Photo by Paul Boisvert, St. Paul,

 ARTA AD_SELECT 8.5x11:COLL724 3/18/08 12:18 PM Page 1

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (ARTA) ESCORTED VACATION TRAVEL MEMBER BENEFITS ARTA members, their friends and family can enjoy great savings on escorted vacations with Collette Vacations.

Collette Vacations celebrates 90 years of experience in the escorted travel industry and offers more than 140 quality tours to premier destinations on all 7 continents. Travellers can choose from cruises and land tours, educational and faith-based travel, cultural experiences, many included meals and centrally-located accommodations that reflect the flavour of each destination. And, with knowledgeable, professional tour managers and an industry-leading cancellation policy, Collette Vacations makes travelling the world simple and hassle-free.

New York City Copper Canyon Peru - Ancient The Complete Land of Mysteries South Pacific ARTA $ * ARTA $ * ARTA $ * ARTA $ * Members 2,425 p.p. Members 2,229 p.p. Members 3,999 p.p. Members 8,935 p.p. Non Non Non Non $ * $ * $ * $ * Members 2,684 p.p. Members 2,493 p.p. Members 4,393 p.p. Members 9,779 p.p. 5 Days, 4 Meals 9 Days, 18 Meals 13 Days, 19 Meals 27 Days, 36 Meals Departs Sep 7, 2008 Departs Oct 1, 2008 Departs Nov 12, 2008 Departs Feb 22, 2009

*All above tour rates are air inclusive from , per person based on double occupancy. Includes hotel transfers, tax and fuel surcharge. Please quote promotion code: C153-AX1-918

15 Itineraries Worldwide Value-Priced Learning Vacations For departures effective May 2008, Collette is launching its Exclusively available through Collette Vacations, “Explorations by Collette” tour division. Life-enhancing, travel Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures offer you the best experiences for more intimate groups of 16 – 24 passengers. in educational travel worldwide. Local expert speakers Designed with stimulating interaction with the local culture, make the difference between simply seeing and truly history, heritage and natural environment, and at a price understanding your destination. value that guests have come to expect from a Collette vacation.

Member Savings

Group and/or individual bookings that are booked directly with Collette's Reservation Department receive the following savings: • Land and river cruise savings 7% • Air purchased with Collette vacation package 7% • Ocean cruise and Smithsonian savings 5% All above savings are extended to family and friends of ARTA members Please call 1-800-468-5955 to book your reservation or for more information.

 News & Views

Contents

2 Greetings From the President 3 Executive Secretary’s Report 5 Historic Pension Agreement 6 ARTA Health and Wellness Benefits Program 8 Letters to the Editor i – viii Affinity Program for Members 9 Some Thoughts on Education 10 In Memoriam 10 Financial Crisis Causes Delay in Retirement 10 Golf Tournament 11 Provincial Election 2008 12 Volunteers Needed for Seniors Care Advocacy 13 What’s in the News? 14 Do You Recognize Yourself? A National Cultural Profile of Canada 15 Canada’s Losing War Against White-collar Crime – Part 1 16 Notices

News and Views is published three times a year by Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA), #409, 11010-142 Street, N.W., 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 David J. Flower, #409, 11010-142 Street, N.W., Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 Printing by: Alberta Teachers’ Association, 11010-142 Street, N.W., Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1

 Greetings from the President

With the anticipated changes in membership and services the Board has authorized an outside review of our operations. The Communications and Technology Committee has provided much input with a view to meeting future needs. Soon we may have the K. Dean option of receiving the “ARTA News and McMullen Views” and other important information electronically. The Strategic Planning Committee and the Finance Committee are committed to provid- ing a comprehensive “Business Plan” and a OW! With all of the activities currently financial budgeting and reporting system that Wbeing conducted and/or initiated by our is informative and ensures accountability. ARTA Staff and Committees it is difficult for Representatives to the Annual General me to keep abreast of all the new developments. Meeting in October will benefit from these The Board of Directors made a very signifi- two initiatives because they will be better able cant decision to expand the “affiliate to see and understand the “Big Picture” of membership” category. This decision has the ARTA’s total operations. potential to increase participation in our Stay tuned to the ARTA website and future ARTA Benefits Plan dramatically. They communications. We are definitely living in insisted wisely that the assets of our current interesting times. plan be protected from any negative experi- ence of the new registrants. Many positive This issue of ARTA News and Views contains results can be realized from this expansion as an update on the corporate discount pro- long as it is handled properly. Our Legal and gram. Our staff has been diligent in seeking Administrative agreements will provide the expanded benefits for all our members. necessary assurances. The Representative Committee will also ensure that our Bylaws and Policies are followed so that all our activities are directed towards achieving the Goals and Objects adopted for ARTA. Smile The calling of the Provincial Election resulted in the postponement of our planned meeting At a goodbye luncheon for an old and dear with the Minister of Education. We have coworker, she was leaving the company due requested that the meeting be rescheduled to “downsizing,” our manager commented with the new Minister, the Honourable David cheerfully, “This is fun, we should do it more Hancock. Your Pension Committee has spent often.” many hours preparing this presentation. Not another word was spoken. We all just Members of the Political Action Committee looked at each other with that deer-in-the- were also very active during the election and headlights stare. encourage all ARTA members to continue to develop open lines of communication with (This was a luncheon at Texas Instruments) their MLA.

 Executive Secretary’s Report

The response to these seminars over the years has been excellent. They are very important for retiring teachers as they provide informa- tion that is not otherwise readily available. ARTA’s participation is essential to keeping retired teachers up-to-date in terms of issues that affect them as retirees. I would like to thank Mike, Ralph, Paul, Marlene, Dean, Don Mock Shannon and others for their help in making these presentations a success.

Colour in Newsletter You will have noticed that this issue of Retirement Seminars ARTA’s News and Views has a different look. Our cover page is now in colour and half of ARTA was invited to participate in two that cost has been offset by advertising. seminars in , February 19 and 26, and Johnson Home and Auto supported this two more in both Calgary and Edmonton in endeavor and their ad appears on the back March and April. The Benefits Committee cover. The Communication and Technology Chair or the Executive Secretary usually Committee of ARTA has done the work of accompanied by Shannon Patershuk of getting a new logo designed for ARTA and Johnson Inc. do these presentations depend- giving the newsletter its new appearance. It is ing on who is available. For the February the intent of this committee to allow ARTA to seminars Mike Allen, the Branch Benefits accept paid advertising and if this is success- Representative from CRTA, was able to fill in ful the plan is eventually to provide colour along with the Executive Secretary and Paul throughout the newsletter as some other Demers to do these presentations. The provincial associations already have done. Calgary Public Retired Teachers’ seminar was most important for ARTA as the 100 or so ARTA Affinity (Discount) retirees from the Calgary Board of Education are losing their employer benefits for the first Program Updated time and so they needed information imme- The edition of News and Views includes an diately. Ralph Levinson, the Benefits updated insert to ARTA’s Affinity discount Committee Chair, was able to represent ARTA program (see pages in centre of newsletter). at the spring seminars in Calgary. Other Last year was the first time we tried this and seminars were held in other parts of the we have had great feedback. We know that province. I would like to thank especially there are savings through this program so Marlene Reddikopp who has for the last please keep this insert handy when traveling number of years made arrangements for and or making selected purchases. As before we participated in ARTA’s information sessions welcome your feedback, whether positive or in Grande Prairie for the Greater Peace negative, as it is our intention to make this region. Dean McMullen, ARTA’s president, better all the time and to achieve for our was able to make a presentation in Grande members savings that offset or cover the cost Prairie in March. of ARTA’s still reasonable membership fee.

