Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan

ACER-CART is a national, bilingual, non-partisan Association that speaks to government and all political parties in support of its members.  We are committed to promoting a vibrant, healthy and dignified lifestyle for our members.

Mission Statement

ACER-CART is an engaging, inclusive and caring community accountable to its membership.  It is the national voice for retired teachers responsive to the needs and concerns of its member organizations and committed to excellence.

 

Vision

ACER-CART is a national organization, dedicated to providing leadership to its community of member organizations and to forging relationships with like-minded organizations to promote objectives on behalf of retired teachers and seniors.

 

Values

ACER-CART values belief in mutual respect, diversity of opinion, tolerance of different viewpoints, integrity and transparency while working collaboratively with like-minded organizations towards a common goal.  Core values are intrinsic to the Association’s vision that defines our beliefs and presents same to the external world.

 

Core Pillars

ACER-CART’s core pillars are guiding principles and values that form a solid foundation of what we are, what we believe, and what we want to be going forward.  Core pillars are principles, values or standards of behaviour which represent the Association’s highest priorities, deeply held beliefs, and fundamental driving forces.

 

Advocacy

ACER-CART ensures a unified voice is heard at the national level on issues affecting retired teachers and seniors in Canada.  It is recognized as an effective advocate for retired teachers and seniors with similar interests or concerns.

 

Outcomes for 2025-2027

  • Expand membership on the Political Advocacy Committee by adding all Executive members, as well as four members from member organizations.
  • The larger PAC provides more thoughts / ideas / suggestions with representation from almost each member organization.
  • Continue the use of New Mode software in political campaigns, federal legislation (e.g. Bill C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare and Bill C-228: An Act to Amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act) and national issues (e.g. Canadian Dental Care Plan).
  • Continue collaboration with the National Pensioners Federation, Alberta Friends of Medicare, Alberta Working Group on Pharmacare, and National Association of Federal Retirees.
  • Continue close affiliation with the Canadian Teachers Federation through receipt of their Parliamentary Reports and working with staff.
  • Most Executive members hold Executive positions on member associations and bring their provincial perspectives to the meetings.
  • Communications Committee and PAC have produced a bilingual brochure on the upcoming federal election.

 

Communications

ACER-CART is a member-centered organization, proactively identifying the needs of the present and future membership and providing information about its programs and services to meet these needs.

 

Outcomes 2025-2027

  • Website provides summaries of all standing committee meetings, Directors meetings, conference reports and AGM reports.
  • Communications Committee continues to analyze the analytics of usage, look at ways to improve the website and update content.
  • One-page documents with colourful headers will be produced to provide up-to-date information for member organizations to possibly post in their publications and on their website.
  • Three ZOOM meetings with Directors, Alternates, Presidents and Executive Directors throughout the year provide up-to-date information on ACER-CART issues.
  • President will continue to communicate with member organizations between the ZOOM meetings.
  • The New Mode software campaigns provide the membership with information and opportunities to follow up on that information.

 

Organizational Excellence

ACER-CART nurtures leadership, encourages communication, recognizes achievement and embraces sustainability.  The Association provides communication tools to ensure accurate, timely dispersal of information to its members.

 

Outcomes 2025-2027

  • Expand membership on the Executive with the addition of one Director from the East and one Director from the West.
  • Expand membership on the Political Advocacy Committee to include all members of the Executive.
  • Seek additional members on the 4 standing committees with the hope of having all member organizations having representation on these committees.
  • Organizing three ZOOM meetings throughout the year to provide Directors, Alternates, Presidents and Executive Directors with up-to-date information.
  • In odd years there will be an in-person conference in the East and one in the West to replace the in-person AGM. These conferences could be used as recruitment as more members will be attending.
  • In even years the in-person AGM will be held somewhere in Canada. This will expand awareness of the organization by meeting outside of Ottawa.
  • The By-Laws, Constitution, Belief Statements and Protocols will constantly be reviewed by the Legislation Committee.
  • The Association will be having discussions on new sources of funding.
  • A two-year term of office for Executive members will provide institutional, organizational memory as well as expertise or insights that have benefited the Association over time.

July 2025