News & Views JI_ARTA_POM_BkCvr_Apr11.Left_FINAL.ai 1 26/04/11 4:07 PM Contents Table of Volume 19 Number 4 Summer 2011

COLUMNS FEATURES 2 11 24 Greetings From the In Memoriam Health Care in a Social President Democracy—Germany 4

3 14 27 Elder Abuse in Canada Golf Tournament Pension Committee— World Health Care —CARP CPP Changes

Big 29 18 Society 5 Editor’s Do You 12 Scholarship musings Know? Information

Lessons 20 30 from Reflections The Latest the 7 —Judy Steiert Scam Master Candidates for Provincial Leadership 21 9 Political Notes 31 16 Contest Winners Letters 23 to the Editor 10 What Are We Executive Director’s Doing Now? 32 Report —Marilyn Bossert Classifieds Colombia and Ecuador

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 Contributions to News and Views to the editor: David J. Flower, 409, 11010 – 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Assistant Editor: Vi Oko; Graphic Artist: Hazel Adair; Printing by Central Web, 16940 – 110 Avenue NW, Edmonton T5P 1G9

AR-ARTA-12e Greetings From the President

Leading the Way

Marlene Reddekopp

On November 11 and 12, 2010, As I have been reading the book, youth organization called Roca ARTA members attended a leader- I have experienced those “Aha that works with young people to ship training workshop in Calgary moments”—so that is what he help them escape street life. When entitled “Building a Sustainable was talking about! My notes make everything is awry and out of bal- Future.” The keynote speak- more sense to me now. ance, they use “Peacekeeping ers were Dr. Peter Senge and The Fifth Discipline is systems Circles,” a Native American tech- Dr. Margaret Wheatley thinking. It is the discipline that nique to garner consensus. When I participate in such an integrates and fuses the other I found this interesting since small intense conference, I sometimes disciplines into a coherent body of groups of five or six formed in a wonder how it will help me in the theory and practice. Others include circle at the Calgary conference to future since there is so much infor- personal mastery which deepens have a dialogue on a given topic. mation to sift through. our personal vision and focuses our Taking this concept further, at Dr. Senge recommended his book energies to develop patience and to see reality objectively; mental ARTA board meetings we are “The Fifth Dimension,” which he seated in a “square” circle as we had written in 1990 and revised in models which make assumptions, regarding how we understand the conduct our meetings and, yes, 2006, as a reading resource. At the resolve issues through dialogue. time I did not look to see if I could world and how we take action; as purchase it. When I returned to well as building a vision and team The Strategic Planning Committee my daughter’s home, I mentioned learning. met in May with all committee regretting not seeing about doing Dialogue is very important in heads to review each group’s initia- so and she said, “Oh, Mom, I have it team learning because it suspends tives in an effort to get an overall on my bookshelf downstairs. It was assumptions and brings in different picture of ARTA’s work to ensure suggested reading for my Family points of view. Different ideas and cohesiveness that will result in a Support Studies when I was work- thoughts usually result in disagree- smooth transition from one initia- ing on my Masters in Social Work.” ment but from that comes progress. tive to the other. In the introduction it was noted In Volume 1 Issue 4 (October ARTA is alive and well. that the book is used by church 2010) of the leadership journal Have a safe and happy summer. leaders and large corporations, to called The Solutions in Our Midst name just a few. Peter indicates that there is a Marlene Reddekopp

A sales representative, an administration clerk and a manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and when the genie comes out, it says, “I will give each of you just one wish.” The clerk says, “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She was gone. The sales rep. went next. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on a beach with a personal masseuse, an endless supply of pina coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He was gone. The manager then made a wish. “I want those two back in the office after lunch.” Moral: Always let the boss have first say.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 2 News & Views CPP Changes—They may affect you

As you all may know, the Federal Government will be implementing changes to the Canada Pension Plan in 2012 and more than likely some of these changes will affect retired teachers and retired people in one way or another. Gordon Thomas wrote an excellent article in the ATA News, which he allowed us to reprint. Q and A: Changes are coming to the Canada Pension Plan Question: I’ve heard that changes will be made to the Canada Pension Plan. I just turned 60. If I retire now, should I start collecting pension benefitsbefore I reach 65? Answer: First, several changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will take effect in 2012. Currently, workers have to stop working (and earning) for two consecutive months before they are eligible for CPP. In 2012, this requirement will disappear, making it easier to start collecting pension. Teachers can start collecting CPP at age 60 without retiring from teaching. On January 1, 2012, one major change to the way CPP is calculated will reduce the amount of pension payable for people who start CPP before age 65 and increase the amount pay- Gordon Thomas able for those who start CPP after age 65. At present, the CPP entitlement is reduced by 0.5 per cent for each month CPP is started before the age of 65. A teacher who opts to start CPP at age 60, the earliest it is available, will receive a reduction of 0.5 per cent × 60 months = 30 per cent. Therefore, the teacher will receive 70 per cent of the normal CPP. Starting next year, the 0.5 per cent rate will increase each year until it reaches 0.6 per cent. The change goes both ways, however. If a teacher continues to work past age 65, CPP increases by 0.5 per cent per month. This will increase to 0.7 per cent by 2013. The good news is that these changes will be implemented without an increase in contribution rates. To answer your question about waiting until age 65 to retire, one thing to consider is when you need the money. Most people need more money when they’re younger and able to do more, such as travelling or pursuing pas- times. The best answer I can give about retiring before 65 is from a retirement planner, who cited the example of a pensioner who, while out for a walk, spies a $20 bill on the ground and wonders: “Hmm, should I pick that up now or come back in five years and pick it up?” The answer is clear. And remember, once you start collecting CPP, any future changes usually only affect people who have not yet started CPP, so you would be protected from any future erosion of benefits. You can find out about your CPP entitlement by registering with Service Canada at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/ eng/isp/common/proceed/socinfo.shtml. Teachers should check their contributions history on a regular basis so that errors can be corrected prior to retirement. The Pension Committee has the following suggestion: If you are retired and are between the ages of 55 and 65, and working, or contemplating returning to work, the changes to the CPP will affect you. For more detailed information on CPP changes and examples, please check out the Federal Government website www.servicecanada.gc.ca. There is a lot of valuable information here, so read it carefully, paying particular attention to this section. Are you affected by the changes? These changes will affect you if you are: • an employee who contributes to the CPP, whether you are just starting your career or you are planning to retire soon; • a self-employed person who contributes to the CPP; or • between the ages of 60 and 70 and you work while receiving your CPP retirement pension (or if you work outside of Quebec while receiving a QPP retirement pension). You will not be affected by these changes if you started receiving a CPP retirement pension before December 31, 2010, and you remain out of the work force.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 3 Elder Abuse in Canada by Norbert Boudreau

Did you know that thousands a rather simple way to abuse an needs to be checked. Being with- of seniors are being repeatedly elder as well. Trusted unscrupu- drawn or even depressed are often abused or neglected in Canada? lous individuals can steal from a signs of elder abuse too. What’s most shocking is that they vulnerable senior almost at will. Preventing and protecting our are being mistreated by someone This likelihood, however, does not loved ones against senior abuse is close to them. Can you imagine a mean that all trusted persons are of prime importance. Seniors are relative, a caregiver or any persons crooks. In most cases having free urged to get their financial affairs in a position of trust maltreating reign over the affairs of a parent, in order with a trusted lawyer citizens unable to help themselves! for example, is a necessity and is while they are still of sound mind, What is most interesting is that this quite beneficial to the elderly per- which includes preparing a will exploitation often goes on unno- son who is unable to pay their bills. and naming an honest and trusted ticed and, regrettably, unreported. Fortunately, there are often visible individual with appropriate Power There are many ways of physically signs of elder abuse. Unexplained of Attorney. or emotionally mistreating elders, bruises, ongoing tension on the Relatives and friends can help as but the most common form of elder part of elderly seniors, along with well by regularly visiting loved abuse is of a financial nature. What loss of weight and untreated rashes ones in private or public seniors’ can be easier than misusing bank and sores should be investigated. residences. It does not have to be a accounts and credit or debit cards An elderly person dressed in dirty long visit, but it is useful if the visit when one has a Power of Attorney clothes, especially when you know occurs at different times of the day over the affairs of a parent. Having that this person would never want simply to get a better perspective a joint account with a loved one is to be seen in public in such a state, of how the residence is run.

Finally, it is important to recognize elder abuse and to know what you can do to protect the dignity and the safety of Show the world you citizens who care about ending elder cannot help abuse and neglect by themselves. If you suspect wearing something abuse, a purple on June 15, 2011, simple call to as we observe the the police is 6th annual World Elder in order. Abuse Awareness Day From the (WEAAD). Canadian Association of Retired Teachers

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 4 News & Views Scholarship Information

The members of the Alberta divided among applicants attend- nephews of ARTA members. There Retired Teachers’ Association ing an accredited university. The is no fixed amount per scholarship actively support continued learn- applicants must be the children, and no fixed number of scholar- ing by funding scholarships and grandchildren, nieces or nephews ships awarded. (Both are decided endowments. ARTA provides one of ARTA members. There is no at the discretion of the Scholarship scholarship independently and fixed amount per scholarship and Committee.) For further infor- partners with Johnson Inc. to pro- no fixed number of scholarships mation/applications contact: vide a second one.There is a need awarded. (Both are decided at The Alberta Retired Teachers’ to present updated information at the discretion of the Scholarship Association, #409 Barnett House, the branch and individual level in Committee.) For further infor- 11010 142 St., Edmonton, AB T5N an effort to promote the following mation/applications contact: 2R1. Call locally 780-447-9474; scholarships and endowments and The Alberta Retired Teachers’ toll free 1-800-232-7208 ext 474; identify how they may be accessed. Association, #409 Barnett House, or go to www.albertarta.org 11010 142 St., Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Call locally 780-447-9474; In order to ensure acceptance of Scholarships toll free 1-800-232-7208 ext 474; the application, please note the or go to www.albertarta.org. following requirements: Sponsored by 1. Applicants must (a) be aware ARTA For Those in a Non-Degree there are two categories of Program scholarships, a degree program For Those in a ARTA Diploma/Certificate and a diploma/certificate pro- gram, and (b) choose the correct Degree Program Program Scholarship ARTA Johnson Degree application form. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ 2. Applications must be complete Program Scholarship Association provides $5000 annu- and include (a) two letters This scholarship is available to ally for scholarships that are of reference, (b) high school students who have successfully divided among applicants attend- transcripts, and (c) original completed one full year of post- ing an accredited institution and or authenticated transcript of secondary education in any faculty/ who have successfully completed most recent year completed program. Johnson Inc. grants at least one year of a two or more in the post secondary program $5000 annually to the Alberta year diploma/certificate program. attended. Note that 30 credits Retired Teachers’ Association The applicants must be the chil- must have been completed in to provide scholarships that are dren, grandchildren, nieces or the degree program before

ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Degree Program ARTA manages a $5000 annual ARTA–Johnson Scholarship fund. ARTA accepts applications from students attending accredited post-secondary institutions and currently enrolled in the second, third or fourth year of a program leading to a degree. Applications must be sponsored by relatives who are ARTA members. Application forms and criteria are available by writing to: ARTA, 409, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 2R1 or may be downloaded from ARTA’s website at www.albertarta.org. Application deadline: July 31, 2011

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 5 applying and one full year must Hat Retired Teachers’ Association of $10000. One $500 award is have been completed in the cer- also contributes annually to the given in the fall semester to a stu- tificate/diploma program before U of A Endowment. dent who has demonstrated applying excellence in student teaching and academic proficiency after com- ARTA is pleased to support the University of Calgary pleting the Professional Semester educational endeavours of our The Alberta Retired Teachers’ II requirements in the previous fall youth by promoting these scholar- Association established the or spring semester and is enrolled ships. We hope that this information University of Calgary Endowment in Professional Semester III in the will help to clarify the application Award in 1999 with an initial con- Faculty of Education. process. tribution of $10000. Each year the endowment awards up to $400 to For further information/appli- an undergraduate student who has cations contact: Barry Knapp, Endowments completed the first year of the BEd University of Lethbridge Provided by ARTA (Master of Teaching) program in the Advancement, 4401 University Faculty of Education and is enrolled Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4. in the second year of the program. Call 1-403-329-2389 or contact University of Alberta For further information/applica- [email protected]. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ tions contact: Kathryne Drnasin, Association Award established the Development Officer, Student Awards, Upon Completion of University of Alberta Endowment University of Calgary, CHD606, High School Award in 1998 with an initial 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Johnson Inc. Scholarship contribution of $15000. One or ABT2N 1N4. Call 1‑403‑220‑3716; more students entering the third fax 1-403-282-7688; or go to This leading Canadian insurance or fourth year of an undergraduate www.ucalgary.ca/giving. company and benefit provider degree in the Faculty of Education The Calgary Retired Teachers’ accepts applications from all are awarded $1000 annually. Association has established its own Canadian residents who have The fund may be supplemented University of Calgary Endowment. completed high school and are by individual gifts or memorial The $80000 endowment awards beginning a post-secondary edu- donations at any time. For further approximately $3000 annually to cation at a Canadian institution. information/applications contact: one scholarship winner. Candidates are eligible to apply Office of the Assistant Dean (Field for one of 100 scholarships, each Experiences), Faculty of Education, valued at $1500. For further University of Lethbridge 1-107 Education Center North, details and/or application forms Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5. The The Alberta Retired Teachers’ contact one of the following: Call Edmonton Retired Teachers’ Association established the University toll free 1-877-328-7878; e-mail Association donates $500 annually of Lethbridge Endowment Award [email protected]; or go to this endowment. The Medicine in 1999 with an initial contribution to www.johnson.ca.

ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Certificate/Diploma Program ARTA funds and manages this annual $5,000 scholarship. ARTA accepts applications from students attending accredited post-secondary institutions and currently enrolled in programs of two or more years that lead to a certificate/diploma. Applications must be sponsored by relatives who are ARTA members. Application forms and criteria are available by writing to: ARTA, 409, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 or may be downloaded from ARTA’s website at www.albertarta.org. Application deadline: July 31, 2011

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 6 News & Views Alberta’s Political Leadership Candidates

There was a surprise announce- declared her Alberta Liberal lead- He worked in the agri-business ment on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. ership aspirations on February 17. in southern Alberta and became Premier Ed Stelmach announced Independent MLA Raj Sherman has responsible for international market- that he “will not be running as a also indicated his interest in running ing and sales of specialty grains for candidate in the next general elec- for the leadership of the Liberal Conagra out of its Nebraska office. tion” and that he will submit his Party. Returning to Canada after three official resignation letter ‘at a future years, he established a trading com- date.’ The next day the Progressive pany for agrifoods and agrifeeds for Conservative caucus met in Calgary Candidates Seeking the domestic and international markets. and the major topic of discussion Progressive Conservative Mr. Horner was first elected to the appeared to have been the spring Party Leadership Alberta Legislature in 2001 as the budget. On January 27 Alberta’s Doug Griffiths was MLA for Spruce Grove–Sturgeon– minister of finance, Ted Morton, first elected to the St. Albert. In his second term in announced his resignation from Alberta Legislature office he served as Minister of cabinet and later indicated his inten- in a by-election for Advanced Education and Technology tion to seek the leadership of the the constituency and Minister of Agriculture, Food Progressive Conservative Party. On of Wainwright in and Rural Development. Since February 4 Alberta’s deputy premier 2002. He was re- March 2008 he has served as Deputy and minister of advanced educa- elected as the MLA Premier, Minister of Advanced tion and technology, Doug Horner, for the new constituency of Battle Education and Technology and min- announced that he, too, would seek River–Wainwright in 2004 and ister liaison to the Canadian forces. the leadership of the party, thereby again in 2008. At the time of his first also resigning from the present cabi- Announcing his leadership aspira- election he was the youngest MLA, net. Two other candidates joined the tions, Mr. Horner “cast himself as a at twenty-nine years of age. He race in February. Rural MLA Doug moderate conservative in the mould attended the University of Alberta Griffiths who was the parliamentary of former premier Peter Lougheed.” earning degrees in philosophy and assistant to the finance minister (Sources: “Horner joins race for education and taught at Byemoor announced he was seeking the lead- top job” Karen Kleiss, Edmonton School in the County of Stettler ership on February 15 and Alison Journal, February 5, 2011: www. for three years. He was the parlia- Redford announced her intention to assembly.ab.ca) mentary assistant to the Minister of seek the leadership of the party on Agriculture and Rural Development February 16. Gary Mar announced Gary Mar was and more recently he held a simi- his candidacy on March 16, 2011. born in Calgary in lar position with the Department 1962. He earned a Naturally there is a great deal of of Solicitor General and Public commerce degree speculation among the media and Security. (Source: en.wikipedia.org/ from the University the political pundits as to what wiki/Doug_Griffiths) of Calgary and a caused these sudden moves, who else law degree from Doug Horner, might run for the leadership and how the University of who is fifty years these moves might affect the other Alberta. He was first elected to the old, was born in Alberta political parties, specifically Alberta Legislature in 1993 as the Barrhead, Alberta. the Wildrose Alliance. MLA for Calgary Nose Creek and Horner graduated later represented Calgary Mackay. In addition, the leader of the Alberta from the Southern Liberal Party announced his resig- Alberta Institute of Mar served in four different cabinet nation and as a result that party is Technology with a portfolios in his fourteen years as an also seeking a new leader. Although business diploma, and after complet- MLA. Initially he was Minister of no date has been set for a leadership ing further studies was accredited by the Environment, then Minister of convention, MLA Laurie Blakeman the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Education, next he served four years

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 7 as Minister of Health and Wellness Alison Redford Dr. Raj Sherman and finally he held the International was born in 1965 was elected to and Intergovernmental Relations in Kitimat, British his first term as portfolio. In December 2007 he was Columbia. She a Progressive appointed the official representative graduated from high Conservative MLA for Alberta to the United States and school in Calgary for Edmonton– worked out of the Canadian Embassy and completed Meadowlark in in Washington DC with the official her post-secondary 2008. He served title of Minister-Counsellor of the education at the University of as the parliamentary assistant to Province of Alberta to the United Saskatchewan’s College of Law in the Minister of Health and Wellness States of America. He resigned his 1988. Redford was actively engaged until November 2010 when he position in March 2011 to enter in provincial and federal politics in was ejected from the PC caucus. the race for the leadership of the the 1980s serving as a senior policy Dr. Sherman is currently an inde- Progressive Conservative party in advisor to the Right Honourable Joe pendent member of the Legislature. Alberta.(www.garymar.ca) Clark until 1990. During the 1990s Prior to his political career he was she was a technical advisor on con- an emergency room doctor and has Frederick Lee stitutional and legal reform issues served as a STARS flight physician. (Ted) Morton was in various parts of Africa for the He has been openly critical of the born in 1949 in Los European Union, the Commonwealth government’s health care program. Angeles, California. Secretariat and both the Australian (www.assembly.ab.ca) According to the and Canadian Governments. Redford Wikipedia site was one of four International Morton has a BA, Election Commissioners to adminis- Questions for the MA and PhD in ter Afghanistan’s first parliamentary Leadership Candidates elections in 2005. political economy. He joined the from ARTA’s Strategic University of Calgary as a political Ms. Redford was elected to the Planning Committee science professor in 1981 and “is Alberta Legislature in 2008 rep­ part of a group of academics called resenting Calgary-Elbow and on If you are given an opportunity the Calgary School whose teachings March 13, 2008, she was appointed to speak to any of the above and writings have influenced the Minister of Justice and Attorney candidates, six questions listed future of conservatism in Canada.” General. She also leads the govern­ below might provide you with Dr. Morton was elected in 1998 as ment’s Safe Communities Secretar- topics for discussion. a Reform Party Senator-in-Waiting. iat. (Sources: www.assembly.ab.ca, 1. Will you commit to In 2001 Canadian Alliance leader www.alisonredford.ca) introduce progressive Stockwell Day appointed him taxation for Albertans? Parliamentary Director of Policy Candidate Seeking the 2. Will you commit to and Research for the party. He Leadership of the Alberta increasing the amount of was one of six Albertans, including Liberal Party royalties that Albertans Stephen Harper, who authored the receive from their Laurie Blakeman resources? “Alberta Agenda” a manifesto that was elected as 3. What is your plan to called on the government of Alberta the MLA for improve long-term care to use all of its constitutional pow- Edmonton–Centre for seniors? ers to reduce the influence of the in 1997 as a mem- federal government on the lives and ber of the Alberta 4. Will you commit to personal finances of Albertans. In Liberal Party. Prior preserving the existing 2004 he was elected the Progressive to her election she pharmaceutical support Conservative MLA for Foothills- had a successful career in the the- for seniors on a universal Rocky View and in December atre both as a performer and an basis? 2006 he was named Minister of administrator. Blakeman is currently 5. Will you commit to more Sustainable Resource Development. the deputy leader of the official support for home care? In January 2010 he became Minister opposition and also serves as the 6. Will you commit to of Finance and Enterprise, the post shadow cabinet minister for Culture government-run­ and he resigned on January 27, 2011. and Community Spirit, Sustainable affordable assisted-living (Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Resource Development and the facilities? Ted_Morton) Environment.(www.assembly.ab.ca)