 New Affiliate Members privacy legislation we would ask our current members to please pass along this important ARTA’s Benefits Committee has changed the information to any support staff who have eligibility for affiliate membership. Previously already retired and suggest that they can only instructors from universities, colleges contact our office for more details. and technical institutions could qualify for affiliate membership. Affiliate members may participate in our benefits and discount Part-time Recording Secretary program but may not hold office in ARTA. Required Now ARTA is accepting support staff retirees from both the ATA and ATRF. As well we are ARTA requires a secretary to take minutes at accepting full-time support staff retirees from approximately 20 – 25 ARTA meetings our public and separate school systems across throughout the year at various times. The the province as well as support staff from position requires someone in the Edmonton universities, colleges and technical institutions. area. There are four Board meetings, one As active teachers or instructors we could not Annual General Meeting (AGM) and approxi- have done our jobs without the great work of mately 15 – 20 committee meetings per year. our support staff. A number of these people The Board meetings are toward the end of the had inquired over the years about joining our month in September, November, February association in order to access our benefits and May. The AGM is held the first plan as they had no other equivalent plan to Wednesday in October. Committee meetings go to when they lost their employer benefits are held at various times throughout the year. either at retirement or at age 65. It is the The recording secretary must be present at committee’s belief that it was appropriate that the meetings, but finalizing the meeting we do something to fill that void in coverage minutes may be done at home (with for the people who were so helpful to us compensation). throughout our careers. As we still have Contact the Executive Secretary at 447-9474 difficulty getting the names of retirees due to for more information. Deadline for applica- tion is Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Smile A teacher’s nightmare! Truth? My daughter and I went through the McDonald’s 42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Everyone has a photographic memory; some Our total was $4.25, so I gave her a quarter. just don’t have film. She said, “You gave me too much money.” Borrow money from pessimists – they don’t I said, “Yes, I know, but this way you can give expect it back. me just a dollar back.” I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left She sighed and went to get the manager who me before we met. asked me to repeat my request. I did so and he handed me back the quarter and said “We’re The hardness of the butter is proportional to sorry but we cannot do that kind of thing.” the softness of the bread. The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; and 75 cents in change. to steal from many is research. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under. Half the people you know are below average.

 Historic Pension Agreement

Currently, retired teachers’ pensions are adjusted annually at a rate between 60 – 70 percent of the cost of living (COLA) increase in Alberta. This assures that each year retired teachers fall further and further behind in their standard of living. Many retired teachers will have incomes which will fall below the “poverty line” during their lifetimes. An Alberta teacher’s pension is blended with the Canada Pension Plan, therefore, the earnings of teachers who retired before the age of 65 are drastically reduced. Every Canadian province except Alberta and Manitoba has a “bridging n the evening of Thursday, November 15, provision” which addresses this issue. O2007, the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the government of Alberta reached a In the early 1990s the Provincial Government tentative agreement addressing the unfunded rolled back teachers’ wages by five percent. This liability of the Teachers’ Pension Plan and dramatic reduction in salary continued until 2003. ensuring five years of labour stability. What For retired teachers whose pension payments are this means is that the government has agreed based upon some or all of these years of reduced to pick up the $2.1 billion dollar portion of the salary, the cutbacks will affect their earnings for unfunded liability which was previously to the rest of their lives. be paid off by the teachers. The net result will The Teachers’ Pension Act needs to address these be a continuing reduction in pension contri- issues. In order to understand better the practical butions for teachers averaging 3.1 percent of implications of these issues, the retired teachers of salary. The teachers agreed to the deal in local Alberta must be consulted and heard when discus- settlements reached by the end of January. sions (negotiations) take place on pension issues. The press release issued by ARTA, while Who better to provide input on teachers’ pension congratulating the government and the issues than representatives of retired teachers who Association for reaching this historic agree- deal with these issues every day? The Alberta ment, raises some concerns specific to retired Retired Teachers’ Association believes such input teachers. The press release states: from the 19,000 Alberta retired teachers is ­absolutely necessary in the future. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) congratulates Premier Stelmach and his government Dean McMullen colleagues for fulfilling their promise to resolve the President Unfunded Liability of the Teachers’ Pension Plan. Alberta teachers, both active and retired, had it as a primary issue to be resolved during negotiations. ARTA encourages the Government to find ways to pay off this debt in a timely manner in order to reduce the future costs to all Alberta taxpayers. Unresolved pension issues still remain. During recent communications with the Provincial Government and the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association outlined serious concerns of retired teachers regarding their present pension provisions.

 ARTA Health and Wellness Benefits Program

New Direct Pay for Prescriptions need to make the best choices at the point of sale. You will know when your prescription is May 2008 filled how much will be paid by the Plan and o improve service and reduce processing your out-of-pocket cost. Tcosts, ARTA’s Health and Wellness This new service will benefit participants in Benefits Committee approved the introduc- ARTA’s Health Care Plan in the following tion of Johnson’s Direct Pay Drug Card ways. It will effective May 1, 2008. Now, when you fill 1. reduce cash or credit outlay when pur- most prescriptions, your card will allow the chasing prescription(s) because of the pharmacy to direct bill the portion of the direct payment feature to pharmacies. purchase covered by your ARTA Health Plan. 2. reduce the risk of bills being misplaced In most cases, that means you will pay much or not claimed, and late submission of less at the pharmacy and you will not need to claims. submit your receipts. 3. eliminate delays in claims processing due Prescription drugs account for over 70 per- to missing data, mistakes or high volume cent of ARTA’s Extended Health Care Plan. of paper claims. Up until the introduction of this new service, 4. reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions prescription costs have been paid by mem- through a Drug Utilization Review bers and the paper receipts submitted to Process, a suite of clinical tests performed Johnson Inc. for reimbursement. These paper during on-time adjudication. claims were then manually processed by 5. reduce potential for fraud at the point of Johnson staff. sale. 6. improve the comparative analysis of drug With the Direct Pay Drug Card, electronic utilization trends, and assists in the on- real-time claims adjudication gives the mem- going plan design process. ber and the pharmacist the information they When filling your prescription, please advise the pharmacist that you are a member of ARTA’s Extended Health Care Plan and that your drug claims are paid by ARTA’s Plan Administrator, Johnson Inc. Present your ARTA Health and Wellness Benefits Program Identification Card (which Johnson Inc. will mail to you before May 1) to your pharmacy. Johnson Inc. is part of the Emergis electronic claims adjudication network – Johnson’s carrier ID number is 627265 (pharmacists are familiar with this process). The pharmacy that dispenses your prescrip- tion will invoice Johnson Inc. electronically for the 80 percent coverage of eligible expenses up to the annual drug maximum

 ($1,200 per year). You will be asked to pay the 20 percent coinsurance portion, as well as for any items that are not covered under the ARTA Extended Health Care Plan, including amounts in excess of the annual drug maximum. If the prescription that has been prescribed for you is covered by the Alberta Seniors’ Plan, that coverage will be calculated first and submitted for payment by the Seniors’ Plan by your pharmacist. ARTA’s prescription drug and dental coverage is second payer to Alberta Seniors’ plans. Note: The Alberta Health and Wellness Drug Benefit List defines the prescription drugs and drug products covered by the Seniors’ Drug After May 1, 2008, manual processing of drug Plan. More than 3,600 drugs are listed as claims will be continued for out-of-province benefits. The Drug Benefit List is updated on and out-of-country claims; and any non- a quarterly basis and is available for viewing prescription drugs and supplies covered by at the Alberta Health and Wellness website or the plan (such as supplies required as a result at Alberta pharmacies. of colostomy, ileostomy and/or treatment of cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease or Certain drugs on the Alberta Drug Benefit Parkinson’s disease). List are covered on a “Limited Use” basis, that is, special authorization and specific You will receive a drug card in the mail before criteria must be met in order for you to be May 1. Please register your electronic claims eligible for Alberta Seniors’ coverage of these information at your pharmacy to help us drugs. The first claim submitted for a limited implement this new direct pay prescription use drug will be paid and a letter will be drug payment process. Also, when filing generated advising you that you require prescriptions, you should have your drug special authorization for future claims for that card with you. If you encounter problems prescription. If you do not meet the eligibility related to electronic payment of your claim at criteria for Seniors’ coverage of a “Limited your pharmacy, please have your pharmacist Use” drug, your file will be updated for that call the Johnson Inc. toll-free pharmacy help drug once the special authorization has been line at 1-866-773-5467. Should you have returned to our office. Contact Johnson Inc. if further questions regarding the use of your you have any questions regarding “Limited new direct pay prescription drug card, please Use” drugs under the ARTA Extended Health call the Johnson Inc. Plan Benefit Claims at Care Plan. 1-877-413-6599.

“Did you ever notice that when a politician Smile does get an idea he usually gets it wrong.” The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for Don Marquis 1878-1937 free, but the bull charges.

