Manitoba-based volunteer Glenn Armstrong, together with dedicated Federal Retirees volunteers across the country, has been hard at work during the 2024 pre-budget consultation process.
Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance held public hearings across Canada in October and November. Individuals and groups were invited to these speak at these hearings about their federal budget priorities.
These hearings are part of the 2024 pre-budget consultations process by the federal government.
Federal Retirees volunteers attended hearings in Fredericton, Halifax, Quebec, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. Although volunteers in Prince Edward Island were looking forward to attending a local hearing, they were unable to do so given the very short notice of the event. Unfortunately, the federal government did not schedule hearings in Saskatchewan.
Volunteers in Quebec , Winnipeg and Vancouver secured time on the hearing agendas to present on Federal Retirees’ budget priorities. These volunteers also took the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of Parliament (MPs) who were present, as part of the Federal Retirees 2024 federal budget campaign.
Quebec Branch president René Grenier and vice president Micheline Lefrançois attended the federal budget hearing in Quebec. While Grenier spoke, Lefrançois took advantage of the number of MPs in the room and connected with as many of them as possible.
"Our appearance before the House of Commons Committee in Quebec City provided a new opportunity for both of us to increase the profile of Federal Retirees priorities during the half-hour discussions, prior to the presentation to the Committee, with the two MPs from the Quebec Branch territory - Caroline Desbiens, MP for Beauport-Côte-de-Beaupré-Île d’Orléans-Charlevoix and Pierre Paul-Hus, MP for Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles,” said Lefrançois.
Manitoba advocacy program officer (APO) Glenn Armstong spoke at the Manitoba hearing. Armstrong was accompanied by Connie Kehler, Prairies and Northwest Territories district director.
“Following the formal presentations, Yvan Baker, MP for Etobicoke Centre in Ontario, approached me. He indicated that he had previously participated in Zoom meetings with Federal Retirees volunteers and suggested that we contact him for follow-up on long-term care issues,” shared Armstrong.
In British Columbia, Vancouver Branch vice president Murray Bryck presented Federal Retirees’ budget recommendations. Bryck was accompanied by B.C. district director Michael Jolicoeur.
“Following the presentation, we were approached by MP Yvan Baker wherein we discussed the home care sector, specifically issues involving the need for enforceable standards, budget allocations and resources for care homes,” reported Bryck.
“Presenting at these public hearings is an important part of the Federal Retirees 2024 federal budget campaign, and we are fortunate to have so many well-qualified volunteers who are able to not only attend these hearings, but also work on this campaign by meeting with their local MPs and sending letters,” said Amy Baldry, Federal Retirees advocacy coordinator.
The efforts of our volunteers compliment the over 7,000 letters members have sent to their own MPs demanding the next federal budget improve retirement security and health care for Canadians.
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians. Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation. It grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.