 Membership Report. Norm Czepiela’s report is in the handout and there were no questions. (see Membership Report Page 6). 4.3 Auditors Report. Due to medical issues, Ted Laramy did not have a report for this meeting. Moved by Bob Jones, seconded by Austin Gibbons that the reports be approved. Motion carried. 5.0 Election of Officers. The term of office for Norm Hobbs, Norm Czepiela, Len Ferguson, John Thomas and Bob Clarke expires June 30, 2010. Norm Hobbs, Norm Czepiela, Len Ferguson, John Thomas and Bob Clarke have indicated they will stand for office again. Vic Johnson was asked to conduct the election. Vic asked three times if there were any other nominations from the floor. Hearing none, he asked for a motion that nominations cease. Moved by N. Banning and seconded by S. Banning that nominations be closed. Motion carried. V. Johnson declared the five candidates elected by acclamation.

6.0 Appointment of Auditor. Ted Laramy has indicated his preparedness to remain the auditor. It was proposed by Al Waisenan and seconded by Austin Gibbons that he remain the auditor. Motion carried. 7.0 Other Business.

1 7.1 Norm Hobbs was asked about having a second wife nominated pension beneficiary. Norm explained that once you retire and nominate a survivor, no change is allowed. 7.2 N. Banning asked if there was any indication that Allstream would be sold off by MTS. He was told that there has been no indication of such a move. 7.3 George Williams asked why the medical costs are to increase by 15%. Norm explained that the plan is fully paid for by pensioners and the costs, particularly drug costs are increasing rapidly. He also mentioned that failure to join your Provincial plan increases the drain on our plan. 7.4 Jim Gibson said he is studying to become a Muslim and if he is successful, he will be able to have three or four wives. If this comes about, he wanted to know if his medical coverage would cover them all. Norm said there are only three classes in the plan, single, couple and family. He said he will ask at the next meeting to see if the family rate would apply. 7.5 A.Kruk suggested we approach the Company to find out if the pension plan could be reworked so if a pensioner re-married, the spouse would be covered even if the benefit has to be reduced . 7.6 B. Fulcher requested those wishing to attend the golf tournament, but who had not paid, to see him following the formal part of the meeting. 7.7 N. Hobbs was asked if there was any likelihood of us reverting to the Naval Club now that their new premises were open. The answer was that it is not very likely. 8.0 Adjournment. Moved by B. Fulcher, seconded by J .Snowdon that the meeting be adjourned at 12:45pm. Motion carried. Allstream Pensioners Association V.H.Johnson Secretary. The Meeting was followed by a Luncheon and Social Hour. Following the membership meeting there was a short meeting of the executive confirming continuance of Norm Hobbs as Association President and Norm Czepiela as Vice President Vic Johnson will continue as Secretary. Because of Bob Harrison’s long experience with the Association (Bob is a founding member and has served on the executive for many years, most recently as treasurer), Andy Kruk volunteered to resign as Director. Bob Harrison will fill the vacancy thus created for a one year term as Director. Bob’s presence on the committee is a valued asset. Norm Hobbs thanked Andy for the work he has given the Association and , in reply, Andy said that if his services are required in the future, he would be pleased to return. President’s Message

Well, good people, another summer of heat, rain and crazy weather depending on where you chose to live in this great country of ours.

Your Board of Directors remains vigilant in protecting your pension and benefits, but there have been some setbacks recently.

As you are probably aware by now we were not able to continue the pattern of premium reduction that has occurred over the past two years. The increase this year has fallen just short of bringing the premiums up to what they were three years ago. The pharmaceutical industry, the third most profitable globally, has recently increased prices on a large number of drugs, sometimes as much as 400 to 500% for the most prescribed medications. So, as usual, we ask that you limit your use of the plan to necessities, and in those provinces where membership in the provincial plan will defray costs to our private plan, please join it.