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 8 News & Views Contest Winners—Contest #8 Harvey Hesiuk of Two Hills is one of our latest winners in Contest #8. He won the $100 Gift Certificate for any Choice Hotel property and will be putting it to good use in his adventures this summer. Harvey won once before on contest #2. His prize then was a ‘one night stay’ at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary. Obviously, Harvey likes travelling. “I am very thankful to Choice Hotels and to the ARTA News and Views for the gift certificate to stay at Choice hotels. My grandsons and Sophie and I will use the certificate wisely during our adventures this summer. I enjoy the ARTA magazine, and I must say that the contests have been good to me. Thanks again.” Our second winner was Adeline Shaigec of Edmonton. Adeline’s lucky entry netted her two tickets to Jubilations Theatre Edmonton. This is Adeline’s first win in our contests. “My husband and I, along with fellow teacher retiree Judy Read and her husband Stan, enjoyed the night out. The Mugs and Molls Cabaret was lots of fun. The singers/actors were tal- ented and energetic. The ‘amateur’ actors (two of whom were played by our husbands) added humour to the production. I look forward to receiving the ARTA News and Views on a regular basis. It is especially fun to read about fellow retirees and their adventures at home and around the world. Thank you again for the special evening out.” Congratulations to the two lucky winners and thanks to Choice Hotels and Jubilations Theatre Edmonton for furnishing our prizes. Contest #8 had over 50 entries so the chances of winning are pretty good. Take Harvey for example—he’s already won twice.

Contest Winners—Contest #9 Gary Johnson of Wetaskiwin added his name to our list of contest winners by winning a ‘one night stay’ at the Wingate by Wyndham in Edmonton in Contest #9. “I was taken by surprise when you advised that my name had been drawn for a one night stay at the Wingate by Wyndham. ARTA News and Views is doing a good job of ‘providing a voice for Alberta’s Retired Teachers’. Thank you ARTA.” Our second winner in Contest #9 was Marie Eichenlaub of Edmonton. Her prize is a ‘one night stay and breakfast for two at the Best Western Village Park Inn’ in Calgary. Marie writes, “This is the first time that I have entered a contest with ARTA and I am very excited to receive the hotel prize.” Thanks again to the Wingate by Wyndham in Edmonton and the Best Western Village Park Inn in Calgary for supplying the prizes for the contest. Without great businesses like these supporting our contests, our prize offerings would be a lot less. Thanks also to all of you who entered. We had over a hundred entries for this contest, but your chances of winning are pretty good. All it takes is a few minutes to enter.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 9 Executive Director’s Report

ARTA’s Advocacy

Don Mock Role

There are a number of issues that the retirement age and proposing as end the erosion of funding for we as retirees should be concerned other changes that will impact the higher and public education. about as we follow events related middle and lower income citizens. Though it is seen as a “Holy Cow,” to the budget debates in the United At the state level, Republican gov- we might even find money from States. Pressure is growing from ernors are using legislation to end extra royalties for our resources some quarters there to attack collective bargaining and privatize or at least end the subsidies to the social programs and the public pensions as well as lay off public highly profitable petroleum sector. sector both as a way to come to servants. Their policies are clearly terms with their enormous budget ARTA’s advocacy role must ensure ideological at both state and deficit and debt and, alarmingly, as that these trends to reduce taxes federal levels. Even though they a principle that government is the for those who can most afford to keep raising the deficit issue, their problem. In effect, these pressures pay and to cut spending to bal- proposal to reduce taxes for the are an assault on the programs ance a budget do not undermine richest Americans effectively coun- begun under the New Deal in the our safety net of social programs ters their spending cuts so that the 1930s to alleviate the mass unem- that protect our retirement and, debt will largely remain the same. ployment and economic hardship more importantly, protect the most In short, it is not really about the created by the depression phase of vulnerable in our society. We must deficit but about a view of a very the market cycle. hold all political parties in Canada limited role for government and a and Alberta to account in this Social programs for seniors or return to absolute individualism respect, no matter which one is in “entitlements,” as they call them, from a century earlier. power. such as Medicare and Social Well, what has this got to do with Security are being targeted retirees in Canada? Lots! To turn because they make up a large part the Las Vegas analogy on its head, of yearly expenditures. That they what happens in the U.S. does not Golf? have a debt problem is obvious, but usually stay just in the U.S. Since whether that debt is a spending Two Mexican detectives our two economies are so closely problem or a revenue problem or were investigating the mur- interconnected, we tend to follow both is the real issue. In any case, many of their trends. der of Juan Gonzalez. “How those with a “minimal government was he killed?” asked one agenda” want to reform medicare We are already making cuts to gov- detective. “With a golf gun,” and by that they seem to imply ernment spending a priority even the other detective replied. privatize medicare for seniors though most of Canada, and espe- with some vague idea of a voucher cially Alberta, is not experiencing “A golf gun? What is a golf system as proposed recently by the same debt crisis as the U.S. gun?” asked his partner. Congressman Paul Ryan. They In Alberta, for example, a simple “I do not know,” came the also intend to take aim at social return to a progressive tax system reply. “but it sure made a security during next year’s budget would provide the funds necessary hole in Juan!” debate by initiating a plan to raise to improve health care as well

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 10 News & Views In Memoriam

Denis Batiuk passed away on the Calgary Board of Education in Edmonton and Calgary Symphony March 3, 2011. 2007. Orchestras. Bohdan (Bob) Boruszczak passed Margaret Lakeman passed away Frances Gertrude Stelck (née away on February 9, 2011. Bob on February 19, 2011. Margaret McDowell) passed away on taught at A. L. Horton School in taught in Brooks, Red Deer and January 27, 2011. Fran attended Vegreville and Balwin Junior High Satinwood before her marriage. Normal School in Saskatchewan School in Edmonton then became After settling in Whitecourt, Marg where she began teaching in a an administrator at Lawton School, joined the Catholic School Board one-room school. She served as a Horse Hill School and Inglewood and worked for thirty-three years principal at Beddington School in School before ending his distin- as a teacher and eventually a Calgary during World War II. After guished career as the principal of librarian. She developed a special her family was grown she com- Delwood Elementary School. He relationship not only with the staff pleted her BEd degree and taught devoted his life to the education of but with the students as well. junior high school. young people. Jennie (Anastasia) Stogre (née Sharon Featherston (née Please note the Calgary Fediuk) passed away on March 29, Service) passed away on March 3, ­teachers who have passed 2011. Jennie began her teaching 2011, while vacationing in Mexico. away are remembered­ on career at age nineteen and taught Sharon taught Drama and English the CRTA website at at various schools in the Edmonton in the Spruce Grove area for area until she retired in 1978 as thirty-three years. Her excellence www.calgaryretiredteachers.ca the vice-principal of Delwood as a teacher was widely known and Elementary School. often envied. As a drama teacher she touched countless lives improv- Philip Lamoureux passed away on Donna Jane Timms (née Hutter) ing, mending, encouraging and February 15, 2011. Philip worked passed away on February 1, 2011. challenging them all. Her work as as a teacher, school administrator Donna received her first teaching an English teacher was without and superintendent before joining assignment in Rocky Mountain equal. Students and parents strove the Department of Education to House. After her marriage she to take advantage of her uncanny lead the development of second moved to Edmonton where she ability to bring meaning to the language programs in Alberta taught for many years before world of literature and history. and a review of the secondary working part-time and finally school program. He was also retiring. Arthur Otto Jorgensen passed instrumental in the establishment William George Turner passed away on February 19, 2011. of Francophone school boards in away on April 2, 2011. Bill taught Art spent over fifty years com- Alberta. mitted to education. He was science for the Calgary Board of very involved with the Alberta Frank Neid passed away on April Education for thirty-four years, for Teachers’ Association (ATA), the 3, 2011. Frank taught at Salisbury most of that time at Forest Lawn Math Council of the ATA and the Composite High School and Bev Senior High School. Canadian Teachers’ Federation. He Facey High School in Sherwood was a Project Overseas participant Park until his retirement in 1986. Peter Michael Zapisocky six times, helping teachers in other passed away on January 10, countries to improve their profes- Harcourt Dudley (Toby) Smith 2011. Following his retirement sional skills. passed away on March 25, 2011. from a teaching career with the After returning from World War II Edmonton Catholic School Board, Reg Klem passed away on April 3, where he served as a radar techni- Peter began a new teaching adven- 2011. Reg received his BEd from cian, Toby settled in Edmonton and ture. In 2005 he moved to China the University of Alberta in 1972 became a high school mathematics to teach conversational English and taught in many junior high teacher. One of his passions was at schools and universities for the classrooms before retiring from music. He played the cello in the next five years.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 11 Lessons from the Master by John White

I was, after all, only the deputy- that I was assigned were not very children seemed happy. Sometimes assistant vice-principal or just productive for as soon as I left the I stayed longer than my duty a novice teacher who wanted to room the door was closed and I am required because I enjoyed the learn about school administration sure the blinds were lowered. In way Miss O. conducted her class. which meant I did exactly as the the long run, however, it was a joy She was like a symphony conduc- principal and the vice-principal and a learning experience because tor in the classroom. Somehow all told me. So when I was told, “Go I got to know Miss O. and knowing of the children received a share into her classroom and raise the her was a privilege. I did not real- of her attention. It was so much window shades, do that every time ize this at first, but over time I was like a symphony concert; however, you pass the door, and leave the the one who benefitted the most Miss O. conducted her class with- door open as you go out,” I did as I from this duty. out a baton. She would pay special was told and that is how I met Miss What I observed when I stole into attention to the string section, O’Shea. In the short run, the tasks Miss O.’s classroom was that the while the woodwinds practiced on

