| | INTERNATIONAL EDITIONISSUE 2/2001 OLD AND PROUD While watching the Veterans march past the Cenotaph, a youngster asked his father what the initials OAP stood for. He had heard someone nearby refer to them as OAP?s. His father explained that the initials were commonly known as OAP (old age pensioner), but went on to say, that he preferred to think of the meaning as Old And Proud, and continued to say that in his opinion that they had every right to be so.
These, your parents, your grandparents and great grandparents are the people who within just five decades, 1919-1970 have, by their work, increased your life expectancy by approximately fifty percent.
These are the people who have given you a healthier world than they found and because of this you no longer have to fear the epidemics of flu, typhus, diphtheria, smallpox, scarlet fever, measles or mumps that they knew in their youth.
Let me remind you that these remarkable people lived through history?s greatest depression. Many know what it is to be poor, what it is to be hungry and cold. And because of that, they determined that it would happen to you and that you would have a better life.
Because they gave you the best, you are the tallest, healthiest, brightest and probably the best looking generation to inhabit the land. And because they were materialists, you will work fewer hours, learn more, have more leisure time, travel to more distant places, and have more of a chance to follow your life?s ambition.
They also are the people who fought man?s grisliest war. They are the people who defeated the tyranny of Hitler, and who, when the war was all over, had the compassion to help their former enemies rebuild their homeland.
If your generation can make as much progress in as many areas as these two generations have, you should be able to solve a good many of the world?s remaining ills.
You may do it all by hard work, humanity, hope, and faith in mankind.
PENSION MANAGEMENT(?)
Treasury Board Minister Lucienne Robillard, with no input from the Canadian Forces Retirees, established a Pension Management Board to invest the employee contributions to the three Superannuation Accounts. Elsewhere in this NEWSLETTER are the names of the Board Members, Directors and the make up of the CFPAC. Note that there is NO ONE representing the Canadian Forces Retirees. There is an individual from the FSNA on the committee but we all now know that the FSNA supported the government in its legalization of the theft of our retirement savings by Bill C-78/99 so that representation can be discounted as representing the real wishes of retirees!
Last year some $2.7 billion was turned over to the Board to invest. Some $224 million was lost due to poor investment management! Now that was some investing! Some return!
In the meantime, investment management boards such as OMERS and the Teachers' Unions made, and continue to make money for their clients!
Perhaps we are all wrong, but the impression has always been that when investing money, the intent is to make money, NOT LOSE IT!
There is a question. Who actually created the Board specially established to manage CF contributions to the Canadian Forces Superannuation Fund? Was this Board set up as another haven for political patronage appointees?
It is of interest to note that this "Pension Management Board" is an "arms length" organization therefore, who will be able to audit its activities? Being "arms length" will it be subject to the Access to Information Act? With the billions of dollars of employees' money involved, someone other than politicians and unelected bureaucrats must be regularly informed of the status of their investments and the track record of all the paid staff, including the Directors!
HUMOUR SUBJECT:
(Some people are born stupid and stay stupid!)
Idiots: Seems that a year ago, some Boeing employees on the airfield decided to steal a life raft from one of the 747s. They were successful in getting it out of the plane and home. When they took it for a float on the river, they were surprised by a Coast Guard helicopter coming towards them.
It turned out that the chopper was homing in on the emergency locator that is activated when the raft is inflated.
They are no longer employed at Boeing.
WARRIOR'S DAY PARADES
There was a controversy raised recently when some overzealous Cadet Services of Canada officers decided to rewrite history. And by doing so did create much adverse publicity for the Cadet organizations.
At two separate meetings of the Warriors Day Parade Committee, Western Fair, commissioned officers of the Canadian Forces threatened to withdraw the Cadets from participating in the annual event unless the name was changed from "warrior's" to something more palatable to Canada's multitudinous paper generals and political hacks in Ottawa! It appears that Canada's military are not to be considered as "Warriors" but something more politically correct to the mandarinate in Ottawa.
Warrior's Day parades have been a traditional part of county, city, provincial fairs for over 80 years. This year the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto and London's Western Fair were targeted by the Cadet Services as being politically incorrectly named "Warriors". This decision apparently was that of a Colonel R. Hardy, Director of Cadet Services at NDHQ in Ottawa, and a Major R. Trute in London (although it is suspected that the edict came from someone much higher than a lowly Colonel and a Major, there are 73 generals and a much greater number of civilian equivalents with nothing to do in Canada these days but dream up stupidities).
In London the threat of withdrawal was made at a Warrior's Day Committee Meeting in May, at which AFP/AAC National Chairman Ed Halayko sits as a committee member representing the Consumers' Association of Canada. The motion was sprung and passed without any debate and the name change was made to become the Veteran's Day Parade.
This undemocratic motion, passed under duress and the threat, upset Ed Halayko. He then wrote to the Minister of National Defence, Art Eggleton, demanding to know which jackass in Ottawa was trying to rewrite history! Canada was created out of wars fought by Warriors. The Warriors later become veterans. That letter occasioned a flurry of media stories and letters, only one in defence of the renaming by Colonel Richard Hardy, Cadet Director; letters of condemnation from The Royal Canadian Legion, the Army, Navy Air Force Association, the three cadet associations and many others, including parents of cadets and the cadets themselves.. (Needless to say, Eggleton to date has NOT named the "jackass", nor has he had the courtesy to reply to the "jackass" letter. An Access to Information Request is being submitted to get to the bottom of this fiasco).