 Letters to the Editor

Re: Book Review vary from age to age. All our science and technology has not changed human nature. Extraordinary Evil: We still live in fear of violence, but let us face A Brief History of Genocide one fact. We are all human, even though we by Barbara Coloroso may sometimes blush for what our race does. Tom Landers I have read the review of this book in the Fall 2007 edition of News and Views. I have not read the book and what I have to say refers only to the review. Electronic newsletter? I do not disagree with anything written here, but rather with what is omitted. Some folk Have you considered sending your newslet- claim that the 20th century was history’s ter via e-mail to ARTA members with internet bloodiest, but if that is true the last century or access, or putting it on the website? Imagine two of Rome’s decline would be a close the cost savings in printing and postage. runner-up. Also we might claim that geno- It would also help snowbirds such as myself cide is, sadly, an ordinary evil. cut down on mail forwarding costs while we Concentrating on the 20th century three are in the south during the winter. massacres are named: the Turks of the Thanks, Armenians, Hitler’s Jews and Roma and the Art Horovitch Tutsi and Hutu. All of these, of course, are horrible. But the sheer immensity of Stalin’s massacres surely deserve mention for they include those who died in the gulags from hunger and disease and those who were starved to death in the early days of collectiv- ization. The starvation in the Sudan which is The following item appeared in the March 2008 still ongoing is not mentioned; neither is Idi issue of Up! magazine, the official publication Amin’s work in Uganda, nor the massacres in of Westjet. South Africa. $17,348 This list is not exhaustive, it could grow The average cost incurred after suffering a tedious, but to omit all but three is to imply heart attack during a trip to the U.S. without that some murders are worse than others. having purchased travel medical insurance, And should we not mention the millions of as determined by Travel Underwriters – a aborted babies that have gone down the tubes third-party travel insurance administrator – in so many “civilized” countries after being and BCAA insurance in a study released last dubbed “non human” as Hitler and others November (travelunderwriters.com). Food dubbed their victims? Barbara seems to have poisoning, bone fractures and pneumonia more sympathy for the deer she accidentally were also identified in the Top 10 most hit than for these. Babies have eyes just as commonly claimed travel medical emergen- beautiful as those of deer. cies, each of which comes with a hefty price The human race has a nasty streak some- tag when leaving home uninsured. where that affects us all. It does not seem to

 Affinity Program for Members April 1, 2008

This directory may be kept for future use. There may not be a replacement for some time.

 Enterprise is ARTA’s Corporate Partner for car rentals. Enterprise operates in the Alberta locations listed below and also across the U.S., Europe and some other countries, Corporate Class Name: ARTA Corporate Class Number: 5CA3528

Three ways to make reservations 1. Book your reservation online Simply visit the Enterprise website, www.enterprise.com and click on the corporate accounts link, then click on making a reservation. Enter your Corporate Class Number (5CA3528) and the first three letters of your organization’s name. You have now signed in and can make a reservation. Your PIN number is the first three characters of your organization’s name (ART). 2. Local Reservations You may call your local rental branch directly to make a reservation. Please find below a list of branch locations in Alberta. 3. Corporate Class Call Centre If you prefer, you can arrange out of town rentals through the Corporate Class Call Centre Service by calling 1-800-593-0505. You will require your Corporate Class Number (5CA3528).

ARTA Card – Please remember to bring your ARTA card with you to verify ARTA membership upon request.

Rates are available for both business and persona1.

Northern Alberta Southern Alberta Edmonton Calgary South 3859 – 99 Street 780-440-4550 Calgary Airport In Terminal 403-216-3426 South East 7615 Argyll Road 780-495-1205 South 7820 Macleod Trail South 403-252-0222 South Central 4517 Gateway Blvd NW 780-415-4350 South Central 4628 Macleod Trail South 403-243-2100 West 10222 – 178 Street 780-483-1668 South Bannister 14371 Macleod Trail South 403-216-3630 West Edmonton #1381, 8882 – 170 Street 780-484-3448 Road Mall South Douglesglen 500, 11488 -- 24 Street SE 403-720-1916 Downtown 10172 – 111 Street 780-424-1105 West-Bowness 4603 -- 16 Avenue NW 403-202-8720 North 8558 – 126 Avenue 780-477-1717 Downtown West 828 – 4 Avenue SW 403-263-1273 North West 10907 – 156 Street 780-489-7577 Downtown Central 119 – 12 Avenue SW 403-212-5232 Leduc (Edmonton Bay #2, 6112 – 45 Street 780-986-0548 North East Bay #5, 2520 – 23 Street NE 403-735-6080 Airport) North Central 4804 – Edmonton Trail NE 403-282-9881 Camrose 4718 – 44 Street 780-608-4110 North West 5100 Shaganappi Trail NW 403-216-3346 Fort McMurray 530 Mackenzie Blvd 780-791-2468 -Northland Fort McMurray In Terminal 780-791-2468 North West #157 – 64 Crowfoot Circle NW 403-241-7053 Airport -Crowfoot Fort Saskatchewan 11128 – 86 Avenue 780-992-6790 Airdrie 220 East Lake Blvd, Bay #2 403-912-3680 Grande Prairie 12712 – 100 Street 780-538-8444 Canmore 501 Bow Valley Trail 403-609-5335 Grande Prairie In Terminal 780-538-8444 Cochrane 544 Railway Street 403-932-0493 Airport Lethbridge 525 Mayor Magrath Drive S 403-328-3517 Lloydminster 5115 – 24 Avenue 780-871-2883 Medicine Hat Bay A, 1071 Trans-Canada 403-526-8064 Lloydminster In Terminal 780-871-2883 Way SE Airport Okotoks 197 Stockton Avenue 403-938-8677 Sherwood Park 161 Senica Road 780-416-8880 Red Deer South 3422 – 50 Avenue 403-347-5145 Spruce Grove 120 Saint Matthews Ave, #5 780-960-9202 Red Deer North #100 – 4770 Riverside Drive 403-348-2550 St. Albert 184 St. Albert Road 780-419-3984 Strathmore 1040 Westridge Road 403-934-2100

ii LensCrafters offers 30 percent discount on most DELL COMPUTERS products to ARTA members upon presentation of ARTA card. Please phone your nearest This is an offer made to ARTA members upon LensCrafters store for more information presentation of an access code supplied by ARTA and updated regularly for current members only. It features: • Savings up to 6 percent off all DELL DIMENSION desktop and INSPIRON notebook PCs • Double those savings (up to 12 percent off) by selecting 3 or 4 years of In-Home Service PARK’NFLY operates across Canada and the • Savings of 5 percent on all software and United States. Upon presentation of ARTA peripherals card and code, ARTA members received a 25 • Discounts taken on top of most generally percent discount on parking. Note: Most of advertised Dell Home Sales price and these parking facilities are nearby but off promotions. airport sites and provide free shuttle service. Examples: PC/Computer Up to $801 to $1601 priced before $800 $1600 & above Toronto 905-677-9143 shipping & taxes Valet 5815 Airport Rd Self-park 933 Dixon Rd Basic discount 2% 4% 6% Economy 626 Dixon Rd Discount with Ottawa 613-247-1014 3 or 4 year 4% 8% 12% Self-park 3600 Uplands Dr In-Home Calgary 403-250-6533 service upgrade Self-park 9100 Barlow Trail NE Edmonton 780-986-9080 To obtain these savings: Self-park 8410-43 St. Leduc 1. Contact DELL at 1-866-922-4922 Vancouver 604-270-9476 2. Ask for EPP (Employee Purchase Valet 6380 Miller Road Program) Queue (note: all ARTA members Long term Valet receive the ARTA employee rate) and quote the EPP# 3250510 Montreal 514-631-3359 3. Discounts apply to Dimension desktop Valet 12155 Côte de Liesse and Inspiron notebook PCs as well as Express A 700 Rue Marshall software and peripheral devices sold by Express B 630 ave Michel Jasmin Dell Halifax 902-873-4574 4. Hours of operation for the EPP Queue are Self-park 668 Barnes Dr as follows: Corporate Code: 31724 – Please use this code Mon-Fri 9 am to 8 pm EST when booking Sat 10 am – 6 pm EST

iii Hotel Discount Rates Choice Hotels reservations There are two ways to make reservations using ARTA client ID# 00064576 1. Call our toll-free number 1-800-424-6423 or for service in French 1-800-BO-REVES and quote the ID#00064576 2. Visit our website at www.choicehotels.ca and: • in the Quick Search section on the left side, click on Enter Your Special Rate ID • enter you Client Rate ID # 00064576 in the box and click “go.” ARTA’s welcome page will appear • Please note: If using the weblink from ARTA’s website to ours, the previous 2 steps are not applicable as the client ID# and SSPO rate is already embedded. • To find an hotel, enter the city name in the Location box along with a check-in and check-out date and click “go” The SSO rate code will automatically appear in the rate box. • A list of hotels will appear with rates on a 14-day calendar. The requested check-in date IS HIGHLIGHTED. By clicking on the rate of the arrival date, a new screen will open, allowing viewership for different room types and rates. Proceed to make reservations. • Clicking on the Hotel name will also give an overview of the hotel, hotel services and area info. To ensure members are receiving the correct rate it is important to make advance reservations. Hotels confirming ATA member rates for ARTA ARTA would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) in providing ARTA members with the following ATA hotel contacts to be used by ARTA members. While these hotels have agreed to recognize the ARTA membership card, in some cases where hotel records are not updated, you may have to identify yourself as a retired ATA member. Please note: These rates may be subject to change. They do not include taxes. However, you as an ARTA member will receive the best rates provided to ATA and ARTA members.