On the Pension Plans. It does not directly affect our pensions, but I did note recently in the Financial Post that MTS has reduced the dividend paid on their stock from $2.60 to $1.70 with the result that the stock price fell to a 52 week low of $24.71 down 25% from it's 52 week high. The adjustment in dividend brings MTS more in line with price/earnings ratio of others in the telecommunications field and I believe better positions MTS to counter the predatory pricing practices of competitors such as Shaw Communications. As you probably realize, there is a war going on out there in this industry, but I am confident MTS will survive. They are well managed.

Don’t let it spoil the rest of your summer and fall and I look forward to giving you better news at year’s end.

Norm Hobbs President

2 Brief Biography of Norm Hobbs, Allstream Pensioners’ Association President.

By now you all have received your Pension Plan booklet from MTS and some of you might be wondering just who the heck is that handsome dog on page seven of the contributory booklet.

Norm was born in London, England to a merchant seaman father and came to Canada January 1951 at age 15, landing at the now famous pier 23 in Halifax and clutching a Canada Passport declaring him "a Returning Canadian".

Norm joined other family members in Toronto and while attending Harbord Collegiate to complete Grade 12 began working for CNT as an after school messenger. That was at KI office, 1209 Bay St. under Jean Mathews, Mgr, Ron Guest, Operator, and Pete Jones, Clerk.

Later that summer he decided not to go back to school and took a full-time job as Due-bill Collector. Although it was year round riding a bike in all weather Norm did it for two and a half years, primarily for the decent pay and that you were only expected to make 60 to 70 collections per day. After a little experience this could be accomplished in 3 to 4 hours and, depending on the weather, a swimsuit, bowling shoes or break-apart pool cue were part of a Collectors equipment. But (there is always a but). Norm met his future wife in 1954 and decided pedalling his butt around town was no job for a married man. So he entered the Equipment Maintainers school in London, Ont. He worked various positions including Stock Tickers Toronto, relief tech throughout Ontario, lead hand at Malton airport, finally winding up in Barrie, Ont., as a District Equipment Tech from whence he retired in 1996. Along the way Norm was elected to various Union positions and was instrumental in a break with a U. S. Union, the United Telegraph Workers, and in forming an independent Canadian Union, the Canadian Association of Communications and Allied Workers, of which he served as President for seven years. So I suppose it follows that upon retirement Norm would still be sticking his nose into the employers business as President of your association.

Allstream Pensioners’ Association 2010 Executive

Left to Right – Gerry McCaie, Treasurer, Vic Johnson, Secretary, Len Ferguson, Director, Sal Baguio, Database Assistant, Bob Harrison, Director, Richard Golding, Maritime Regional Chairman, Norm Hobbs, President, Casper Lewitski, Alberta Regional Chairman, Bruce Fulcher, Director, Norm Czepiela, Vice President, Bob Clarke, Director, Andy Kruk, former Director, Fred Perchaluk, Prairie Regional Chairman, John Thomas, Director, Earl Kettle, Director.

3 Staff

The following is a staff listing of the Pensioners’ Association Executive following the annual election.

Norm Hobbs President 8 Tomlin Court, Barrie ON L4N 7H1 705 722 3914 Email [email protected]

Norm Czepiela Vice President 139 Chemin de Guides, Ripon QC. J0V 1V0 819 428 4202 Email [email protected]

Gerry McCaie Treasurer 351 Burrows Hall Blvd. Scarborough ON M1B 1H6 416 291 4314 Email [email protected]

Vic Johnson Secretary 4960 7th Line RR#4, Rockwood ON N0B 2K0 519 856 2389 Email [email protected]

Norm Czepiela Membership Convenor 139 Chemin de Guides, Ripon QC. J0V 1V0 819 428 4202 Email [email protected]

Len Ferguson Newsletter Convenor 83 McGregor St. Stratford, ON N4Z 1G6 519 272 2717 Email [email protected]