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 12 News & Views their own. Putting it in education fashioned hairstyle. In fact, I was “They think my story is just a fig- terms, they worked independently learning a great deal about class- ment of my imagination but it is all until they finished their work and room management from this true true. I do have a boyfriend. We are then they would gather quietly in master teacher. Special days were engaged. He does live in a castle a group and discuss their work. certainly special in Miss O.’s class- in Ireland. His name is Patrick and They shared and encouraged each room, not so much as a result of he will come to Canada as soon as other. Those who needed extra what Miss O. arranged but because his mother dies. Then we will be help (perhaps they could be called the children did much of the plan- married and he will take me back the percussion section) received ning with Miss O.’s guidance. to his castle. He will be coming to Miss O.’s attention during this Canada soon.” I had been given a job that nobody time. They would gather in another else wanted and it turned out to As she related this most unusual small group and receive her full be a great gift for me in my pro- story her whole being changed, attention. Here she would speed fessional development. I am sure her face became flushed, her up their performance by showing that I learned more about building complexion freshened, her pos- them shortcuts or explain how any rapport, classroom management, ture straightened and she became sour notes could be mastered. student learning styles, motivation youthful, fresh and vigorous. Everything seemed to be carried and professional poise than I did The year ended and, as was the out in a businesslike, cheerful in all my years of formal training. wont of the school district, young manner. The strings might slip in to My mentor was a reject, a strange teachers like me were frequently help the brass section over a dif- little lady according to her col- transferred. In September I was ficult part. The children and their leagues and the administration. teaching in a new school, a very teacher had a warm, professional, difficult school with many disci- It was almost the end of the school friendly relationship. There was a pline problems. Although I tried year before Miss O. felt comfort- close rapport between student and to implement Miss O.’s educational able enough to confide in me and student and between teacher and practices, I was not entirely suc- told me her story. Fortunately, I each student. I think there was cessful. As I worked diligently to was wise enough to keep quiet more—there was love. I began become a better teacher, Miss O. because I learned why the rest looking forward to my visits to often popped into my mind. Was of the staff shunned her. Was it Miss O.’s room. A warm feeling she still building rapport with her because they could not match her pervaded the room and I did not students, I wondered? Was she still teaching skills or was it because of sense this same tenderness in rejected by her peers? Had Patrick her insistence that she had a boy- some other classrooms. Sometimes come to marry her? friend? Miss O. did look like a little Miss O. and the children would old maid but I learned she was not. It was not until one hot sunny be sharing a story or a joke as I Her appearance with her pitch- day in June when I bumped into entered. There were many smiles black hair swept back in a bun and Miss O. and Patrick at Eatons that shared between the learners and her fussy ways did nothing to dispel all of my questions were answered. the teacher. I found myself adopt- the staff’s opinion. But then none of Yes, she introduced me to Patrick. ing some of Miss O.’s teaching them had taken the time to really Yes, they were now married. Yes, techniques in my own classroom. know this talented professional. they were leaving for Ireland in a Miss O. was always cordial when Certainly they gave no credence to few days to live in Patrick’s castle. I appeared. I think she sensed I the story she told me. “I have tried Yes, she would miss teaching and was scheming to find fault with to tell them but they have only her students but love takes prece- her unorthodox dress and her old- given me strange looks,” she said. dence—as it should!

Opinions On the first day of school, a first-grade student handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, “The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.”

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 13 2011 ARTA Memorial Golf Tournament Remembering Gisele and Robert Kleinmann ARTA/NEARTA members who died tragically on December 22, 2010 Wednesday June 15, 2011 10:00 a.m. shotgun start

St. Paul GolfJI_ARTA_POM_BkCvr_Apr11.Left_FINAL.ai and Country 1 26/04/11 4:07 PM Club St. Paul, Alberta

Fee of $70.00 per participant includes: • 18 holes of golf • Shared power cart • Hole & skill prizes • Choice of individual play or Texas scramble • Hole-in-one major prizes • Driving demonstration by Jamie Sadlowski, world long-drive champion • Sumptuous barbecue supper Registration deadline: Friday, June 10, 2011 To register or for more information contact Paul Boisvert Telephone: 780-645-3409 E-mail: [email protected] Excellent full service camping adjacent to the golf course Additional comments: For those travelling from afar, this is an excellent opportunity to golf other challenging courses of the Lakeland. Green fees in the Lakeland are substantially lower than those found in other parts of the province. It is also an opportunity to enjoy camping/fishing/boating without the hassle of crowds.

The primary sponsor for the golf tournament is Johnson Inc

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 14 News & Views Online Service For Membership Registration and Renewal We now have our membership registration and renewal procedure online, which is only available to our regular retired teacher members as well as affiliate members in the education sector (retired teachers and support staff, university, college and technical institution personnel). You may still send in your application and cheque payment as before if you do not wish to use the online service. This service is only available to current ARTA members who are renewing their existing membership. New members will have to send in their application by mail accompanied by a cheque since we are not able to process new memberships online. Current ARTA members can access the online membership services by performing the following two-step procedures. STEP ONE: Registration Procedure. (Members who have already registered with ARTA online may proceed to step two.) To register online for the first time please follow the steps outlined below. 1. Go to ARTA’s website at: www.albertarta.org Look at the top of the right side of the home page where it says “Not Registered Yet?” Click on “Register Here.” 2. This manoeuvre will take you to a page entitled “ARTA REGISTRATION” where you will be asked to complete at least three of four fields—First Name, Last Name, Email Address, and Postal Code. (If you do not have an email address it will still accept your information provided that you have completed the other three boxes.) Once that information has been entered, click the “Register” box. Please note that if your email address, mailing address or name has changed in any way from what it is in our current database, you will be not be able to register. If that happens, please call our office at 1-800-232-7208, Ext. 474 for assistance. 3. After you have completed the “Registration” page, you will be taken to the page outlining ARTA’s Privacy Policy. Please Scroll Down to the bottom of this page where you will be asked to agree or disagree with the policy. If you agree, it will take you to the next step. 4. The next page is a password page where you will be asked to create a password, confirm it and click “SUBMIT.” 5. This action will take you to a page entitled “ARTA−UPDATE ACCOUNT INFORMATION.” (If you are a member, your demographic information is already in our database. Please check to see if all of the information is correct. You may make corrections to your address, phone #, etc. at any time.) The registra- tion process is now complete. From here on you can access your information online by typing in your email address and password on ARTA’s home page. STEP TWO: Online Membership Renewal and Payment For Existing Members. 1. Renewal of your ARTA membership can be achieved by accessing the “ARTA—UPDATE ACCOUNT INFORMATION” page. If you are not on that page already as part of the sequence in connection with the registration step described above, please go back to the home page at: www.albertarta.org and complete the information in the email address and password boxes, which will only work if you have completed step one “ARTA Registration.” 2. Once on the page entitled “ARTA—UPDATE ACCOUNT INFORMATION,” please check again to see if all of the information is correct. (You may make corrections to your address, phone #, etc.) Before leaving this page, click on the icon in grey print near the upper right corner that reads “Renew.” 3. This step takes you to a “Member Information” page. It verifies your name and the expiry date. It then requests that you select the number of years for which you would like to renew your membership. It will automatically adjust the total amount according to the number of years you select. Choose “Submit.” 4. It now takes you to a screen named “ARTA Shopping Cart.” Complete the information here for credit card approval. Click “Continue.” 5. This move takes you to a page that provides a Confirmation Order #. Your membership has now been renewed. 6. As we receive this information in the office we will send out a new membership card for your use with the new expiry date and an attached official tax receipt that should be retained since membership is a taxable medical expense if you are enrolled in an ARTA Benefit Plan. NOTE: New members to ARTA must get an application form from either our office or online at: www.albertarta.org and call our office at 1-800-232-7208, Ext. 474 for further membership information.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 15 Colombia and Ecuador With Larry and Donna Wyatt

Friendship Force of Edmonton and Area went to Sarasota, Florida; Colombia and Ecuador for their 2011 outbound exchanges. Friendship Force International is a non-profit corporation that has gained the respect of governments around the world for its home hospitality program of over 250 exchanges per year as an effective means for promoting international friendship. A group of 25 members went for a week’s homestay with Friendship Force members in Sarasota. This group continued to Cartagena, Colombia where they were joined by more members and enjoyed the 30 degree weather in this coastal city. Thirty‑four members met in Bogota, Colombia where they participated in a week’s homestay and program planned by the Friendship Force club of Bogota. Twenty‑one members completed their travels with a bus tour of Ecuador starting in Quito, traveling to the Equator and South America’s largest market in Otavalo, then into the highlands of the Andes along “volcano alley” to Ingapirca, the ancient Incan ruins and to Cuenca where Panama hats are made. The high altitude in Colombia and Ecuador served to moderate the temperatures. Bogota and Quito have temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees year round. This area doesn’t experience the four seasons as we know them. Everyone enjoyed the hospitality provided by the Friendship Force clubs. There were visits to many Spanish colonial cathedrals and city squares. One highlight of the trip was staying in an old castle‑style hotel where Simon Bolivar, Alexander Humbolt and several Ecuadoran presidents had stayed.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 4 ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 4 16 News & Views News & Views 17 Editor’s Musings by David Flower