ALBERTA Hidden Ridge Resort Calgary Days Inn – Calgary South Banff (1-800-563-8764) 5 Calgary Downtown Suites (1-800-361-3422) Call to get quote and identify Rates: Standard room $89. Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa (1-877-451-5551; 451-5551) yourself as a Alberta Retired Note—they have a variety of (1-800-563-8764) $159 minus 15% Sunday thru Teachers’ Association rooms at different prices from Call to get quote and identify Thursday member. Rooms range from $89 to $119. Ask for what you yourself as a Alberta Retired $99 minus 15% Friday and $94 upwards depending on want. Identify yourself as an Teachers’ Association member. Saturday the time of year Blackfoot Inn ARTA member. Rooms range from $94 upwards Inns of Banff Delta Bow Valley depending on the time of year (1-800-661-1151: 403-252-2253) (1-800-563-8764) (1-800-268-1133; 266-1980) Banff Ptarmigan Inn $119 (s)—excluding June 12 –16 Call to get quote and identify $169 (s) (d) Jan – Apr (1-800-563-8764) and July 6 – 16 when rate is yourself as a Alberta Retired $189 (s) (d) May – Oct Call to get quote and identify $165 Teachers’ Association member. Carriage House Inn $169 (s) (d) Nov – Dec yourself as a Alberta Retired Rooms range from $94 upwards Delta Calgary South Teachers’ Association member. (1-800-661-9566) depending on the time of year (1-877-278-5050; 278-5050) Rooms range from $94 upwards $119 (deluxe) plus taxes 10% off the best available rate depending on the time of year Brooks —mid-week Executive Royal Inn North Delta Banff Royal Canadian Heritage Inn $115 (deluxe) plus taxes Calgary Lodge (1-888-888-4374; 362-6666) —weekend (1-877-769-2562) (1-800-661-1379; 762-2307) $95 (s) $95 (d) Blackout dates when rates $114 plus taxes deluxe $160 (Delta) Jan 4 – Apr 30 Heritage Inn & Suites do not apply June 9 – 13, accommodation includes hot $180 (Delta) May 1 – Jun 1 Heritage Inn July 4 – 13 Coast Plaza Hotel & buffet breakfast $276 (Delta) Jun 2 – Sep 30 (1-888-888-4374; 362-8688) Conference Centre Fairmont Palliser $160 (Delta) Oct 1 – Dec 21 $109 (s) $109 (d) (1-800-441-1414; 262-1234) ($25 per additional person (1-800-663-1144) $179 (Fairmont) per night) $134 excluding July 5 – 15

iv Four Points by Sheraton Wingate Inn Calgary Jasper Taber Hotel and Suites Calgary (514-0099) Amethyst Lodge, Lobstick Heritage Inn (1-877-288-4441) Prices range from $139 to Lodge, Marmot Lodge, (1-888-888-4374: 403-22-4424) $119 plus taxes Jan 1 – Feb 29 $269—phone for details Pocahontas Cabins and $85 (s) (d) (twin) $139 plus taxes Mar 1 – May 31 Chateau Jasper Canmore BRITISH COLUMBIA $159 plus taxes Jun 1 – Oct 15 Canmore Inns and Suites (Central Reservations: $129 plus taxes Oct 16 – Dec 31 (1-888-678-4656: 403-678-4656) 1-888-8JASPER) Cranbrook Note blackout dates where Prices range from $79 to $129 You must mention that you Heritage Inn Hotel and rates do not apply—July 3 –13 per room depending on the are an Alberta Retired Convention Centre ($240), June 8 – 13 ($240), season Teachers’ Association (1-888-888-4374: 250-347-9311) Reserve Reference 4289. —please phone for a quote member/employee at the $89(s) $99 (d) (twin) Greenwood Inn and Suites time of booking (you may be Cold Lake Vancouver (1-888-233-6730: 403-250-8855) asked to supply proof of El Lobo Motel The Westin Bayshore $115 (s) $115 (traditional suite) employment at time of check (780-594-3370) (1-604-682-3377 or bayshore Hotel Arts in). 7 days advance reserva- $80 (s) $85 (d) [email protected] (1-800-661-9378: 403-266-4611) tions are required. Black out Lakeland Inn City View—main building $179 (studio room) periods apply. All reserva- (1-877-594-3311) $169 (+taxes) Jan 1 – April 30 International Hotel Suites tions must be guaranteedto a $103 (s) $117 (d) plus taxes $229 (+taxes) May 1 – Oct 31 Calgary credit card. with continental breakfast $165 (+taxes) Nov 1 – Dec 31 (1-800-661-8627 or Leduc/Nisku tower building Edmonton bookinternationalhotel.ca) Executive Royal Inn $209 (+taxes) Jan 1 – April 30 Alberta Place Suite Hotel International studio suite (1-888-661-4879) $269 (+taxes) May 1 – Oct 31 (1-800-661-3982) $169 plus taxes $109 (deluxe queen); $175 $205 (+taxes) Nov 1 – Dec 31 $99 plus taxes (suite) Identify Note blackout dates: May 23 -- 28, (executive king) Harbour View – main June 8 – 12, July 9 – 13 yourself as ARTA member $199 (+taxes) Jan 1 – April 30 Rates will be higher on those Econo Lodge Lloydminster Tropical Inn Hotel and $259 (+taxes) May 1 – Oct 31 dates. (1-800-613-7043: 780-428-6442) $195 (+taxes) Nov 1 – Dec 31 Marriott Calgary $79 (s) (d) Conference Centre (1-800-219-5244: 780-875-4404) tower $239 (+taxes) Jan 1 – (1-800-896-5878; 403-266-7331) Edmonton Royal Inn West April 30 $169 (s)(d) excluding June 11 – 15 (1-800-661-4879) $99 (s) $107 (d) West Harvest Inn $299 (+taxes) May 1 – Oct 31 and July 6 – 15. $103 (deluxe queen) $235 (+taxes) Nov 1 – Dec 31 Radisson Hotel Calgary $146 (executive king) (1-800-853-1181) Airport Howard Johnson Hotel – $95 (standard) $103 SASKATCHEWAN (1-800-333-3333; 403-291-4666) West Edmonton (executive queen) Moose Jaw $122 (sleep number bed) (1-800-556-4156: 780-484-3333) Medicine Hat Heritage Inn excluding June 12 – 14 and $81 (s) (d) Medicine Hat Lodge (1-888-888-4374: 306-693-7550) July 6 – 15 Sutton Place Hotel (1-800-661-8095; 403-529-2222) $81 (s) $88 (d) (twin) Ramada Hotel Downtown (1-866-378-8866: 780-428-7111) $89 (s) $99 (d) Regina $111 (s) (d) Calgary $99 (p) $99 (p) West Harvest Inn Travelodge Edmonton West (1-800-661-8684: 403-263-7600) $125 (ls) $125 (ls) (1-800-853-1181) (1-800-578-7878: 780-483-6031) $101 (s)(d) Jan 1 – Apr 30 Pincher Creek $91 (s) (d) $111 (s)(d) May 1 – Oct 31 $71 (3) (d) Heritage Inn Saskatoon $101 (s)(d) Nov 1 – Dec 31 Mayfield Inn (1-888-888-4374; 403-627-5000) $219 (s)(d) Peak periods (1-800-661-9804: 780-484-0821) Heritage Inn $107 (s) (d) (twin) Jan 1 – June 30 (1-888-888-4374: 306-665-8121) including June 11 – 14 and $112 (s) (d) $116 (s) (d) (twin) Jul 1 – Dec 31 West Harvest Inn – West $89 (s)(d) Jan 1 – Mar 31 July 5 – 14 Red Deer Sandman Hotel Calgary City Edmonton $91 (s)(d) April 1 – Aug 31 Holiday Inn Express Centre (1-800-661-6993) $93 (s)(d) Sept 1 – Dec 31 (1-800-223-1993: 403-343-6666) (1-800-266-4684: 403-237-8626) $92 (standard); $112 (executive Sheraton Cavalier Hotel $99 (standard room with $109 (add $10 per person queen) (1-800-325-3535 either two queen beds or one per night) $139 (+taxes) (s) High River king bed, breakfast included) Sheraton Cavalier Hotel $159 (+taxes) (d) Heritage Inn Red Deer Lodge Hotel and Calgary (1-888-888-4374: 403-652-3834) Conference Centre NOVA SCOTIA (1-800-235-3535: 403-291-0107) $109 (s) (d) $123 (twin) (1-800-661-1657: 403-346-8841; Halifax $169 (s) $169 (traditional) Jan 1 – Jun 27 www.reddeerlodge.ca Four Points Sheraton excluding June 11 – 14 and $137 (s) (d) $154 (twin) $96 (s) (d) (1-866-444-9494)(reservations) July 5 – 15 Jun 28 – July 13 $125 (+taxes) Jan 1 – Apr 30 & Travelodge Hotel Calgary Spruce Grove $114 (s) (d) $132 (twin) Nov 1 – Dec 31 Macleod Trail Royal Inn Express Hotel July 14 – Dec 31 $145 (+TAXES) May 1 – Oct 31 (1-877-530-9206: 403-253-7070) (1-866-962-6050) $74.99 (s)(d) excluding July 6 – 16 $91 (s) $95 (d)