Morley Kipp Past President 2312 -1333 Bloor St. Mississauga ON L4Y 3T6 905 625 0529 Email [email protected]

Bob Harrison Director 1890 Valley Farm Road. Apt 716 Pickering, ON L1V 6B4 905 831 8915 Email [email protected]

Wayne Boyle, Director 231 Victoria Ave. North Kawartha Lakes ON K9V 6C9 705 878 9088 Email [email protected]

Bob Clarke, Director 966 Inverhouse Dr. Apt. 809 Mississauga ON L5J 4B6 905 822 5511

Norm Czepiela Director 139 Chemin de Guides, Ripon QC. J0V 1V0 819 428 4202 Email [email protected]

Len Ferguson, Director 83 McGregor St. Stratford, ON N4Z 1G6 519 272 2717 Email [email protected]

Earl Kettle Director 100 Country Court Blvd. #607 Brampton ON L6W 3X1 905 454 3287 Email [email protected]

Vic Johnson, Director 4960 7th Line RR#4, Rockwood ON N0B 2K0 519 856 2389 Email [email protected]

Bruce Fulcher, Director RR2 Mount Forest ON N0G 2L0 519 323 2099 Email [email protected]

John Thomas, Director 3938 Hoskins Rd, North Vancouver BC V7K 2P2 604 987 9235 Email [email protected]

Rudi Ortiz Database Manager 829 Messenger Meadow Drive, Mississauga ON L5C 3T1 905 272 3519 Email [email protected]

Salvador Baguio Database Assistant 53 Nettlecreek Cresc. Scarborough ON M1V 4L1 416 293 3275 Email [email protected]

Rudi Ortiz Webmaster 829 Messenger Meadow Drive, Mississauga ON L5C 3T1 905 272 3519 Email [email protected]

Pension Committee

Frank Tutt Contributory Plan Representative 1272 Ontario St. Apt. 604 Burlington ON L7S 2L8 905 635 9144 Email [email protected] 4 Wayne Boyle Non Contributory Plan Representative 231 Victoria Ave. North Kawartha Lakes ON K9V 6C9 705 878 9088 Email [email protected]

Regional Chairmen

Richard Golding Maritime Regional Chair, 18 Baffin Dr., Moncton N.B. E1A 5P1 506 383 5734 Email [email protected]

Frank Massarelli Quebec Regional Chair, 6244 3eme Ave, Rosemont QC H1Y 2X5 514 376 9155 Email [email protected]

Norm Czepiela Ottawa Regional Chair, 139 Chemin de Guides, Ripon QC. J0V 1V0 819 428 4202 Email [email protected]

Bob Clarke Ontario Regional Chair, 966 Inverhouse Dr. Apt. 809 Mississauga ON L5J 4B6 905 822 5511

Fred Perchaluk Regional Chair Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 434 Redonda St. Winnipeg Man. R2C 3R6 204 224 2958 Email [email protected]

Casper Lewitski Regional Chair Alberta, 26 – 22348 Township Road 512 Sherwood Park, Alberta T8C 1H2 780 922 3299 Email [email protected]

John Thomas Pacific Regional Chair 3938 Hoskins Rd., North Vancouver BC V7K 2P2 604 987 9235 Email [email protected]

Please Note - Some staff members occupy more than one position

Also Note - Email address change for Len Ferguson – now [email protected].

