Micheline Lefrançois, branch advocacy contact for our Quebec branch, has been a driving force for the Federal Retirees advocacy network, Reach 338.
When Federal Retirees launched Reach 338 in 2020, one of the first branches to hit the ground running was the Quebec branch – led by branch advocacy contact Micheline Lefrançois.
Under Micheline’s guidance, the Quebec branch, along with then Quebec advocacy program officer, Lucie Tremblay, met with all their 2020 target MPs and even some who were not on the list!
These meetings led by Micheline ensured Quebec members of Parliament are aware of, and understand, Federal Retirees’ priorities. Branch meetings with their MPs are a valuable way for Federal Retirees to connect with MPs and stay top of mind.
The proof?
Following a Reach 338 meeting, the Quebec branch received an invitation from Luc Desilets, member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, for Simon Coakeley, Federal Retirees' chief executive officer at the time, to appear at the Standing Committee in their study of the persistent backlog of disability benefit claims at Veterans Affairs Canada.
Caption: Zoom meeting with the Quebec branch, MP Luc Désilets and MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe.
This invitation was a direct result of the outstanding advocacy work of the volunteers at the Quebec branch and provided an excellent opportunity to advocate for equitable outcomes in veteran well-being.
At this appearance, Federal Retirees supported, but also cautioned, the Committee on an evidence-based, automated approval approach for applications for some conditions – one of the “clear the decks” solutions proposed to deal with the massive backlog. Veterans deserve a timely response to their claims, but there is still considerable work to be done to ensure the backlog is addressed equitably.
The Quebec branch is a driving force in advocacy and building strong relationships with their local MPs, the ultimate goal of Reach 338.
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.