 ONTARIO $178 (+taxes) Travelodge Hotel – Airport Moncton Ottawa December 16 – December 31 Corporate ID: 801347 Comfort Inn Moncton East Sheraton Regular rates run from $350 Tel: 403-291-1260 Corporate IUD: LOYAL (1-800-489-8333) or reserva- to $415 plus tax. Travelodge Hotel – Macleod Tel: 506-859-6868 Trail Comfort Inn Moncton [email protected] QUEBEC $165 (+taxes) Traditional Corporate ID: 801347 Magnetic Hill Laval $200 (+taxes) Club level Tel: 403-253-7070 Corporate ID: LOYAL Sheraton Laval (comes with continental break- Edmonton Tel: 506-384-3175 (1-800-667-2440) fast, evening hors d’oeuvres, Comfort Inn Saint John $135 (+taxes) local and toll free calls Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn January 1 – June 30, use of private lounge, and Tel: 780-484-4415 Corporate ID: LOYAL Sept 1 – Dec 31 many other benefits Travelodge Edmonton South Tel: 506-674-1873

$125 (+taxes) Corporate ID: 801347 St. Catharines July 1 – August 30 NEWFOUNDLAND Four Points by Sheraton Tel: 780-436-9770 Gatineau-Ottawa St. Catharines Travelodge Edmonton West Corner Brook Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Inn (1-877-848-3782) or Corporate ID: 801347 Hotel and Conference Centre www.fourpoints.com/ Tel: 780-483-6031 Corporate ID: LOYAL (1-800-567-9607) stcatharines Tel: 709-639-1980 $125 (+taxes) year round BRITISH COLUMBIA $127 (+taxes and fees) one St. John’s Chilliwack bedroom suite with two Montreal Quality Hotel Harbourview Comfort Inn double beds and a separate Four Points Montreal Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL living room. Each suite Downtown Tel: 709-754-7788 (1-800-842-3961) Tel: 604-858-0636 contains a coffee maker, a NOVA SCOTIA micro-wave and a mini- $127 (s) $139 (d) (+taxes) MANITOBA fridge, as well as a TV in each January 1 – April 30 Amherst $142 (s) $154 (d) (+taxes) Brandon Comfort Inn room, complimentary Comfort Inn May 1 – October 31 Corporate ID: LOYAL wireless internet and compli- Corporate ID: LOYAL $127 (s) $139 (d) (+taxes) Tel: 902-667-0404 mentary parking Tel: 204-727-6232 Toronto November 1 – December 31 Bridgewater Alberta Retired Teachers Winnipeg Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Inn please mention your affilia- Comfort Inn Airport Toronto Airport West Corporate ID: LOYAL tion (ARTA) and the RATE Corporate ID: LOYAL (1-800-387-0287) Tel: 902-543-1498 CODE:RTA Tel: 204-783-5627 $130 (+taxes) standard one Dartmouth Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Inn South queen/standard double Comfort Inn Montreal Corporate ID: LOYAL Four Points by Sheraton Corporate ID: LOYAL (1-800-842-3961) Tel: 204-269-7390 Toronto Lakeshore Tel: 902-463-9900 $142 (s) $154 (d) (+taxes) Holiday Inn & Suites (416-766-4392 or Holiday Inn Harbourview January 1 – October 31 Downtown www.fourpointstoronto.com Corporate ID: 100205578 $127 (s) $139 (d) (+taxes) Corporate ID: 100205578 for reservations Tel: 902-463-1100 November 1 – December 31 Tel: 204-786-7011 $115 (+taxes) January to April Four Points by Sheraton Halifax & November to December NEW BRUNSWICK Montreal Airport Holiday Inn Select Halifax $135 (+taxes) May to October (1-877-344-1999) Campbellton Centre Blackout dates where rates $109 (+taxes) Blackout dates Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 100205578 do not apply March 1 – 4, when rates do not apply Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 902-423-1161 May 16 – 19, June 5 – 7, 2008 Tel: 506-753-4121 August 1 – 2, November 1 – 2, New Glasgow Westmount Hospitality Edmundston Comfort Inn November 7 – 8, Group VIP program Comfort Inn December 31/08 Corporate ID: LOYAL All hotels listed are managed Corporate ID: LOYAL Four Points Toronto Airport Tel: 902-755-6450 by Westmount Hospitality Tel: 506-739-8361 (1-888-627-8164) or www. Sydney Group. For more information fourpointstorontoairport.com Fredericton Comfort Inn or to book these hotels go to $149 Identify yourself as an Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL www.innvestreithotels.com ARTA member when you Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 902-562-0200 *** Please contact hotel register Tel: 506-453-0800 directly to book your VIP rate Truro Sheraton Centre Toronto Miramichi Comfort Inn Hotel ALBERTA Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL (1-888-627-7175) Calgary Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 902-893-0330 $168 (+taxes) Holiday Inn –Macleod Trail Tel: 506-622-1215 Yarmouth January 1 – March 23 South Comfort Inn

$226 (+taxes) Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL March 24 – December 15 Tel: 403-287-2700 Tel: 902-742-1119 vi ONTARIO Huntsville Midland Travelodge Ottawa East Barrie Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 801347 Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 613-745-1133 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-789-1701 Tel: 705-526-2090 Owen Sound Tel: 705-722-3600 Kanata Mississauga Comfort Inn Holiday Inn Barrie Comfort Inn Comfort inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-371-5500 Tel: 705-728-6191 Tel: 6134-592-2200 Tel: 905-624-6900 Parry Sound Belleville Holiday Inn Select Hotel & Holiday Inn Toronto West Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Suites Ottawa-Kanata Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 100205578 Tel: 905-890-5700 Tel: 705-746-6221 Tel: 613-271-3057 Tel: 613-660-7703 Newmarket Pembroke Brampton Kapuskasing Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 905-895-3355 Tel: 613-735-1057 Tel: 705-335-8583 Tel: 905-452-0600 North Bay Pickering Brantford Kenora Best Western Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-474-5800 Tel: 905-831-6200 Tel: 807-468-8845 Comfort Inn Airport Tel: 519-753-3100 Burlington Sault Ste. Marie Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Kingston Comfort Inn Tel: 705-476-5400 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn - 401 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Lakeshore Tel: 905-639-1700 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-759-8000 Corporate ID: LOYAL Holiday Inn Hotel & Tel: 613-546-9500 Holiday Inn Waterfront Tel: 705-494-9444 Conference Centre Comfort Inn Midtown Corporate ID: 100205578 Travelodge Airport Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-949-0611 Tel: 905-639-4443 Tel: 613-549-5550 Corporate ID: 801347 Simcoe Travelodge Burlington QEW Holiday Inn Waterfront Tel: 705-495-1133 Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 801347 Corporate ID: 100205578 Oakville Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 905-639-9290 Tel: 613-549-8400 Holiday Inn Select Hotel & Tel: 519-426-2611 Cambridge Kirkland Lake Suites @ Bronte St. Catherines Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 100205578 Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 905-847-1000 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-658-1100 Tel: 705-567-4909 Orillia Tel: 905-687-8890 Chatham Kitchener Comfort Inn Sudbury Comfort Inn Radisson Hotel Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 63522 Tel: 705-327-7744 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-352-5500 Tel: 519-894-9500 Oshawa Tel: 705-522-1101 Comfort Inn Cobourg Leamington Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 905-434-5000 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-560-4502 Holiday Inn Tel: 905-372-7007 Tel: 519-326-9071 Travelodge Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Dryden London Tel: 905-576-5101 Tel: 705-522-1100 Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Travelodge Oshawa Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 801347 Thunder Bay Tel: 807-223-3893 Tel: 519-685-9300 Tel: 905-436-9500 Comfort Inn Quality Suites Guelph Ottawa Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 807-475-3155 Tel: 519-680-1024 Comfort Inn Ottawa East Corporate ID: LOYAL Timmins Radisson Hotel & Suites Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-763-1900 Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 63522 Tel: 613-744-2900 Holiday Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-668-7900 Quality Hotel Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 705-264-9474 Tel: 519836-0231 Markham Tel: 613-789-7511 Toronto Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Hamilton Radisson Hotel Ottawa – Comfort Inn North York Toronto-Markham Comfort Inn Parliament Hill Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: 63522 Tel: 416-736-4700 Tel: 905-560-4500 Tel: 905-474-0444 Tel: 613-236-1133