What's in a Slogan

David Flower

“Words, words, mere words, process whereby citizens had to was important was to understand no matter from the heart” start paying for services that had the severity of the task facing the Troilus and Cressida previously been free was unaccept- coalition government, that of “pull- by William Shakespeare able. It proved to be a slogan that ing Britain back from the brink people (a) did not understand and of bankruptcy.”1 As important, Devising a slogan can be fun but to (b) did not trust. however, is a second objective and be valid all slogans need to be sup- that is that “broken Britain” is not Now Albertans have a new slogan, ported by substance. You may well going to be fixed “through govern- this one borrowed from the cur- remember the catch words “Third ment mandate,” but by rolling Way” introduced to Albertans rent British coalition government back the government’s involve- by Premier Ralph Klein in July and entitled the “Big Society.” ment and handing power to the 2005. The premier announced Apparently in a speech given people.2 Fallon argues that “the that, effective immediately, the in Edmonton on Wednesday, Prime Minister is setting Britain province’s new plan for health care back on the course our party [the was to be called the “Third Way.” Conservative party] first embarked The term had not been invented on more than thirty years ago: by the bureaucrats working for the building a bigger, stronger, more Alberta government; it had a rela- responsible society alongside a 3 tively long history. It was aimed Big more dynamic economy.” This at providing a centrist position course was the one that Margaret between the right and left politi- Society Thatcher, British prime minister cal wings, by advocating a varying from 1979 to 1990, embarked synthesis of right-wing economic upon. However, Cameron, elected and left-wing social policies. The leader of the Conservative party idea of a middle way goes back in 2005 and appointed Prime to the early part of the twentieth Minister of a coalition government century but its more recent his- in May 2010, is undertaking what tory emerged in Australia in the March 2, 2011, and reported in the the Guardian newspaper in April 1980s and has been tried and, Edmonton Journal, the Wildrose 2010 reported as “a radical revolt to large measure, has failed in Alliance Party has aligned itself against the statist approach of the United Kingdom, Germany, with British Prime Minister David Big Government.” A driving force Canada, the Netherlands, Poland Cameron’s “Big Society.” It is behind the “Big Society” concept and New Zealand. The idea was to interesting, therefore, to look is Nat Wei, a 33-year-old graduate, protect the modern welfare state at Cameron’s “Big Society” as who since May 2010 has dedicated by introducing reforms that would it relates to Britain. According two days a week for no pay as the maintain its economic stability. to Michael Fallon, discussing government’s adviser on the proj- However, the very idea of introduc- the Conservative party’s spring ect. Cameron argues that the “Big ing into the health care system a conference in March 2011, what Society” is his personal mission and

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 18 News & Views that he will dedicate his term as society continues to operate by was more common because people prime minister to establishing it.4 finding charities and volunteers had time and were not distracted by So what is the “Big Society?” The to take up the slack. The biggest a host of other external activities. simplest description is that it is the problem—according to Norman devolution of power from central Smith, the BBC’s chief political Notes government to local government, correspondent—is “the difficulty communities and volunteers. The he [Cameron] faces in getting his 1. “Look at what the Conservatives are achieving,” by Michael Fallon, The plan is to give communities more Big Society message over [when] Telegraph, March 3, 2011 control over housing, planning and voters have rather more pressing 2. “The Big Society (or Compulsory schools and to ask charities and things on their minds,” such as Volunteerism)” by Austin Williams, A paper non-profit groups to take over the job losses, pay freezes, pension given to the Muslim Institute Summer 5 running of public services. There hikes and public service cuts. Conference, Cardiff, July 24, 2010. are sceptics, of course, who see the The question really is whether the 3. Ibid process as simply a way of cutting “Big Society” is a future direction 4. “Big Society is my mission, says central government spending and or whether it is a wishful hope of David Cameron,” BBC News, February 14, having local government find other returning to a past when commu- 2011. mechanisms for ensuring that the nity involvement and volunteerism 5. Ibid

Johnson Inc. Home & Auto Insurance Contest Johnson Inc. held a contest from Sept. 1/10 to Feb. 28/11 for ARTA members to request a home or auto insurance quote. Five winners were selected with the grand prize being an iPad. Congratulations to the lucky winners below who were randomly selected: iPad Grand Prize—Gary Fabris, Calgary Digital Frame—Eileen Bantjes, Red Deer $50 Gas Cards —Luba Baziuk, Edmonton —Michael Pollard, Lethbridge —Suzanne Duhamel, Calgary Thanks to those members who entered and good luck next time. Who knows ... you could be the next winner and be featured in the next News & Views magazine.

ARTA Members Membership renewal time is coming up, and the ARTA staff is expecting approximately 6000 renewals this year. (Since all of the renewal applications are received in May, June and July, office staff, as you can imagine, are a bit busy at this time of year.) It will take some time to get all these renewals processed so you can expect around a three or four week wait before you receive your membership card and receipt. Please be patient. If you have moved, please let us know so that we can update our database. Every time mail is returned to us because someone has moved, it costs ARTA money. We really appreciate it when you let us know of your address changes. Please note that your ARTA membership expiry date is printed on the News & Views label.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 19 Reflections by Judy Steiert

Quantum Moments

Judy Steiert

“Thoroughly unprepared, we take ­experiences that change us forever. The title of Wayne Dyer’s pre- the step into the afternoon of life. HR Moody in The Five Stages of the sentation was “Mastering the Art Worse still, we take this step with Soul calls them breakthrough expe- of Manifestation.” As part of his the false presupposition that our riences after the call, the search illustration, he referred to charac- truths and our ideas will serve us and the struggle and ultimate return teristics of the actualized person. as hitherto. But we cannot live the after the breakthrough. James These include 1) being indepen- afternoon of life according to the Birren in Where to Go From Here dent of the opinion of others, 2) program of life’s morning, for what refers to them as turning points. I detached from outcome, 3) having was great in the morning will be am sure there are many other refer- no investment in control or domina- little at evening and what in the ences but these make my point. tion and 4) the ability to see the morning was true, in the evening will unfolding of God in everyone they have become a lie.” Can we remember the event call- ing us to “the second half of life?” encounter. He shared a scenario Carl Jung—quoted by Wayne Dyer Was it our retirement from our posed by a professor for a midterm. in The Shift movie. regular work, a loss of a loved one, “A self-actualized man arrives at a change of residence, the children a dinner party dressed very casu- As I prepare to launch a new sage- leaving home, an illness, a word, ally. Everyone else was in formal ing® course studying the Angeles a relationship change, a book or a attire. What does he do?” After Arrien book, The Second Half of video? Maybe we haven’t entered much writing and reflection, the Life—Opening the Eight Gates of the second half of life yet. How will students produced their solutions. Wisdom, I have had the most amaz- we know? Dyer notes that the quali- Disappointed, the teacher revealed ing input through choices made in ties in the quantum moment include the answer in three words: “he reading, watching videos, attending it being vivid, a surprise, benevolent wouldn’t notice.” and enduring. conferences, listening to several To conclude, Dyer cited a survey of masters and processing with friends. Arrien in the study we are going to change in values by men and women The “I Can Do It” conference in do actually refers to a choice to be after a quantum moment. Men Vancouver in March 2011 was one of an elder when we stand before the shifted from wealth accumulation, those enlightening experiences that Silver gate, the first in her eight adventure, achievement, pleasure will always remain with me. Along thresholds. Are we ready to make and to be respected to spirituality, with almost 3000 other participants, that choice? There may also be a personal peace, family, God’s will I was mesmerized by the presenta- series of decisions leading to this and honesty in that order. Women tions of authors from Hay House ultimate shift. The subtitle of James shifted from family, sense of inde- Publishing. Wayne Dyer was the key­ Hollis’ book Finding Meaning in pendence, career, fitting in and note speaker opening the series of The Second Half of Life—How to attractiveness to my own personal Finally, Really Grow Up makes it talks. To listen to his insights and growth, sense of self -esteem, spiri- sound like some of our behaviors overall growth over the past few years tuality, happiness and forgiveness in should no longer serve us. Hollis, a was worth the price of admission. that order. Jungian analyst, is referring to what In his video, The Shift, Dyer speaks was true in the morning, will in the Welcome to the second half of life. of quantum moments or peak evening become a lie. ([email protected])

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 20 News & Views Political Notes

On Taxation tax arrangements that could be Of course, the question is does costing the British Treasury more it matter that the rich can avoid An interesting question has con- than £100 million in vanishing tax paying national taxes by having cerned me for years. Frequently liabilities. their money in tax-havens or is it we read and hear comments about acceptable that they avoid paying how overtaxed we are at the The second example involved the taxes using any means available? federal, provincial and municipal delivery of two CDs containing (Sources: “Top footballers’ tax levels. At the same time it is not information about 2,000 off-shore avoidance scheme costs Treasury uncommon to read about people bank account holders who are £100million in lost revenue” by who avoid paying taxes using a believed to have placed their Simon Bowers, The Guardian, variety of mechanisms. Those of money in banks in tax-havens such January 16, 2011; “Footballers pay us who worked all of 22 percent tax thanks to our lives as salaried loophole,” Daily Mail, employees did not have January 17, 2011; a great deal of choice as “Julian Assange vows we were under P.A.Y.E. to reveal tax details of (Pay As You Earn) and 2,000 wealthy people” the money was taken by Esther Addley, The off at source. However, Guardian, January 17, there are those who try 2011; “Swiss banker their hardest to avoid linked to Wikileaks is paying their share of found guilty,” BBC News, the taxes needed to run January 19, 2011) the country, province or municipality by salting their money away, no On the doubt with the aid of Economic investment consultants of various kinds. Collapse of Two examples of tax 2008 evasion have cropped up If you want to under- recently. The first stand what happened involved some top to the financial state English footballers (soccer players as the Cayman Islands, Monaco, of the world leading up to the fall for the uninitiated). Currently, the Bahamas, Panama, Seychelles, of 2008, then you should read highest paid soccer player in and Guernsey and Jersey. A for- John Lancaster’s book I.O.U. Why England is making £250,000 per mer senior executive at the Swiss Everyone Owes Everyone and No week, which is just short of Bank, Julius Baer, handed over One Can Pay. Just reading the $400,000 Canadian. The players CDs to Wikileaks in an “attempt first chapter “The ATM Moment” use complex tax avoidance schemes ‘to educate society’ about the would be sufficient to provide you that allow them to put earnings amount of potential tax revenues with an explanation of how the from image rights into a “shell” lost thanks to offshore schemes problem came about. Lancaster company, where they pay business and money laundering.” A judge states that “with Ronald Reagan (current corporation tax in England in Zurich’s Regional Court found in power in the United States and is 28 percent) rather than personal the ex-banker guilty of breaching Margaret Thatcher in power in the tax rates (currently 50 percent at Switzerland’s strict bank secrecy United Kingdom, a Hong Kong-ite the top end). Some of the highest- laws on January 19, 2011, and version of free-market capitalism paid footballers are being targeted fined him $6,250 but refused to took over the world.” Following by tax inspectors over controversial give him a prison sentence. the ideological writings of Milton