In Memoriam

We have been notified the following retirees have passed away:

Eileen Burton Sherwood Park, Alberta April 7, 2010 Tony Sultson Montreal, Quebec April 12, 2010 Louise Watts Salt Spring Island, British Columbia April 15, 2010 Donald Callaghan Unknown April 18, 2010 Pauline Bernier Longueuil, Quebec April 18, 2010 Eileen Aherne Toronto, Ontario April 20, 2010 Walter Craig Hamilton, Ontario April 25, 2010 Donald Collie Etobicoke, Ontario May 9, 2010 Ramona Irvine Etobicoke, Ontario May 11, 2010 Lionel Robillard Lasalle, Quebec May 18, 2010 Emilien Cote Unknown May 19, 2010 Vivian Costain Ellerslie, Prince Edward Island May 22, 2010 George Papineau Montreal, Quebec May 25, 2010 Della Smith Portage La Prairie, Alberta May 27, 2010 David Hueston Ladysmith, British Columbia May 31, 2010 Joseph Angeli Sherwood Park, Alberta June 1, 2010 Arthur Merakian Montreal, Quebec June 2, 2010 Catherine Smith Montreal, Quebec June 6, 2010 Eva Penny Sydney, Nova Scotia June 8, 2010 Betty Duffy Etobicoke, Ontario June 13, 2010 Constant Gauthier Mont Tremblant, Quebec June 27, 2010 Gerald Lepage Huntsville, Ontario June 28, 2010 Margaret McPhail Willowdale, Ontario June 30, 2010 Kei Saisho Toronto, Ontario July 16, 2010 Andre Larocque St. Hubert, Quebec July 25, 2010 Edgar Charron Windsor, Ontario August 3, 2010 Robert Galley Toronto, Ontario August 5, 2010

5 In God’s Care Financial Report

Statement of Income and Expenses for the fiscal year from April 1/09 to March 31/10:

INCOME: EXPENSES Renewal Fees 10350 Professional Fees 559 Interest/Mutuals 2313 Interest 440.00 & Mutuals 1873.00 Translation Services 2416 Allstream Contribution 4500 Newsletters 1331 Member Donations 152 Regional Operations 7514 HQ’s Operations 4987 Total Income 17315 Dir/Executive Meetings 0 AGM 998 Travel 2929 Office Equipment 1016 Web Site 1069 Miscellaneous 90 Net Income (Loss) (- 5594) Total Expenses 22909

Assets March 31/10: Cash on Hand 83.02 TD Cda Trust Account 1479.52 TD Cda Trust Mutuals 16044.57

ING Direct Account 34512.38

Total Assets $ 52119.49

Current Newsletter Mailing Number of Newsletters mailed out 2018 English Language 1683 French Language 327 Out of Country 8

Membership Report

Total in Database 2019 Total Members in Database 1526 (includes 36 Associate Members) Non Members 493 Pensioners Living outside Canada 8 Total with Email Addresses Members and Non-Members (672)

Reasons for Joining Provincial Health Care Plan:

In May of this year Allstream sent a written communication to 151 members of the retirees extended health care plan who are residents of the province of Quebec, are at least 65 years old and were not enrolled in RAMQ (the optional provincial drug plan. RAMQ is a acronym derived from Regie de l’assuranced maladie du Quebec ). The purpose of the communication was to draw attention to the fact they could enroll with the RAMQ prescription drug plan, combining its coverage with the Allstream plan to realize substantial savings.

RAMQ, being a public plan is heavily subsidized resulting in a premium which is lower than the actual cost of the coverage. Hence blending of the RAMQ plan with Allstream EHC produces a double benefit – lower cost to those subscribing to both plans, and an easing of pressure on the Allstream Extended Health Care plan, since drug costs will be shared with RAMQ. This should help stabilize Allstream EHC premiums.

The Allstream document examines various scenarios – enrolled in Allstream EHC Plan A with RAMQ compared to without RAMQ Enrolled in Allstream EHC Plan B with RAMQ compared to without RAMQ

In every case the “with RAMQ” option represents a saving to the user. For example at the $3000 annual claim level the Plan “B” option with RAMQ is potentially $402 cheaper than Plan “B” alone (without RAMQ). At the $6000 annual claim level the difference is $803 6 Likewise at the $3000 annual claim level the Plan “A” option with RAMQ is potentially $838 less than Plan “A” alone (without RAMQ). At the $6000 annual claim level the difference is $1677).