vii Holiday Inn Express – North Quality Suites Windsor Laval Sherbrooke York Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 100205578 Tel: 519-977-9707 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 416-665-3500 Radisson Riverfront Hotel Tel: 450-686-0600 Tel: 819-564-4400 Holiday Inn Express Corporate ID: 63522 Quality Suites Laval Ste-Foy Downtown Tel: 5129-977-9777 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Airport Hamel Corporate ID: 100205578 Travelodge Hotel Downtown Tel: 450-686-6777 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 4126-367-5555 Corporate ID: 801347 Radisson Hotel Tel: 418-872-5038 Holiday Inn Express Tel: 519-258-7774 Corporate ID: 63522 Toronto East Tel: 450-686-9000 Thetford Mines Corporate ID: 100205578 PRINCE EDWARD Comfort Inn ISLAND Lévis Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 416-439-9666 Comfort Inn Charlottetown Tel: 418-338-0171 Holiday Inn On King Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 100205578 Tel: 418-835-5605 Trois-Rivières Tel: 416-599-4000 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Holiday Inn Toronto Tel: 902-566-4424 Montreal Corporate ID: LOYAL Airport East Holiday Inn Select Centre- Tel: 819-371-3566 QUEBEC Ville Montreal Convention Corporate ID: 100205578 Val D’Or Alma Centre Tel: 41-240-7511 Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 100205578 Holiday Inn Toronto Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 514-878-9888 Midtown Tel: 819-825-9360 Tel: 418-668-9221 Quality Hotel Downtown Corporate ID: 100205578 Ville de Québec Tel: 416-968-0010 Anjou Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Airport Quality Suites Toronto Quality Hotel Montreal Tel: 514-849-1413 Duplessis Airport Corporate ID: LOYAL Quality Inn Downtown Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 514-493-6363 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 514-878-2711 Tel: 418-872-5900 Tel: 416-674-8442 Baie Comeau Radisson Hotel Toronto East Comfort Inn Pointe Claire SASKATCHEWAN Corporate ID: 63522 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Montreal Prince Albert Tel: 416-493-7000 Tel: 418-589-8252 Aeroport Comfort Inn Radisson Suite Hotel Corporate ID: LOYAL Beauport Corporate ID: LOYAL Toronto Airport Tel: 514-697-6210 Tel: 308-763-4466 Corporate ID: 63522 Comfort Inn Quality Suites Montreal Tel: 416-242-7400 Corporate ID: LOYAL Aeroport Regina Travelodge North York Tel: 418-666-1226 Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: 801347 Boucherville Tel: 514-426-5060 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 416-663-9500 Comfort Inn Holiday Inn Pointe-Claire Tel: 306-789-5522 Travelodge Toronto East Corporate ID: LOYAL Montreal Aeroport Quality Hotel Corporate ID: 801347 Tel: 450-641-2880 Corporate ID: 100205578 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 306-569-4656 Tel: 416-299-9500 Brossard Tel: 514-697-7110 Trenton Comfort Inn Québec Saskatoon Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Quality Suites Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 450-678-9350 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 306-934-1122 Tel: 613-965-6660 Chicoutimi Tel: 618-622-4244 Waterloo Comfort Inn Rimouski Swift Current Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 418-693-8686 Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-747-9400 Dorval Tel: 4128-724-2500 Tel: 306-778-3994 Whitby Comfort Inn Rivière-du-Loup Quality Suites Whitby Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 514-636-3391 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 905-432-8800 Drummondville Tel: 418-867-4162 Windsor Comfort Inn Rouyn-Noranda Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 819-477-4000 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 519-966-7800 Gatineau Tel: 819-797-1313 Comfort Inn Comfort Inn Sept-Iles Corporate ID: LOYAL Corporate ID: LOYAL Comfort Inn Tel: 519-972-1331 Tel: 819-243-6010 Corporate ID: LOYAL Tel: 418-968-6005

viii Some Thoughts on Education

It really is time for change. Pring raises the question of the purpose of education and whether or not society has lost xford University professor Richard Pring sight of that purpose. He suggests that earlier Oreceived a “massive cheer” from the descriptions might well be more appropriate audience at an educational conference in the U.K. such as education being “the conversation Pring is one of the authors of the Nuffield between the generations of mankind” Review of 14-19 Education and Training. The (Michael Oakeshott) or education as an “massive cheer” was for his urging that introduction to “the best that has been everyone stop talking about “delivery” in thought and said” (Matthew Arnold). education and return to talking about “teach- ing.” He stated that “education has been taken The Nuffield paper concludes that society over by an ‘Orwellian language’ which has “should recognize and value many different started to control the way we think and act.” aims for education. These include: critical thinking and an introduction to knowledge in George Orwell invented the term “newspeak” the physical and social sciences, the humani- in his novel 1984. There is an appendix to the ties and the arts; development of practical novel entitled “The Principles of Newspeak.” capabilities; preparation for citizenship; and In the appendix Orwell claims the purpose of development of the ideas and values needed this official language of Oceania was “not only to face the big issues affecting our to provide a medium of expression for the communities.” world view . . . . but to make all other modes Perhaps it is really time for a change – to of thought impossible.” Pring voices a feeling slough off the debilitating language of the common to many in teaching that the “new- market and return to the sensible language of speak” in education is that of business and the classroom. Teachers deal with diverse management and that language has come to human beings needing individual attention dominate the aims and values of teaching. not widgets on an assembly line. We are not The education model has become one of work­ in the business of making profit but of teach- force preparation and employability hence the ing the citizens of the future. need for language of the workplace such as “performance indicators,” “audits,” “efficiency gains,” “choice of customers,” “the market,” “funding systems that respond to consumers’ demands” and “inputs and outputs.” And for your education – did you know . . . . “Stewardesses is the longest word typed with only the left hand and “lollipop” with your right. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple. The words ‘racecar,’ ‘kayak’ and ‘level’ are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left – they are called palindromes.

 In Memoriam Golf Tournament

eorge Paul Timko passed away on he 14th annual GSeptember 30, 2007. He attended the T“To Hell with University of Calgary and started teaching in the Bell” golf a one room school in the County of Newell at tournament the age of 18. He spent 38 years teaching was held at mostly in Junior High school, which he really Whispering Pines liked. Once he said that if he could start again Golf Club, Pine he would choose the same career. All five of Lake, Alberta, his children have at some time in their lives September 4, 2007. taught at either Elementary, High School or Sixty-five golfers Phil Boston University level. from Stettler, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Lacombe and Calgary took and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Phil Boston from Lacombe was the low net winner with a score of 59. Duncan Anderson of Red Deer was the runner up with a score of Financial Crisis 60. Hugh McPherson of Red Deer was the low gross winner with a score of 76. Causes Delay in Once again we were able to raise approximately $2,000 for the Northern Alberta Urological Foundation. This brings our six year total to Retirement $12,000. Thanks to all the golfers who contrib- uted and enabled us to raise that much money. brief story in the U.K. newspaper The Thank you to the merchants in Red Deer who A Telegraph, March 21, 2008, suggested donated prizes so everyone received a prize. that as many as 350,000 people in the U.K. who The value of the donated prizes was approxi- had planned to retire in the next 12 months mately $3,500. may have to carry on working or change their We would like to thank the downtown Tim pension arrangements as a result of the Hortons in Red Deer for supplying prizes, financial crisis currently afflicting the stock doughnuts and coffee. markets. Apparently plunging stock prices have cut the value of some pensions by as Next year the tournament will be held much as 20 percent. The problem is primarily September 2, 2008 in Ponoka. For information one affecting those who have defined contri- call Ron Hitchings 403-343-6543 or Wayne bution pensions which must be used to buy Brenna 403-347-5479. annuities. Poorer yields from annuities means that a fund worth $200,000 last June, giving a pension of almost $15,000 is now likely to be worth only $160,000, reducing the pension amount to $12,000. However, the problem How to stay young does not affect anyone belonging to a final salary scheme or public sector workers. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes (Source: “350,000 may have to delay retire- age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry ment,” by Gordon Rayner, The Telegraph, about them. That is why you pay them. March 21, 2008).

