Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees
On May 30, 2009, in Ottawa, Brother Michel Chevalier, President of the Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees, opened the 3rd Triennial Convention of the Association with 65 members in attendance. He introduced Brother John Gordon, PSAC president, as guest speaker.
The PSAC national president, John Gordon, welcomed all those present. Brother Gordon provided some background on APSAR, created by the PSAC National Convention in 1997. The purpose of the organization was viewed as a mobilization tool to continue the fight to protect the entitlement of retirees after they leave PSAC. Mr. Gordon stated that pensions around the globe are under attack and APSAR is in the best position to stand up, defend and fight against government interference, who change rules without any consultation. We must ensure our voices are heard, said John Gordon.
Sister Mary Swinemar was recognized for her hard work and dedication to APSAR with the presentation of a plaque as Life Member of the Association by the PSAC National President, Mr. John Gordon.
The National Council of the Association was introduced: National President, Michel Chevalier; 1st Vice-President, Norman Lloyd; 2nd Vice-President, Claude Parent; Executive Secretary and Regional Vice-President for British-Columbia, Joy Harrison; Regional Vice-President for Newfoundland / Labrador, Sheila Jarrett; Regional Vice-President for Québec, Réjean Genest; Regional Vice-President for the National Capital Region, Byron Bolick; Regional Vice-President for the Prairies, Frank MacGregor.
The Convention clearly outlined the seven directions of the Association for the next three years:
- Protect the retirees' assets ;
- Improve the transfer of pension upon the death of the pension plan member;
- Reform the Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) ;
- Question government on the disproportionate increases in pension contributions without any additional benefit;
- Guaranteed pension indexing;
- Unfair integration of the pension at age 65;
- Promotion of the Association.
The national president, Michel Chevalier, stated that the demonstration shown at this third National Convention proved without any doubt the need for a retiree Association of former PSAC members. He called upon all the PSAC Locals in Canada to join the Association, as they are the basis of the success of the organization. He also asked the whole PSAC structure to unite with the Association in order to allow for this essential complement to PSAC.
Date Modified : 2010/01/29
