Windsor & Area Branch volunteers, joined by volunteers from CARP and UNIFOR, participated in a flag-raising ceremony to mark National Seniors Day 2023.
This year, the Windsor & Area branch kicked off their advocacy efforts in January and have been going strong ever since! Let’s take a look at their year so far .
In January, branch volunteers sent letters to their members of Parliament (MPs), outlining Federal Retirees’ priorities and requesting to meet to discuss these important issues.
In April, MP Irek Kusmierczyk (Windsor—Tecumseh) spoke to branch members at their annual general meeting (AGM).
In June, branch president Dan Hebert represented Federal Retirees at the Seniors Month flag raising ceremony at Windsor City Hall.
In August, branch advocacy volunteer Larry Duffield met separately with MPs Kusmierczyk, Brian Masse (Windsor West) and Chris Lewis (Essex) to discuss long-term care.
On Oct. 1, Windsor & Area Branch volunteers joined the Windsor-Essex CARP chapter and the UNIFOR Retired Workers’ Council at the Royal Canadian Legion, to participate in a flag raising ceremony to mark National Seniors Day and the International Day of Older Persons. A lunch meeting followed the ceremony, during which Masse led a discussion on several topics of interest to older adults, including long-term care.
Windsor branch held their 60th anniversary celebration on Oct. 20, and invited their local MPs to attend.
“Windsor & Area Branch started the year strong and has really kept the momentum going, ensuring the local MPs have no doubt about Federal Retirees’ priorities, says Sharon McGovern, advocacy program officer (APO) for Ontario West.
“This ongoing advocacy has allowed the branch to build relationships with their local MPs and also to deliver more value to branch members by creating regular opportunities for them to meet and engage with their own MPs,” continues McGovern.
Looking ahead to next year, Windsor & Area Branch has already invited their local MPs to attend their branch luncheon in January — ensuring these MPs remain mindful of Federal Retirees priorities and that these valuable relationships are maintained.
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.