My name is Mariet van Groenewoud and I would like to introduce myself to you.
As of the May 2, 2023 Fredericton & District Branch (NB62) annual general meeting I became the new branch president for a two-year term. I retired in May of 2014 after having worked for 34 years — first with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada as a lab technician and after the 1995 downsizing, with Service Canada in the roles of acting manager and program officer. I have been a member of the Fredericton & District Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees for almost 10 years, served on the membership committee since 2018 and most recently as a director on the board since May of 2021.
I am looking forward to my new role since I believe strongly in the mandate of the National Association of Federal Retirees. This is a special year as it marks the 60th anniversary of the Association advocating to protect the hard-earned pensions and benefits of retired members (and those nearing retirement) of the federal public service, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and retired federally appointed judges.
Did you know that membership is open to anyone receiving or paying into a federal pension plan as well as their partners, spouses and survivors? The monthly rate for a single membership is $4.38 and for a double $5.69 per month. It’s a great deal!
If you are not already a member, please consider joining the association and I encourage you to contribute your experience and expertise as a volunteer on the board or on a subcommittee aligned with your interests.
I commit to working diligently alongside the members of the Fredericton & District Branch Board of Directors to continue to carry out the important work of protecting the security of our pensions and benefits as well as advocating for a national seniors strategy, supporting Canada’s veterans and promoting a national pharmacare program.
One of our projects will be to implement the recently developed operational plan for the branch which was created by the board with input from the latest local membership survey. Details are being worked out and will include several information sessions on topics of interest that were requested by our members. A celebration to mark the 60th anniversary is also on the board’s to do list. More details on all the plans to follow.
And finally, please feel free to contact me with your suggestions, concerns and questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mariet van Groenewoud - President
mvgsr@nbnet.nb.ca
506-459-5422
