National Association of Federal Retirees
Hamilton & Area Branch
2024 Annual Members' Meeting and Luncheon
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
The Marquis Gardens, Hamilton
1 - Gloria Reid welcomed everyone to the 2024 Annual General Meeting which was well attended. The meeting was also to celebrate our branch’s 60th anniversary.
2 - Gloria introduced the executive, guest Ted Young and new members.
3 - Moment of Reflection was held for those who had passed away.
4 - Lunch was served at 12:15.
5 - Gloria provided the Branch Announcements and Events for 2024
- Tuesday, September 10th – Luncheon with Preferred Partners Open House. This is also our recruitment meeting.
- Tuesday, November 26th - Christmas Luncheon
- October 1st International Day of Older Persons (Tentative - as it is being discussed at the executive meetings as to benefits)
- November 11th Remembrance Services – wreaths will be laid in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Mount Hope and at the Burlington Cenotaph.
- Gloria asked if there was Interest in a Children’s Santa Claus Visit Event
6 - Gloria introduced Ted Young, Director, Ontario District and National Board as our guest speaker. He spoke on topics that are important to our members:
Pension focus – the Association is there to protect it.
Senior issues – such as Pharmacare.
Advocacy to the 338 MP’s constituency offices.
Recruitment and retention. Membership has increased approximately 3,000 members nationally.
Association restructuring committee.
7 - Gloria thanked the Marquis Gardens’ staff for the lunch.
8 - At 1:45 Gloria Reid called the meeting to order.
9 - 2023 Branch Financial Report, 2024 Projections and Reserve Fund was provided by Cathy Tarves, Branch Treasurer.
Reviewed financial statements showing loss of ($3,191.10) was presented. (see attached). They were reviewed by the reviewer Joe Petruskiewitz.
Reserves for 2023 of $4,500 were presented. (See template attached).
- Motion to accept 2023 Branch Financial Report was made by Mike Walters, and seconded by Sandi Mousseau.
- Motion to accept the 2024 Projection and Branch Reserves was made by Ted Seager and seconded by Liz Manto.
- Motion to appoint Review Committee member Joe Petruszkiewicz for 2024 Year End was made by Sandi Mousseau and seconded by Bob Black.
10 - 2023/24 Membership Report was provided by Gloria Reid. (See attached). There are presently 1,406 members in the Hamilton Branch.
- Motion to accept the Membership Report was made by Brenda Alcock/Crayford, and seconded by Cathy Tarves.
11 - Review of Current Appointments:
Executive Board - Elected To Two Year Term by Membership (Term ends May 2025)
Branch President – Ed Wells (appointed December 12, 2023 by the Branch Board)
Branch Vice President / Director Advocacy - John Wiggins
Director of Membership / Volunteer Recognition - Gloria Reid
Branch Treasurer / Event Coordinator – Catharine Tarves
Branch Secretary / Photographer – Rose Norman
Annual Director Appointments (made by Executive Board Members)
Director of Recruitment and Retention – Penny Wirth
Director of Outreach and Marketing – Dave Miller
Branch IT Director - Mark Leonard
Director of Veterans Liaison / Marketing – Ray Paquette
Director of Communications – Edith DeKryger
Director at large / Advocacy Officer – Bob Black
Social Committee Member – Marlene Minigan
Past President / Communications Support - Michael Walters
12 - Motion: to adjourn the 2024 Annual Membership Meeting was made by Dave Miller and seconded by Marlene Minigan.
Tuesday May 28, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. - Next Executive meeting will be held through Zoom.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. – Recruitment meeting and Luncheon with Preferred Partners Open House will be held at Marquis Gardens
Membership Report - Hamilton & Area Branch ON37
Annual General Meeting - May 7, 2024
- Branch Membership is currently at 1,406 members - our numbers have remained relatively stable this year
- We are currently looking at the most effective ways to reach out to potential members to share with them the benefits of membership. If you participate in any groups that include federal employees that might be interested in membership, please let us know
- Each year we try to work with federal employers in our area to provide materials and presentations - please let us know of any relevant contacts you may have to assist us
- If you know of any federal employee personally who might be interested in joining NAFR, please reach out and invite them to any of our upcoming events as a guest and encourage them to look at the National Website “federalretirees.ca” and sign up there
- Just to remind us all, here are the key benefits of membership:
- Everyone knows that there is strength in numbers. As a member of Federal Retirees, you have joined close to 170,000 like-minded individuals who share the same goals as you: a pension that is secure for life, health benefits that work for you and your family, and dignity in retirement for all Canadians.
- We are recognized by the government as the voice of all federal retirees in Canada and sit on several official committees and advisory boards.
- We also have an attractive preferred partners program that provides our members with opportunities to save money on everything from insurance and cell phone service to hearing aids, funeral pre-planning and moving services.
- For travelers, MEDOC travel insurance is a must have. This group plan is the only one in Canada specifically designed for federal employees and retirees. It works hand in hand with your Public Service Health Care Plan benefits, and with more than 70,000 policy holders, you can take advantage of incredible coverage at unbelievable prices that are head and shoulders above standard market rates
- When members need answers, knowledgeable and professional staff is a trusted source of information on pensions, health and dental benefits. From current affairs to emerging issues, our team is here to help you navigate the latest on what’s most important to federal retirees.
- Publications: You get four editions of Sage Magazine annually. Sage is a high-quality publication produced exclusively for our association members nationwide.
- Events: Attend local branch events, including virtual webinars and meetings, and connect with other members.
- Volunteer: We have many opportunities to volunteer and get involved with important advocacy work such as the association’s Reach 338 initiative.
- Stay in touch: Receive pertinent news, analysis and access to members-only contests and special promotions.
- Veterans: Free baggage allowance with participating airlines.