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 21 Friedman and Austrian Friedrich percent between 1980 and 2007, and prison guards, among others. von Hayek, both associated with the that of the other 80 percent had The proposed Ohio bill goes even Chicago School of Economics, the decreased by 10 percent. For the further including police and fire- two leaders acted as though there richest 0.1 percent of Americans fighters. The governor of Wisconsin was a “fundamental connection income growth had risen by 700 who has signed this “budget repair between capitalism and democ- percent. The “trickle down” effect bill” argues that the state faces a racy.” They both followed the same so touted by the promoters of free budget deficit of US$3.6 billion in philosophy, namely the liberaliza- market capitalism was certainly the coming two-year period and tion of markets, the deregulation not felt by the average worker. says that “the law on labour unions of the economy—in particular the is needed to help the state bal- financial sector, the privatization ance that deficit.” The Ohio bill has of state assets, lower taxes and Anti-Union been revised to restore collective the lowest possible level of state Legislation bargaining on the issues of wages, spending. In simple terms, it meant hours, and certain terms and condi- the state should simply get out of Increasing— tions but has extended the ban on the way of individuals and corpora- Killing the Goose strikes to teachers and blocked tions who wanted to make money. binding arbitration, giving the In the United States the process of At least two mid-western American final say in contract disputes to the deregulation was started by Regan states have moved rapidly to attack government. A judge in Wisconsin and was continued under the their public-sector unions. The has issued a temporary restraining presidencies of Clinton and George reason in both cases is supposedly order blocking the new collective W. Bush. By 2007 the benefits, about balancing the states’ bud- bargaining laws from taking effect. or problems, of this deregulatory gets, though the workers involved As can be imagined, the local process were showing up. The see the move as “an attack on Wisconsin and Ohio newspapers inequality between rich and poor labour unions and on the middle are having a field day reporting this had increased dramatically—the class.” The public service workers move by two Republican governors income of the top 20 percent of affected in Wisconsin include gar- and their Republican dominated U.S. earners had grown by 60 bage collectors, teachers, nurses senates.

Contest # 10—A sequence? Or a list? This really isn’t a mathematical sequence, it’s more of a list of particular objects—and depending on when this list is done, it may differ from time to time. Suffice to say, that if you add four more letters on to the five already there, you will have a current and up to date list which will be exactly what the correct answer is. However, some may argue about the validity of the ninth letter as to whether it belongs on the list or not. Your job is to add the last 4 (four) letters on to this list or sequence. Good luck.

M V E M J The first correct entry drawn will win a ‘two night stay’ at the Travelodge Edmonton West in Edmonton and two West Edmonton Mall Attraction Passes. The second correct entry drawn will be entitled to a ‘$100.00 Choice Hotels Gift Certificate’ valid at any Choice Hotel Properties. Submit your entries (mail only) to: Contest 10, ARTA, #409 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. The contest officially closes July 8, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Entries received after this date and time will be disqualified. Winners will be notified shortly after. Winners may also be required to answer a skill testing question before receiving their prize. Decision of the judges is final. This contest is open to all ARTA members in good standing—regular and affiliate. Please ensure that your name and ARTA number accompany your entry.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 22 News & Views What Are We Doing Now?

An Active and Busy Retirement with Duane Duff Marilyn Bossert

After teaching in Manitoba and working on a section about unusual Ontario, I was a teacher-librarian in travel experiences of people. Alberta from 1958 until my retire- In 2004 I ventured into writing, ment in 1985. In the School Library beginning with my autobiography. Council, I served as provincial trea- Following that, I wrote two books of surer, president of the Central collections of experiences of people Alberta Regional, and president of from several countries. Next were the Southern Alberta Regional. I two books of stories written by also served as president of the Rocky school children—one from southern Mountain Local of the ATA and the Ontario and one from South Africa. corresponding secretary and treasurer Late in 2008 I wrote a book about a of the Taber Local. Here is a summary Canadian World War II frigate, of some of the activities in which I have Waskesiu, and her surviving crew at been involved since my retirement. the request of one of her members. I I volunteered in school libraries in am in the process of locating other Ingersoll, Ontario, and Blue Springs, veterans that I missed in order to Missouri, and in a public library in publish an updated edition late in Rockwall, Texas. I taught in a pri- 2010. Another book covering inter- Pam and I worked at polling stations vate school in Missouri and later ested veterans of any rank and for municipal, provincial, and federal volunteered in a railroad museum service from 1939 to the present is elec­tions in 2005. Currently, I am in Dallas, Texas. In the last position, in progress and hoped to be ready in the treasurer for the Green Timbers I conducted tours for school groups 2011. In June 2008 we published a Heritage Society in Surrey, British and took a programme into public book on the experiences of surviving Columbia. libraries and schools. Then we lived colleagues of my Normal School I believe that everyone has a story, in northern and southern Mexico. year in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1950– even though some people do not feel In the latter, I occasionally accom- 1951. Pam and I attended our 58th that they do. I urge all to write down panied a missionary as he visited his class reunion in September 2009. I their experiences to pass on to their numerous congregations among the have interviewed people for my families. There are so many lessons Mayan people. A hobby of collecting books by postal mail, email, tele- of life and so much history in them. Bible versions earned my wife and phone, and in person. It has been a From living in another culture, we me a trip to Cambridge, England, and fascinating experience in which I have learned to appreciate what we a visit to several libraries there when have learned much about people, in have in Canada more than we did and I had to give away my collection. general and in particular. Our son to take nothing for granted. There On our return to Canada we settled in Sean is my editor, designer, and pub- are many activities in which seniors British Columbia. I keep up our fam- lisher. Our work is listed at http:// can, and do, participate, whether ily’s website and through it we have www.duffpublishing.ca/. it be writing, painting, speaking, been in contact with people in numer­ I have volunteered in a Canada volunteering, or any of many other ous countries. My wife Pam is curr­ently Revenue Agency program to fill out activities, to keep their minds active working on the health section and I am tax returns for low income citizens. and to help others.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 23 Health Care in a Social Democracy—Germany

On May 4, 2010, I was lying on a slab resembling a crap shoot where else, all this made me wonder how in a German operating room hav- your wait time depends upon the in hell they were doing things over ing a new hip joint installed. Being hospital to which the luck of the there and how did all this originate. unable to get a timely response draw has assigned you. Alberta I did not have to look far because, from Alberta’s health care system, Health Services (AHS) produces again, it boiled down to the usual I had done the unthinkable and an excellent Performance Report suspect, Otto von Bismarck—the become a “medical tourist,” albeit (available on their website) con- quintessential pragmatist when it with the significant difference that cerning wait times for various came to social legislation. He had this was not an upscale spa-like surgeries. There I learned that invented health insurance in 1883 facility but rather a taste of the 90% of the patients booked at before he got around to inventing level of health care provided to the Misericordia Hospital could Workers’ Compensation in 1884 the average German patient. While expect to have their hip surgery in and Old Age Pension and Disability researching my options through an 60.1 weeks; if the luck of the draw Insurance in 1889, all to keep agency, I had stated that I would be had you booked at either the U of the socialist hordes at bay, you comfortable in receiving treatment A, or the Red Deer Regional that understand. I was surprised to find in French, English or German. That wait time was only 21.9 weeks. how little the basic philosophy of latitude landed me in an orthope- That background led to this inter- the system had changed over time, dic hospital where hardly anyone esting exchange with my German with its corporatist focus on sub- spoke English. My agency had surgeon: sidiarity and residualism. Whereas “gone shopping” and found a place Q: Herr Doktor, how long does it their Public Pension System bears that had “surplus” capacity at the take to see you after referral some similarities to our CPP, their right price. from a family GP? Health Care is a totally different With plenty of time to kill while A: Well, you understand this is a animal: being held “hostage” for fourteen busy practice, so patients must • If your gross salary is below days (the Germans insist on keep- be prepared to wait at least 49,500 Euros (C$66,500) ing patients for that long after all three weeks for an appointment. per year, membership in the major surgery and accept no argu- Q: I see, and after the first appoint- government health system is ments about that), I decided to ment when would you operate? mandatory—which means you work on my rather rusty knowledge A: Usually the following week. must join one of some 160 odd “Krankenkassen,” i.e. health of the language by reading news- When it came time to leave for paper reports about a debate con-­­ insurance providers that are Canada, during a conversation over tightly regulated by the govern- cerning health care premiums taking breakfast, the German patients place at the time in the Bundestag. ment. Thus, there is no “single were horrified to learn that there payer,” instead there are some My interactions with staff and was not a rehabilitation program 160 of them. patients produced interesting rev- like theirs where the health care • The basic rate of this insurance elations about how things worked system provided a car and driver to is 15.5% of eligible gross sal- at the front line. take them to rehab every day and ary up to a cap of 3,713 Euros bring them back home. (C$5,000) per months (2011 Wait Times figures). The cost of the pre- How Does it Work? Before stepping on the plane to mium is shared 50/50 between Hamburg I had already established Being used to being cast adrift with employers and employees. As that Alberta operates a system a pamphlet full of advice and little is the case with pensions, the

