Political Advocacy Committee Meeting Summary – May 13, 2024

Executive Committee report:

Each Member Organization has been asked to complete the SWOT analysis. The Executive will be considering the results of the SWOT analysis when they meet before the AGM on the morning of June 6. At that time, the next step will be determined. The results should be used when reviewing the strategic plan.

A third letter has been written supporting Pharmacare.

Thank you to BCRTA for their input on the letter regarding the Canadian Dental Care Plan. It is concerning for low-income retired teachers who cannot access the CDCP, and who cannot afford to pay premiums for a dental plan. The letter was sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and all party leaders.

Mark Holland, the Minister of Health, has been invited to attend the AGM in Ottawa.

Changes to the by-laws and the constitution were shared at the Directors’ meeting on April 10. The changes will be dealt with at 1 p.m. on June 6.

The 2024 AGM will begin following guest speaker Gary Sawatzky, Chief Operating Officer with ARTA.

The future plan is to hold at least three Board of Directors meetings throughout the year.

Communications Committee report:

Three ACER-CART President’s messages have been posted on the website, all supporting Pharmacare. The Canadian Dental Care letter has also been posted.

Meeting summaries for the (1) Health Services committee, (2) Pension & Retirement Income committee, (3) Political & Advocacy committee, and (4) ACER-CART Board of Directors can all be found under COMMUNICATIONS on the website.

Two documents have been prepared by the ACER-CART executive that can be used by Member organizations in their newsletters/magazines and on their websites. One is “Have you joined the ACER-CART’s letter writing campaign in support of Pharmacare?” and the second is “Are you experiencing problems in enlisting in the Canadian Dental Care Plan?”

Analytics show an increase in website traffic following the three messages from the President.

Pension and Retirement Income Committee report:

The survey of cost-of-living increases is complete and will be released at the AGM.

The APP (Alberta Pension Plan) vs CPP (Canada Pension Plan) discussion in Alberta is being closely followed.

The letter for the Canadian Dental Care Plan emphasizes the plight of the low-income senior, a concern especially in high inflation years. Member associations could play a role in informing members of the various provincial and federal programs available for low-income people.

Another issue that has come up, but they have not heard anything yet, is the threat of the government looking at changing the age of eligibility for OAS and CPP.

Political Advocacy Committee report:

National Pharmacare and Ageing in Place remain the two main areas of focus. However, since the Canadian Dental Care Plan came into play, it was felt that letters in this area were also important.

Judy Lederer, from APWG (Alberta Pharmacare Working Group), was impressed with the ACER-CART website and the use of New Mode for our campaigns. They also use New Mode and have been sending letters to the government regarding the National Pharmacare Program. APWG is now going to place the ACER-CART website on information sheets that they send out, as well as on their website.

The ACER-CART letter on dental care was shared with Trish McAuliffe, from the National Pensioners Federation. Liaison with this group will continue.

Health Services Committee report:

There is a wealth of information on ‘Ageing in Place’ and the Health Services Committee would be breaking it down to a manageable level.

The following 12 item list was brainstormed at the Health Services Committee Meeting on April 22, 2024. The list encompasses the components that we feel are necessary to an Ageing in Place Policy

Adequate in-home care workers at all levels.
Assessments for home care needs to be readily available.
Economic stability.
Publicly funded to ensure equal access.
Social and emotional supports, both in the home and community.
Transportation is seen as a must to provide access to these supports.
An emergency care system to take care of vulnerable persons.
Access to medical personnel.
Safety and accessibility in one’s home.
Appropriate housing and adequate availability.
Plans to mitigate social isolation.
Physical and Social activities access.

After the meeting, the compiled list was forwarded to committee members for further refinement. They were asked to rank the top five elements of an ‘Aging in Place’ Policy.

Access to medical care, in a timely manner, in the community. Example: family doctors
Adequate home care supports to enable one to live safely and as independently as possible. Perhaps additional help in managing medication and light housekeeping.
Social and Emotional support. This is necessary to allow seniors to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives, while still living in the community.
Economic stability. Guaranteed income. Some pensions are not as good as others.
This is a necessity in rural areas. Transportation is necessary for all aspects of independent living. Transportation to grocery store, doctors’ appointments, social activities.

More information may be forthcoming at the AGM.