Since receiving the Allstream presentation, of the 151 members – 110 have joined RAMQ (88 by making this election and 22 by accepting through the no response default option provided), 39 elected not to join RAMQ and pay the higher plan premium and 2 have passed away”

All of the above applies to those who use prescription drugs and will have less meaning to those fortunate individuals who have reached the 65 plus age level, are perfectly healthy and use no medication. Firstly our congratulations on having reached this plateau; be it a genetic gift from your parents, good health management, or just plain luck. However, whatever our physical condition, none of us are young, and because of our age we are at risk.

When we purchase insurance we are buying protection. In most cases we hope that we will never have to call on that protection, but it is wise to have it in place. We never really know what awaits us around the next corner. This a particular concern for the senior group.

Your Association highly recommends that all Quebec pensioners join RAMQ. Also, we are looking for feedback from those who choose not to join, so that we can better understand the reasons for your refusal. Please reply to Norm Czepiela, telephone 819 428 4202 or Email [email protected].

Please note- Joining RAMQ in no way affects the non drug aspects of the Allstream EHC plan.

A similar situation exists in British Columbia. We will examine the BC case in the next newsletter.

Pension Booklet

The MTSallstream 2009 reports for Contributory and Non Contributory Pension Plans were distributed in July this year On the front cover of this year’s report there is a very appealing photo of Frank Tutt and his wife, Doris. The Tutts are, this year, celebrating 60 years of successful marriage. Frank, as you are probably aware, has been pensioner representative on the Contributory Pension Council for the past several years. Also, on page 7, you will find a rather good picture of Pensioners’ Association President, Norm Hobbs. On page 2 very reassuring statement of pension support commitment from Pierre Blouin, CEO of MTSallstream

If you have not received you’re your copy of the report, call the Allstream toll free Employee/Pensioner Helpline 1 800 276 7630 to request a copy.

Email Network Problems

Currently there are over 600 members on our email network. When matters of interest appear we send bulk emails out to those on the network who would be interested in the information. Since inception there has been a problem with this system in that members don’t always inform us when changing email addresses. We rely on our members to keep us informed of email address changes. If you haven’t received any emails from us in a long time this may be the cause. If you wish to be part of the email network please send your email address to Earl Kettle email [email protected] or telephone Earl at 905 454 3287. This applies to both those who were earlier receiving bulk email correspondence from us and appear to have lapsed, as well as new enrollment. Regional Events

Maritime Region – The annual Luncheon Meeting will be held in Truro, Nova Scotia, this year on October 5 (the first Tuesday in October). Time and place to be announced. Please attend to make this the best one ever.

Quebec Region – Fall Luncheon - Wednesday September 15th 2010 at 12:00 noon Restaurant Vichy 7205 Newman Blvd., LaSalle, QC

QUEBEC REGIONAL MEETING: 7 Will be held on October 13th 2010 at 1:30 PM 3050 Rosemount Blvd., Montreal, QC Please note that here has been a time change from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Ottawa Region – Fall Luncheon will be held at Robbies Restaurant on Thursday September 30 at 12:00 Noon. Please advise Norm Czepiela if you plan to attend. Norm’s telephone number is 810 428 4202 or email [email protected]

Christmas Luncheon will be Thursday December 23rd 12:00 at Robbies. Suggested you call Norm Czepiela early to establish your reservation. This is always a “sold out” event and late comers may find themselves disappointed.