10 Provincial Election 2008

here has been considerable debate across Janice Sarich P.A. Education Tthe country about the fairest way to allot Minister of Energy seats in the various provincial legislatures. P.A.Energy Talk of proportional representation replacing Minister of Finance and first passed-the-post and compulsory voting Enterprise Minister of Health as in Australia have been discussed ad nau- Raj Sherman P.A. Health and Wellness seam but no governing party that has just Minister of Environment won 72 of 83 seats is likely to bother raising Diana McQueen P.A. Environment either issue. In the March 3 election only Minister of Transportation 41 percent of eligible Alberta voters went to Minister of Aboriginal the polls and of that 41 percent, 22 percent Relations voted Progressive Conservative and elected Minister of Justice and 72 MLAs. Some 19 percent voted for an Attorney General opposition party and 11 opposition members Minister of Agriculture and were elected, nine for the Liberals and two Rural Development for the New Democrats. P.A. Agriculture and Rural Development The comparative figures for the 2004 and 2008 Minister for Children and elections are: Youth Services Minister for Seniors and 2004 2008 Community Supports Party Seats %votes Seats %votes Minister of Employment and P.C. 62 47.07 72 52.7 Immigration Liberal 16 29.05 9 26.4 David Xiao P.A. Employment and N.D.P. 4 9.79  8.5 Immigration Minister of Sustainable Wild Rose A  9.10 0 6.8 Resource Development Congratulations to all the successful candi- P.A. Sustainable Resource dates, and indeed to all those who ran for Development which ever party. It is not easy to take on Solicitor General and such a responsibility and so their dedication Minister of Public Security to democracy should be applauded. Robert Anderson P.A. Solicitor General and Public Security Premier Stelmach’s Cabinet totals 24 and he Minister of Municipal Affairs has appointed 10 parliamentary assistants to Tom Lukaszuk P.A. Municipal Affairs assist with the heavier workloads. The vari- Minister of Infrastructure ous positions are as follows: Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Premier and President of Minister of Culture and Executive Council Community Spirit Minister of International and Minister of Tourism, Parks Intergovernmental Relations and Recreation President of Treasury Board Minister of Service Alberta Minister of Advanced Education and Technology (Note: the term P.A. means Parliamentary Assistant) P.A. Advanced Education and Technology Minister of Education Provincial Election 2008—Continued on page 12

11 Volunteers needed for seniors care advocacy

ublic Interest Alberta (PIA) is an organiza- The next step in our campaign is to establish Ption supported by other organizations a corps of two political contacts in each of the including the ATA, all of whom are commit- 83 provincial constituencies who would be ted to advocating for better quality public prepared to be in contact with their MLA to services, institutions and spaces. raise awareness of the crisis in seniors’ care and what needs to be done about it. This is The Seniors Task Force of Public Interest one of the devices the ATA used to get the Alberta advocates to government for five government’s attention on the unfunded changes that will address the crisis in seniors pension liability. PIA will provide all the care and significantly improve conditions for background materials to help prepare local Alberta seniors. We have been working with members for the meeting with their MLA. seniors groups, healthcare unions and Friends This will require only a small amount of time of Medicare to research and expand our each year from interested volunteers, but we advocacy against the ongoing privatization of feel it will eventually lead to significant changes home care and continuing care. We are also to seniors care and support in this province. working to ensure that seniors and their families have a strong voice by advocating If you want more information on PIA and the advisory councils in all care facilities and the Seniors Task Force, check the PIA website at establishment of an Independent Seniors www.pialberta.org. If you are interested in Advocate as an officer of the Legislature. serving as a member of our seniors’ constituency action team, please e-mail [email protected]. Noel Somerville, Chair Seniors Task Force, Public Interest Alberta

Provincial Election 2008—Continued from page 11

For those of you who are intrigued by num- bers, 10 of the 24 Cabinet Ministers are from Edmonton and Calgary and 6 of the Parliamentary Assistants are also from those two cities. Seven of the 24 Cabinet members are female and two of the 10 Parliamentary Assistants are female. The leader of the nine member Official Opposition is Liberal leader Kevin Taft and the leader of the two New Democrats is Brian Mason. It is interesting to note that the other New Democrat member is Rachel Notley, daughter of former party leader Grant Notley.

12 What’s in the News?

Don’t treat the old and function and they include a free press, peace- ful assembly and a functioning civil society. unhealthy, say doctors HRW lists 26 countries that it claims use According to an article in The Telegraph, electoral manipulation, however, a U.S. state doctors in the U.K. are calling for National department spokesman claims the U.S. does Health Service (NHS) treatment to be with- not promote false democracy or condone human held from patients who are too old or who rights abuses. (Source “West ‘embraces sham lead unhealthy lives. In a survey of 870 family democracies’” BBC News, January 31, 2008. and hospital doctors, almost 60 percent said that the NHS could not provide full health care for everyone and that some individuals Have your cake and eat it too! should pay for services. A third of respon- So what went wrong with the economy? dents said that elderly patients should not be given free treatment if it were unlikely to do Many years ago when we lived in Medicine them good for long. Half thought that smok- Hat our neighbour across the street was a ers should be denied a heart bypass and rancher. He and I used to have some interest- 25 percent believed the obese should be ing discussions particularly related to the denied hip replacements. The British Medical price of beef. There was one particular period Association (BMA) described the results as when beef prices rose substantially and I “outrageous” stating that care should not be suggested to him that perhaps there should limited on age grounds. A spokesperson for be a ceiling above which beef prices could not the BMA stated “if a patient of 90 needs a hip rise. He went ballistic suggesting that such a operation they should get one. Yes, they suggestion was only worthy of a communist might peg out any time, but it’s not our job to or socialist. He maintained vigorously that play God.” (Source “Don’t treat the old and the market should determine the price. I unhealthy, say doctors” by Laura Donnelly, asked whether that should always be the The Telegraph, January 28, 2008). case. His answer was that it should. Some months later when the price of beef dropped, the topic was raised again when he suggested West ‘embraces sham there needed to be a floor price below which beef prices could not go to protect the beef democracies’ producer from losing money. So I said – no Annual report of Human Rights Watch ceiling but definitely a floor for beef prices. Absolutely, he maintained. What he wanted, I According to the 2008 World Report of HRW suggested, was to have his cake and eat it too. “democracies such as the U.S. and members My comments provoked another outburst of the European Union are increasingly claiming I did not understand economics or tolerating autocrats ‘claiming the mantle of the market place. democracy’.” Apparently in 2007 nations such as Bahrain, Jordan, Nigeria, Russia and With this story in mind I was amused there- Thailand believed that simply holding a vote fore to read in The Globe and Mail and The was sufficient to class themselves as being National Post on Wednesday, March 19, that democratic. The Executive Director of HRW two separate columnists were commenting on suggests that the U.S. and Europe will “accept a similar problem with the banks. Apparently even the most dubious election so long as the ‘victor’ is a strategic or commercial ally.” There are certain factors that make democracy What’s in the News?—Continued on page 14

13 Do You Recognize Yourself? A National Cultural Profile of Canada

anada is the second largest country in Negotiating characteristics: Canadians are “Cthe world and has one of the highest among the most reasonable people in the standards of living due to her vast area and world to negotiate with and meetings are natural resources. Canada is arguably the normally conducted on a pleasant, open most multicultural country in the world. manner aiming at a win-win result. Over 60 languages are spoken by more than Manners and taboos: Canadians possess easy 70 ethno-cultural groups across the country. social graces – they are the world’s best cock- Self-image: Canadians see themselves as fair, tail partygoers. They invite people readily for laid back and tolerant. Few nationals are as supper in their homes where an old-fash- content with their passport as are Canadians. ioned hospitality shows no bounds. Listening habits: Canadians like modest, How to empathize with them: Though unpretentious speakers who provide facts with- Canadians are not very nationalistic, they like out trimmings and inject gentle humour in the you to appreciate the uniqueness of their process. Unlike Americans, they do not want identity and to distinguish them clearly from hard sell. They enjoy early debate with you, Americans. They are easy to deal with, as but listen politely to all you have to say first. they are genuinely interested in other coun- Cultural black holes: Canadians have fewer tries and are keen on being internationally black holes than most nationalities on account popular (which they are). As far as French of the high degree of tolerance observable in Canadians are concerned, empathy is quickly society. This is largely due to the widespread gained by speaking French, if you can. multiculturalism across the country. There is a certain amount of mild anti-Americanism generated by the hugeness and competitiveness of her southern neighbour, but the U.S.-Canada What’s in the News?—Continued from page 11 frontier is one of the friendliest on earth. the banks do not want any government Leadership style: In business, Canadian interference when the economy is booming managers behave in a subdued manner in but when there is an emergency like the comparison with their American counterparts current one related to sub-prime mortgages, and are expected by their staff to be truthful, and the fear of a wholesale collapse of the trusting and egalitarian. Though results- financial system, they assume the govern- oriented, their route to success is governed by ment will bail them out with loans. common sense rather than aggressive methods. “Hosannas for laissez-faire policies echo throughout the editorial pages of the Journal [The Wall Street Journal] . . . until a crisis hits large investment firms. Then they hem and haw a little, muttering under their breath about the need for the federal government to step in to underwrite loans and finance a needed bailout” or put more crudely “social- ism for the rich, the ‘discipline of the market’ for the poor.” (Source: The National Post, March 19, 2008, “What’s good for the Wall Street goose . . .” by Jeet Heer, page A21).