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 24 News & Views government’s fiscal involvement Accessing the System sector, about 38% were run by is limited to paying some or all private, non-profit organiza- Listening to the conversations of the premiums for those with a tions (my orthopaedic hospital of my fellow hospital “inmates” demonstrable need such as low was part of a village complex was quite instructive because it income levels, unemployment or of social/medical services appeared that there is genuine disability. run by a Lutheran Deaconess competition between service pro- • You can switch to another Foundation) and some 8% were viders at all levels—this will come Krankenkasse by giving two private, for-profit institutions. as a surprise to our right-wing months notice after 18 months • German hospitals provide few ideologues. Consumers can and membership, but you cannot outpatient services; instead do penalize bad service. I heard drop out of the system, that is there are a large number of comments such as: “There was a verboten. independent clinics, invariably line-up so I jumped on the U [edi- with the most sophisticated tor: the U-bahn is Hamburg’s rapid diagnostic and surgical equip- What Is Covered? transit system] and went to another ment. Interminable waits for practice” and “the facilities were The underpinning of the entire diagnostic procedures are drab so I went to a different one on social system, and includ- unheard of. the next block”. Trying to explain ing health care, is found in the • All this should come at ruinous this situation yielded some star- “Sozialgrundgesetz,” a body of costs, but apparently that is tling facts: laws that spell out in excruciating not the case. In 2007 German detail all that to which a citizen • There is a mixed system of health spending per citizen was is entitled. In the case of health remuneration for physicians $3,588 (MacLean’s Jan. 31, care, it might be described as the and specialists. Generally, those 2011, p.21), the current figure Canada Health Act on steroids. working from a hospital base for Alberta is $4,416 for a level Their health insurance covers all are salaried; those outside work of service that is abominable. the things we have in Canada, with on a fee for service basis. these significant additions: • GPs act as gatekeepers to Are There Problems in • Extensive post-operative rehabil- German hospitals, but about Germany? itation services already men- half of the specialists practice tioned earlier, outside of the hospitals and The German media is not very • Dental treatment and preven- Germans do not have to go exited about the subject because tive dentistry, through a GP to see a private there are no patients lying on gur- • Orthodontic treatment up to the specialist. Also, they can see any neys parked in the hallways and age of 18, GP or private specialist they waiting times for all surgeries are • 90% of the cost of prescription like (some have two GPs, just minimal. Many Germans will com- drugs, in case). They may either walk plain that care is expensive and • Medically necessary dentures in off the street or telephone nursing leaves much to be desired, and crowns, for an appointment that will but serious complaints and horror • Sickness benefit (Krankengeld): get them a booking either the stories of the sort we see here on a Normally your employer contin- same morning or afternoon. The regular basis are few. ues to pay your wage or salary only explanation for this state During my time in their hospital for six weeks if you are unable of affairs is that Germany has I was struck by some aspects of to work. After that your health more practitioners; there are sheer inefficiency. There are no insurance pays 70% of your 2.3 practicing specialists per RNs, their nurses can be described wage or salary before deduc- 1000 people. The correspond- as functioning at a level between tions for a maximum of 78 ing Alberta numbers for 2002 LPNs and ward aids, and mundane weeks, were 1.7 physicians per 1000, tasks that we assign to technicians • Dressings, complementary treat- of which 45% were specialists, are performed by interns or resi- ment, and aids such as hear- i.e. 0.8 specialists per 1000 dents. Obviously, their schools crank ing aids and wheelchairs. The population morning after my operation the • Similar levels of regulated com- physiotherapist arrived with my petition exist between hospitals. Health Care in a Social crutches; in Edmonton a guy In 2002 around 54% of the Democracy—Germany came by to sell me a pair. hospital beds were in the public —continued on page 28

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 25 Orde Order Your OrdFeRr Your OrdFeRrEEo ur BROdFCeRrE YEo ur BROOrdFCRHEUR E! ROFCVeRiHsrEit UYERo uEr! wwBwOrdV ER E! wwB.RcoOlleFtCteeiHsvrit UYo w w.OcoOrlledCVRiHsiEatUcEatR iounEsr! ww.caortla/bttreevra cYaRtoi E!.ca/ w BRartOaleFtCtVReoivscEaihtcuEare ounsr.c a/ www.acrol /bVroiHscithUurt ions.ca/ wBw.Rcotlalle/FbttrReovcEahcEaRe E! arOCtVteiHsvaUcuarteti ons.ca/ wwBRartta/brocith RioEns!.ca/ w.coOlale/btCVtroHchUure w eisviatcartReio En ! ww.acrotlale/bVis s.ca/ ww ttreovciahtcuartei w.acrotlalett ons.ca/ /breovcahcuartion arta/b e s.ca/ rochure

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Other restrictions may apply; call fwor dewtails.w Call. fcor oair lraltes tfrotme yovur agactewaayt. ions.ca www.collettevacations.caTr/aveal Indrusttrya Cou/ncbil of rOnotarioc Regh# 3u206r40e5; BC Reg# 23337 *Rates are per-person, land only, bawsed own dowuble. occcoupalnlcey. t**tServicea is coffaeretd ioon anll asir-in.cclusaive departures when withinw 100 wkm ra.dcius foroml mleost tmtajoer Cavnaadianc gaatewtayis.o Onne trsans.fecr pear ro/oma boroktinag. A/ddbitiornaol stocps hare unot rpermitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. Call for air rates from your gateway. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg# 3206405; BC Reg# 23337 *Rates are per-person, land only, based on double occupancy. **Service is offered on all air-inclusive departures when within 100 km radius from most major Canadian gateways. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. Call for air rates from your gateway. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg# 3206405; BC Reg# 23337 *Rates are per-person, land only, based on double occupancy. **Service is offered on all air-inclusive departures when within 100 km radius from most major Canadian gateways. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apALBERTAply; call for details. C aRETIREDll for air rates from yTEACHERS’our gateway. ASSOCIATION Volume 19,Travel In duNo.stry Coun c34il of Ontario Reg# 3206405; BC Reg# 23337 26 News & Views World Health Care

Creeping Energy and the liquour stores, the of privatization is reminiscent of government managed to place the religious fundamentalism, with no Privatization provincial economy firmly at the analysis of costs.” Loewenstein mercy of international oil and gas also points out that “the recent The intrusion of the private sector companies. As their prices went, financial collapse of public/private into public health care in Alberta so went Alberta’s economy—boom partnerships is a warning sign that has been slow and insidious and bust and, hopefully, boom business as usual is not delivering although now it may be gathering again—just like it had been for the best services for society.” After speed. To me the start of this priva- decades—no change! all, the driving motive behind the tization was the establishment whole privatization movement of the Gimbel Eye Clinics in the Near the top in all of this “reform” is profit and human rights are an 1980s, first in Calgary and later in was health care, and in the case inconvenience. Edmonton. The clinics grew as pri- of Alberta, publicly-funded health vate facilities that would perform care—a beacon of humanity in cataract treatments paid for by a resource-driven society, where Do You Recognize public funds under the provincial everyone had, at least in theory, public health care system. There equal access. How to change it—a This Report? may well have been other examples revolution? Piecemeal? Trojan- The headline in the newspaper by the beginning of the 1990s. horse it? Might I suggest that dated March 25, 2011, read In the 1990s we borrowed ideas the answer now is by stealth. The “$100,000 bill to relieve ambu- from New Zealand to create what gradual lack of public funds to lances stuck outside.” You might the premier told the Japanese support not just health care, but well think this article relates to was a “social revolution.” Klein all public services and thereby the the problems that Alberta’s ambu- was unable or unwilling to carry downsizing of the public sector lances are having when delivering out the reforms recommended by has become the inevitable price of patients to emergency. You would Roger Douglas and, as a result, did progress, allowing corporations to be wrong. The article comes from bits and pieces and then got bored. step in. After all, the whole priva- the Sydney Morning Herald and There was an attempt to flirt tization process, the neo-liberal relates the problems that the state with the Third Way in health care philosophy, believes in the market of New South Wales, Australia, is because we were told that the cur- and the wonders performed by the having with its ambulance system. rent costs were unsustainable and market. A column in the Sydney Apparently, in some cases, patients if we continued to spend the way we Morning Herald, September 30, are having to wait more than seven were spending, health care (and, 2010, by Antony Loewenstein is hours to be taken from the ambu- of course, the other villain of the entitled “Privatization—finan- lance stretcher into the hospital. peace—public education) would cial fundamentalism without an According to one authority “the soon take up the whole budget. But analysis of the real costs.” In his delays were caused by a lack of once again the government lacked column the writer claims that “the beds.” The political opposition the political guts to carry through purchase and management of key health critic claims that “block- the reforms because they realized resources and infrastructures by ages in emergency departments correctly that the “people” did not local and foreign corporations with and wards have increased over the want them. Having (1) introduced little accountability or discussion” past six years.” It is interesting a flat provincial income tax, (2) becomes commonplace. There is to note that Australia underwent refused to listen to any talk of a no public debate. He quotes Steve similar health care reforms to sales tax, (3) given Ralph “bucks” Keen, an Associate Professor Alberta, apparently with similar to the people both inside and of economics and finance at the results. (Source: “$100,000 bill to some even outside of Alberta, (4) University of Western Sydney, relieve ambulances stuck outside” cancelled everyone’s health care Australia, “that the largely bipar- by Amy Corderoy, Sydney Morning premiums, and (5) sold off Alberta tisan political and media backing Herald, March 26, 2011)

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 27 P3s, PFIs, They All projects and has been adopted as term costs to taxpayers, who will part of the wider neo-liberal pro- pay contractors many times the Have the Same gram of privatization driven by original construction costs. Problems. corporations, national governments Treasury figures show that taxpay- and international bodies such as ers will spend £229 billion (C$365 The coalition government in the World Trade Organization, the billion) on projects that cost the Britain has decided to take a sec- International Monetary Fund and contractors only £56 billion (C$90 ond look at what they call PFIs or the World Bank. In Britain there is billion).” The concern about P3s Private Finance Initiative con- a growing concern amongst gov- was brought to the attention of the tracts. The concept, very similar to ernment ministers that these PFI Alberta government prior to the Alberta’s Public/Private Partner- contracts are a bad deal for tax- contracts being signed. The con- ship (P3s) scheme, was developed payers and threaten the coalition’s cerns were dismissed.(Sources: in Australia in the late 1980s and reform agenda. Individual contracts en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_ was introduced in Britain by the are to be examined to identify finance_initiative; “Hit squad sent last Conservative government in ways of reducing the costs in the in to cut PFI costs” by James 1992. The idea was for private contracts. The Daily Telegraph has Kirkup and Robert Winnett, Daily capital to fund public infrastructure revealed this year “the huge long- Telegraph, February 15, 2011)

ended with this conclusion: “The 30, A4). Predictably, she did not Health Care in a Social German insurance system provides say anything about adopting their Democracy—Germany a connection between the people degree of control and oversight. who go out to work and earn their —continued from page 25 keep and the resources available to Would Any of This Ever health care providers. Our reliance Fly in Alberta? on taxation makes it impossible out a lot of doctors that have to be Given our libertarian mindset, I employed somehow—the upside is for us to judge whether or not we are receiving value for money.” doubt it. We value the concepts that this creates the competition of No government “interference” mentioned earlier. In an effort to And on the subject of access: and No taxes. Above all, we value control costs the Germans have cut “the Germans have successfully our “freedoms,” that include the out some services and introduced combined consumer choice and following: some fees; there is now a 10 Euro access for everyone. It is true that (C$13.50) fee per quarter to see a the rich can always buy a premium • The freedom of being unable to GP and health farm visits or free service, but German policymakers find a GP. taxi rides to hospitals are out. do not waste their time on that • The freedom of waiting whole aspect. They focus instead on pro- days in ER facilities for the viding a high standard of care for What Makes Their System freedom to end up on gurneys everyone.” parked in hallways. Work and Could We • The freedom of waiting up to 12 Duplicate It? In this country the Regina-based Frontier Centre, a conservative months for an appointment with The short answer to the first part think tank, put most of the credit a specialist followed by the free- of that question is capitalist-style for the success of the health care dom to wait another 12 months competition controlled by the heavy systems in the Netherlands and for the start of treatment. hand of the government elected by Germany on their competing • The freedom of a health care the people. Also, direct financing by system of private health insurers system that operates largely way of premiums makes the system (MacLean’s Jan. 30, 2011, p. 21). outside of public purview. more transparent and takes a lot of Closer to home, Wildrose leader As it stands now, the only way to the clout away from politicians. Danielle Smith has been quoted get the timely care the Germans A 2005 study by CIVITAS (The as saying her party would con- take for granted is to have a heart Institute for the Study of Civil sider adopting the public/private attack; in such an event our care is Society), in a comparison of the blended system of European truly excellent. But do not show up British and German Systems, countries (Edmonton Journal, Jan. with anything less than that.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 28 News & Views Do You Know? by David Flower