Ontario Region – Report on Ontario Regional Golf Tournament held on June 10, 2010 (the day following the AGM)

The annual Pensioner's Golf Tournament was held on June 10, 2010 at the Mayfield Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario. The day was enjoyed by 21 golfers(?) with Marj Lecky getting them organized. The golf course was in great shape and we had 9 holes (played twice) all to ourselves. Rather than embarrass them by reporting their scores, suffice it to say that the Men’s Low Gross was won by Bob Gillard and the Ladies Low Gross by Barbara McKever. The Men’s Low Net was a three-way tie by Vahan Aghagulian, Steve Banning and Bruce Fulcher while the Ladies Low Net was won by Myrna Renshaw. The novelty prizes went to Manny O'Quinn for the Closest To The Pond (without going in) and for The Longest Putt Made. Closest To The Pin went to Bob Gillard and Closest To The Line went to Jim Doran. This year we had the meal and prize venue at the golf club as well, so we were out of there in good time. All reports indicate it was enjoyed by all.

Tournament Chair...Director Bruce Fulcher

Prairie Region - Prairie Region regular monthly luncheon meetings resume September 15th at the St. James Legion, 1755 Portage Avenue, in Winnipeg. Start time is 12 noon and everyone is welcome to come and meet their old friends and co-workers.

Pacific Region (British Columbia) members are advised the annual member meeting will be held at the same location as last year, the Holiday Inn Express, 2889 Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V5K 2A1, Monday, October 4th , at 1:00 p.m As usual light refreshments and coffee will be available. All are welcome. Come and renew old friendships. Regional Reports

This newsletter is published three times annually, in the months of June, September and December. In future Regional Reports will appear in the June and December issues, but not in the September edition. This change is prompted by the fact the June to September period is generally a period of low activity, with little news to report. This can be changed, of course, as circumstances dictate, but will remain the rule for the present.

Notable exception is the following Alberta Regional Report. Casper had prepared this report early, before the above decision was made, and not wishing to see his effort wasted, it is included in this newsletter.

Alberta Region

A light Alberta Moment:

When I was a young minister, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there.

I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, of course, I did not ask for directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen.

I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening.

I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached and preached, from Genesis to Revelations.

When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one of the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in sewer systems for over twenty years!" 8 ******************************* Bill Mogridge of Calgary sadly advises that the monthly Thursday get-togethers in Calgary at the Royal Canadian Legion, North Calgary Branch 264, 1910 – Kensington Road NW, started by the original CPT retirees, have ceased due to a lack of participation. To paraphrase him, “These are sad times”.

This is a reminder that, since 1982, the Radio/Microwave retirees have been having an annual Christmas get-together in Nisku. For more information about this particular get-together, contact Fred Erler at (780)-980-3801 for Christmas 2010.

Also, the bi-weekly, 9:00AM, coffee klatches continue in Edmonton with people meeting at the Yellowhead Motor Inn, corner of 149th Street and Yellowhead Trail, every second Friday. Give me a call if you want to know when the next one is.

Annual Edmonton Luncheon According to Jean McKenna (nee Stewart), a CNT employee who had relocated to Whitehorse to work for Norwestel for a number of decades and then returned to Edmonton, this year’s annual Edmonton CNT/CNCP Smorgasbord Luncheon, which was held at the usual NORWOOD LEGION on 82 Street and 112 Avenue on the usual date, the last Friday of May at 11:30AM, was nothing short of amazing! This year’s turnout was 63 with a lot of new faces showing up. Incidentally, this year’s head count beat last year’s by a whopping 50%! Wouldn’t you just love to see that type of increase in your investment? It sounds like the word has been spreading and people are responding by showing up. For additional information, contact one of the following founding members who continue to remain actively involved in this annual event:

Jean McKenna ------780-892-2005 Helen Dufresne ------780-955-2980

As a sidebar, it was interesting to find out from Jean McKenna how this get-together came about. Originally, it started out as a CN “girl’s day out” held at the Sawmill on the south side of the city. Then, one day, it was discovered that there was a nearby table that had some male CN employees sitting around it. One thing led to another and today we have what this chance encounter evolved into.

It’s a lot of fun, EVERYBODY IS WELCOME! And the perogies are absolutely ultra salubrious!