14 Canada’s Losing War Against White-collar Crime – Part 1

(This part one of a two part series based on an A. Canada is seen as a haven for criminals. article by John Gray in Canadian Business, We have strong trust laws, a strong and stable September 24, 2007) banking system, strong privacy legislation and weak enforcement. One Canadian lawyer convicted of money laundering says that Canada – A Good Country for Canada is 100 times safer for criminals than is Crooks! the U.S. He calls Canada “la-la land.” Because of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, n 2003 the RCMP launched its Integrated if Canadian police are involved in an interna- IMarket Enforcement Teams or IMETs. These tional investigation they can be compelled to teams were supposed to comprise elite squads reveal all investigation information. Other of investigators who would work together to law enforcement agencies in the world view crack down on white-collar crime in Canada. Canada as “a big sieve of information.” To date the IMETs have managed just two convictions, both against the same person. Q. How do you think that reputation is affecting Canada? John Gray, a senior writer for Canadian Business interviewed two former IMET officers who A. It is affecting investment. Canadians believe recently left the force. Gray’s goal was to find this Pablum we are fed that we have a trade out what the problem is and why white-collar surplus and our economy is going great, but crime is such a problem in Canada. According it is doing well because the world wants our to the Small Investor Protection Association raw materials. Where is the investment in white-collar crime and embezzlement costs research and development, biotech, manufac- Canadians $20 billion a year and continues to turing etc? What happens when the commodity get worse. The problem is that you and I, the boom goes bust. Offshore investors are not ordinary citizens, pay in the end, particularly interested in investing in Canada. the elderly, the unsuspecting and the naïve. Q. What tools do the police lack that would help Gray asks the former IMET officers a series improve our track record on white-collar crime? of questions: A. One thing that would really help would be Q. How would you describe the state of administrative subpoenas that would compel Canada’s justice system when it comes to witnesses to talk. In that regard foreign police dealing with white-collar crime? forces have more power over Canadian citizens A. Pretty much non-existent, the politicians than do the RCMP. Under the Mutual Legal need to admit the system is broken from top Assistance Treaty, U.S. law enforcement can to bottom. We have a two-tier system where force Canadians to give sworn testimony in an people with money can play the system. The investigation, but we do not have that power. delays in cases are terrible. It took 10 years to Q. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and get a resolution in the Bre-X case and the Freedoms, doesn’t everyone have the right to Livent Inc. case has dragged on for five years remain silent? with no resolution so far. A. The charter is for people who are accused Q. Does Canada deserve its reputation as a of a crime, not witnesses. There is no charter haven for white-collar crime? implication here.

15 Notices

Reunions ARTA Satellite Branch Sherwood Park Community Schools are There isn’t an ARTA satellite branch on planning to celebrate their 50th anniversary Vancouver Island, so let’s form one! Contact in May 2008 at the school and Millican Ogden me if you are interested in organizing or Community Centre, Calgary, Alberta. If any joining a new branch that would provide retired teachers or teachers that have moved to opportunities to meet with former Alberta other schools would be interested in attend- teachers. Together, we can determine the ing, a blog site has been set up for information mission and activities of this new satellite at http//sherwoodreunion.blogspot.com. branch. Contact: Pat Redhead (Edmonton Any questions can be asked at Public Schools, retired), Campbell River, B.C.; [email protected]. There is [email protected]. an ordering form for tickets available after January 1, 2008 at http:// sherwoodreunionorderform.blogspot.com. Books Henry Wise Wood High School Puffs of Breath Were you at Henry Wise Wood School in Keith and Renate Worthington of Calgary, 1978? Wouldn’t it be great to see all your both former teachers, have published a book former colleagues? The class of ’78 is having a that includes Keith’s poetry, complemented 30 year reunion, June 7, 2008, at Symons by Renate’s calligraphy. The 148 page book Valley Ranch. They would love to see some of includes 94 poems and 38 pieces of calligraphy their teachers from their years at Wise Wood. in colour. It sells for $20.00 plus shipping and Check out the website – wisewood78.com – may be purchased by contacting the authors at and register to attend. 403-249-8320 or [email protected]. No Corner Boys Here Holiday rentals This recently published book in two volumes Kihei Surfside – Ocean front Maui condo by Jean Crozier recounts the trials and the joys of the Thurstons, a family who immi- One bedroom, 1½ baths, immaculate, sleeps grated to Canada from south Wales in 1927. 2-4, overlooks the ocean, swimming pool, Phyllis, one of the daughters, was robbed of barbeque and nine-hole putting green. High her opportunity to use the 4-year scholarship speed internet available. One week minimum she’d won to an exclusive girls’ school. But stay. Contacts: [email protected]. Telephone: (780) 887 8228 she turned her love of learning to others. After graduating from Camrose Normal Apartment in the south of France School in 1932, she taught at Sunny Brae (east Holiday rentals available in the south of France of Irma, Alberta), then for 25 years taught in -- mediaeval house and studio in 16th century Irma and Wainwright. Her sister Olive also village of Montagnac near Montpellier and became a teacher, at Metropolitan, Irma and the Mediterranean. Rates for studio (sleeps 2) Giles, then as a much loved substitute teacher April to September $550 Canadian per week, at Edgerton. No Corner Boys Here is avail- for apartment (4-6) April to September able at Audrey’s Books and the Royal Alberta $750 per week. Web site address is Museum gift shop in Edmonton, from the www.SJEventshaw.ca and go to South of website at www.NoCornerBoysHere.com or France bookings. directly from the author 780-481-1899.

16 ARTA – Johnson Scholarships Deadline for applications – July 31, 2008 ARTA has established a $5,000 annual ARTA – Johnson scholarship fund. ARTA selects students from post‑secondary institutions as recipients. Applications must be sponsored by relatives who are ARTA members Application forms and criteria are available by writing to ARTA #409, 11010 – 142 Street, N.W., Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 or may be downloaded from ARTA’s website at www.albertarta.org.

Canadian Diabetes Association The Canadian Diabetes Association is seeking Speakers Bureau volunteers within Alberta to represent the Association as a Speaker providing general diabetes information and creating awareness about the Association. The Speaker will contribute to improving the lives of individuals with diabetes, their friends and family members and professionals working with diabetes related issues. Audiences for the presentations range from elementary school students to seniors. Time and location varies. Training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to increase personal knowledge of diabetes and make a real difference to people affected by diabetes. For more information, please contact Rebecca Loo at (780) 423-5722 Ext 245 or e-mail: [email protected].

Caritas Centre for Lung Health The Caritas Centre for Lung Health’s Mission Statement is: “To return the person with chronic lung disease to the highest possible functional capacity and quality of life through respiratory rehabilitation programs which include exercise, education and support.” The Caritas Centre for Lung Health is located at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre and offers the “Breathe Easy Program” which is funded by Capital Health. This is a Respiratory Rehabilitation program for people with chronic lung disease. The program is six or eight weeks in duration and includes education and exercise to improve knowledge, strength and endurance for persons afflicted with respiratory conditions. Approximately 400 people are enrolled into the program yearly. The Centre also runs a one-of-a-kind pulmonary rehabilitation program using Telehealth technology for patients in Central and Northern Alberta. Graduates of the programs claim they are more independent, confident and experience less shortness of breath. This facility is the only one of its kind in Northern Alberta. With chronic lung disease on the rise, this is a vital service to the Capital Health Region. The Centre for Lung Health is a non profit organization and relies on donations and ongoing fund raising efforts to help provide the services needed for over 160,000 people with chronic lung disease in our province. It would be greatly appreciated if you could assist us in our efforts. Phone 780-482-8951, Fax 780-482-8980 E-mail [email protected]

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