I am an unabashed geographer. Studying the subject has given me great pleasure over the years and I continue to find it fascinating. However, because of my claim, I have been pestered with ques- tions about locations, capitals and all those “atlasy” type questions because that is what the general public equate in their own minds to the geography they were taught in school. I was being tested whenever I was asked to mark the location of Sierra Leone, or Uruguay, or the Koreas on an outline map of the world, let alone the location of Diego Garcia or Curacao or Brunei. My mother, an elementary school teacher, used to become quite annoyed with me when she asked, out of 1. Do you know what the People’s Democratic Republic of the blue, what was the capital of Yemen was called prior to 1967? some country and I claimed not to 2. What Central American country changed its name to Belize know. “You, a geographer, do not after gaining independence in 1964? know that!” she would mock. I said in response that my professor 3. What American hemisphere country provided support for at university used to tell us that Angola after its declaration of independence in 1975? the key was knowing where to find 4. In 1975 Mrs Bandaranaika renamed her country. What is the information, not having it all its new name? stored in the head. The problem 5. In 1972 East Pakistan was recognized as an independent has been exacerbated over the country by most of the world. What name did it adopt? years by the number of country name changes that have occurred. 6. In 1989 Kampuchea changed to its current name, which is? The atlases that were purchased 7. In 1980 the British colony of Rhodesia gained its indepen- from a variety of sources in the dence and was renamed what? 1960s, 70s and 80s, that is “bc” (before computers) are now woe- 8. In 1960 the Ivory Coast gained full independence from fully out of date when it comes France and in 1984 changed its name to what? to names of countries and their 9. In 1960 the Belgian Congo gained its independence from boundaries in certain parts of the Belgium and in 1971 changed its name to the Republic of world. So I decided, just for fun, Zaire. By what name is it known today? to test your knowledge of some of these changes with a series of ten 10. In 1982 what two civilized(?) countries fought a war over questions, the answers to which Islas Malvinas? you will find on page 30.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 29 The Latest Scam

This latest scam is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the Visa and MasterCard telephone credit card scam works, you will be better prepared to protect yourself. The scam works like this: The person calling says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at Visa. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This purchase would be on your Visa card that was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an anti-telemarketing device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?” When you say, “No,” the caller continues with “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?” You say, “Yes.” The caller continues, “I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-Visa) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number.” The caller then gives you a 6-digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?” Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works—the caller then says, “I need to verify that you are in possession of your card.” He will ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers.” There are seven numbers; the first four are part of your card number, the last three are the Security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the last three numbers to him. After you tell the caller the three numbers, he will say, “That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say, “No,” the caller then thanks you and states, “Do not hesitate to call back if you do” and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. But after we were called, we called back within twenty minutes to ask a question. Are we ever glad that we did! The REAL Visa Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last fifteen minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card. We made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them. Instead, tell them you’ll call Visa or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real Visa told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your three-digit PIN number, you think you are receiving a credit; however, by the time you get your statement you will see charges for purchases you did not make, and by then it is almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report. What makes this more remarkable is that the following day, a call was received from a ‘Jason Richardson of MasterCard’ with a word-for-word repeat of the Visa Scam. If you receive such a call, hang up and report the call to the police as instructed by Visa. The police say they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged everybody to be aware that this scam is happening. It appears that this is a very active scam, and evidently quite successful.

Answers: Do You Know?—from page 29 1. Aden 2. British Honduras 3. Cuba 4. Sri Lanka 5. Bangladesh 6. Cambodia 7. Zimbabwe 8. Burkina Faso 9. Congo 10. Argentina and Britain.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 30 News & Views Dear Editor: other power-brokers backed neo-liberalism. How can one be conservative and neo-liberal at the same time? (Nick Though notions of left, Gass’s letter Vol. 19, No. 3, Spring, right and centre (and red 2011) versus blue and other tags) provide simple schemes Much-simplified, early conserva- to place parties and tives wanted to “conserve” property, candidates, neo-liberalism, social money, power, the family and the conservatism, formal small-l liberal- aristocracy. Those without those ism, social democracy, ecologism, attributes argued those politics socialism and their interplay bring created inflexibility, from which we both clarity and confusion. should be “liberated”. Thus arose liberals, who recognized that pov- Ken Collier erty and oppression created dangers Red Deer to which conservatives did not seem Dear Editor: the call when she did, she ensured to respond. Liberals wanted to pro- prompt care for her spouse. The sec- vide for health, education, policing, When travelling out of Canada, ond situation that I heard about was fire, security and other costs, but also I often wonder if the emergency not as serious but still demonstrated decrease regulations that bogged medical insurance that I carry that ARTA does provide excellent business down. really works. I especially wonder if coverage for emergency medical it will work in United States, what Conservatives split into two parts. care in the United States. The wife with the high costs of medical care Social conservatives added some of this teacher became very dizzy that we have all heard about. Since concerns to their ideology, saying and since she had hit her head quite my return from a five-week stay in that keeping their power and privi- hard just prior to leaving Canada, Arizona, I have heard of two situa- lege required providing for the needs her husband felt that she should be tions that have allayed my concerns. of the oppressed and poor. But the looked at by a doctor in an urgent The first involved a teacher whose formal ideological conservatives care facility. While waiting in line spouse suddenly collapsed with what focused on extreme individualism, to see the receptionist, the teacher turned out to be a severe stroke. The saying that unfettered, “liberated” called the plan administrator back patient needed extensive treatment financial gain would spawn economic in Alberta and the administrator over several days and, when finally growth—the main idea behind neo- was able to set up the care that was stabilized, was transported back to liberalism. Texts about this messy needed. Again all medical costs were Edmonton via air ambulance. All debate now fill whole libraries. paid by the ARTA travel insurance medical expenses, which I can imag- plan. From these circumstances I Neo-liberal ideas now dominate con- ine were very high, were covered by am assured that the ARTA plan does servative parties, also influencing the ARTA travel insurance plan. It work and it works best when the liberal, social democratic, “green” helped that the teacher had the pres- plan administrators are informed of and other political parties following ence of mind to telephone the plan the medical situation as soon as is its electoral successes in many coun- administrator back in Alberta, while reasonably possible. tries. The International Monetary her spouse was being transported Fund, World Bank, United Nations to the hospital. The ARTA plan Leo Bruseker agencies, the European Union, the does require that they are informed STARTA Benefits Coordinator, U.S Central Intelligence Agency and in a timely manner and by making St. Albert.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19, No. 34 News & Views 31 Sunrise Chalet in Radium, BC., CUBA—‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ Volunteers family-style chalet includes all (Havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 weeks. Exciting opportunities for teachers in amenities, Internet. Overlooks Hotel with breakfast and dinner, Tanzania and Burundi to mentor the Radium Resort Golf Course. Tuition fee. (Air fare not included). local teachers in an English school, Sleeps 2 to 10. Two-day or 250‑478‑0494 [email protected] present workshops to primary grade more or weekly rates. Ask for For Rent Victoria B.C. a lovely teachers in basic English and ESL specials.­ Call 1-888-809-2233, or 3bedm/3bath remodelled home methodology and teach English to www.kootenayescapes.com. close to UVic, buses, medical clinic, students in the summer (July and shopping, walking and biking trails August) program. Duration and La Maison Rouge and rec centre. Dec. 1–Feb. 1 or dates are flexible. Check our website Great holiday rentals in France. March 1–April 30. slugedwards33 www.tanburafrican.org for more Languedoc area near Montpellier @hotmail.com information. Please contact Diana and Mediterranean. Medieval house McIntyre at [email protected]. & studio apartment. Self-catering. Amazing Luxury Condo in Play Del Carmen, Mexico Volunteer Instructors Needed From $650/week for 2 people. to Teach Boating Courses www.ruemontbel.com Enquiries: A truly beautiful condo in an The Calgary Power & Sail Squadron [email protected]. un­believable boutique complex. Steps to white sand and Caribbean is looking for enthusiastic & outgo- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Sea. Relax in our 2 bedroom, ing volunteer educators who have a Farmhouse by the Sea two bath condo. For info e-mail; passion for recreational boating and [email protected]­ maritime safety. Candidates should Newly-renovated farmhouse over- have diverse experience operating looking a cove in Lunenburg, Nova Habitat for Humanity requires or maintaining either sail- or power- Scotia, a UNESCO World Heritage volunteers throughout 2011 for driven vessels and should have Centre. Weekly summer rental. Edmonton and St Albert builds. We experience using computers and tech­ 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, provide safety training, all tools and nology as a teaching tool. Further den, dining area, fully equipped equipment, and lunch! No minimum information on the Calgary Power & kitchen, washer, dryer, BBQ, hi-speed number of shifts required. Beginners Sail Squadron can be found at www. Internet. $1500 per week. http:// to trades people welcome. Check our cpscalgary.com. For more informa- www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/79032 website www.hfh.org to register as a tion, contact Steven Dubec, Squadron or email lunenburgfarmhouse@ volunteer online or contact us Training Officer at 403‑240-9327 or gmail.com. 780‑479‑3566 or [email protected]. [email protected]. DO MORE WITH YOUR COMPUTER Alberta Retired Teachers' Association members and their family receive a 25% discount off of application courses such as Microsoft Office, Adobe CS, and more!

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