Interesting Summer In the month of June, my wife, Gloria and I had an opportunity to take in some of this great country of ours. A week was spent in glorious Quebec City – talk about historic! – a week in Toronto experiencing first hand the shut-down of a large city in preparation for a $1.2 Billion dollar international photo shoot (G8/G20 summits) and two weeks in southern Manitoba worrying about the flooding of the Trans-Canada highway on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border (we were driving and experienced trepidation about getting back to Edmonton). We made it back safely by taking the northern Yellowhead Route out of Winnipeg rather than the Trans-Canada through Regina. Boy, were there ever a lot of flooded and/or unseeded farmers’ fields! It should also be noted that the mosquitoes in Manitoba were really BIG! Given their size, local rumour had it that they required pilot licenses in order to fly!

Near the end of July, we spent ten days in the sunny Okanagan Valley – what a dramatic change from the rain-soaked prairies – in and around the wine country near Penticton, BC. The wine tours were certainly worth it and a whole day, including lunch, was pleasantly spent sampling the various wares. The only negative thing that we experienced prior to our return was the smoke in the air due to the multiplicity of forest fires raging throughout BC. ******* I would also ask those that have not already done so, to remember to send in the membership fees. It’s only $10.00 per year and a lot of members are choosing to send in cheques for $20.00 or $30.00 so that they don’t have to be bothered doing it on an annual basis. Remember, as an association, we’re only as good as the membership. *******

SENIORS’ INFO To obtain a free copy of the ALBERTA SENIORS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES booklet, please call 1-800-642-3853. If applying for one of the many services, please keep in mind that the benefit year runs from July 1st of one year to June 30th of the following year.

If you have anything that you would like to see in the newsletter or would like to share some of your personal experiences/photos or if you have any information regarding any other pensioner, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Casper Lewitski Alberta Chairperson (780)-922-3299 Email: [email protected]

See page 11for Universal form for Membership Application, Renewal, or Postal address changes. 9 10 All Purpose Form

Following is a multi purpose form. For Membership Application or Membership Renewal. Please fill in the appropriate section and mail to: Gerry McCaie 351 Burrows Hall Blvd. Scarborough ON M1B 1H6

Membership dues are $10 per year. (See Note below.)

For Change of Postal address, or Other Purpose please complete the appropriate section and mail to :

Salvador Baguio 53 Nettlecreek Cresc. Scarborough ON M1V 4L1

Privacy concerns prevent us from forwarding address changes to Allstream. Such information should be telephoned to the company using the employee/pensioner helpline 1 800 276 7630.

Note- We still have numbers of members who are in arrears with their dues. Your “paid up to date” appears on the address label of the envelope which contains this newsletter. If that date is not June 30, 2011 or later, then you are in arrears. Please complete the following form, enclosing $10 for each year that you are in arrears. (For example if the expiry date is June 30, 2010, you are one year in arrears, if the expiry date is June 30, 2009, you are two years in arrears). If your paid up date is 2011 or later, your dues are paid in advance, and no further payment is necessary until after the expiry date. Surviving spouses of deceased members of the Association are considered Lifetime members and are not required to pay annual membership fees. If your label reads N/A you are a non member and we suggest you consider becoming a member. The membership fee is a modest $10 per year,

Allstream Pensioners’ Association is a non profit organization dedicated to supporting and furthering the interests of the membership. Staff members are all unpaid volunteers. Membership fees are set at a level to cover operating expenses.

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Allstream Pensioners’ Association

Check Appropriate Box or Boxes

Membership Application [ ] Membership Renewal [ ] Postal Address Change [ ] Other [ ]

Name______

Address______

City______Prov.______Postal Code______

Telephone______Email Address______

Spouse______

Other______

Following line for New Members Only (Membership Application)

Year of Retirement ______Language Preference (For Newsletter Mailing) English ____ French ____

For Membership Application or Renewal please include cheque or money order. Membership dues are $10 per year. Cheques or money orders should be made payable to Allstream Pensioners’ Association.