As no great surprise, a message was received that Colonel R. Hardy was no longer Cadet Services Director!
An Emergent Meeting was then scheduled in June to properly and democratically debate the issue. In the meantime, the CNE Warrior's Day Committee told the Cadet Services that their name would not be changed!
Colonel Hardy withdrew his initial support of the renaming and implied that the initiative for the name change came from Major R. Trute on the advice of a Major General! Hello, doesn't this sound like hanging a subordinate out to dry? Shades of the Somalia Enquiry?
The name of the Annual Parade of military veterans (Warriors) (both Canadian and foreign), militia, regular force, CADETS and other groups will remain the Warrior's Day Parade at the Western Fair in London in perpetuity. Until of course another "jackass" comes along to rewrite Canadian history!
London's Western Fair, the Fiftieth Warrior's Day Parade on 8 Sep 2001was a huge success. 60 units from The Royal Canadian Legion Branches, Regimental Associations, Militia Bands, Navy League, US veteran's organizations, First Nation Units, Dutch and Polish veterans, Polish Scouts, and very large contingents of Cadets participated.
UNCLASSIFIED CANFORGEN 081/01
ADMHRMIL 045 111330Z JUL 01
ON 29 MAY 2001 MND APPROVED AN INITIATIVE TO MODERNIZE ALL PENSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CF. MODERNIZATION OF THE CANADIAN FORCES SUPERANNUATION ACT (CFSA) IS ESSENTIAL TO SUPPORT FUTURE HR GOALS AND MEET THE CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS OF THE CF MEMBERS. THIS WILL BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT REVIEW OF THE CFSA SINCE THE 1970S AND WILL RESULT IN PROVIDING PENSION BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE FORCE
THE HR CHALLENGES FACING THE CF ARE BEING ADDRESSED THROUGH A NUMBER OF ADM(HR MIL) PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY. THESE ARE THE RESERVE FORCE PENSION PROJECT (RPP), THE TERMS OF SERVICE REVIEW (TOS) PROJECT AND THE RESERVE FORCE EMPLOYMENT PROJECT (RFEP). THE MODERNIZATION OF PENSION ARRANGEMENTS IS ESSENTIAL TO SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THESE RELATED PROJECTS
THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE 1998 SCONDVA RECOMMENDATION THAT DND QUOTE PURSUE INITIATIVES TO PUT IN PLACE A REAL PENSION PLAN FOR THE RESERVES UNQUOTE.
MODERNIZATION OF THE CFSA WILL ASSIST THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING PENSION ENTITLEMENTS BASED ON FULL AND PART TIME EMPLOYMENT VICE MEMBERSHIP IN THE REG OR RES FORCE. THIS BASIS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE TO THE TOS AND RES EMPLOYMENT POLICIES
FULL TIME MBRS WILL INCLUDE ALL REG FORCE MBRS AND THOSE RES FORCE MBRS ON CLASS B OR C SVC FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD. THE FINAL DEFINITION OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT HAS YET TO BE CONFIRMED ALTHOUGH THOSE MBRS WHO DO NOT FALL UNDER DEFINITION OF FULL TIME WILL BE CONSIDERED PART TIME. THE MODERNIZED CF PENSION PLAN WILL INCLUDE TWO ELEMENTS TO ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF EACH EMPLOYMENT GROUP
THE RPP IS CURRENTLY IN PHASE 3 PLAN DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. THE WORK DONE TO DATE WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE AS THE PLAN ELEMENT TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF PART TIME EMPLOYMENT. THE CANADIAN FORCES PENSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CFPAC) RECENTLY ENDORSED A RECOMMENDATION THAT A DEFINED BENEFIT (DB) PLAN WAS THE MOST SUITABLE TO MEET THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIVERSE EMPLOYMENT AND SERVICE PROFILES OF PART TIME MEMBERS. FOR MBRS EMPLOYED FULL TIME THE PENSION BENEFITS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE CURRENT REG F PLAN WHICH IS BASED ON AN AVERAGE OF THE BEST FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS DEFINED BENEFIT (DB) PLAN. ESTABLISHING A DB PLAN FOR BOTH FULL TIME AND PART TIME REQUIREMENTS WILL FACILITATE COMMONALITY AND EQUITABILITY BETWEEN THE TWO ELEMENTS AND WITH OTHER PUBLIC SERVICE PLANS SPONSORED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE MODERNIZATION OF THE CFSA WILL ALSO ADDRESS ISSUES THAT HAD BEEN LEFT TO THE CF SUPERANNUATION REVIEW PROJECT (CFSARP) ESTABLISHED TO IMPLEMENT PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN BILL C 78 IN LATE 1999 SUCH AS VESTING AND PORTABILITY
THE MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE IS A COMPLEX UNDERTAKING THAT WILL REQUIRE PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL. AS SUCH THERE WILL BE CRITICAL INVOLVEMENT OF EXTERNAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES IN THE STAFFING AND APPROVAL PROCESS. THE AIM IS TO HAVE THE MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE COMPLETED WITHIN THE TIME FRAME INITIALLY OUTLINED FOR THE RPP WITH ARRANGEMENTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION AT THE END OF 2004
THE CF PENSION MODERNIZATION PROJECT (CFPMP) HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER DGCB. INFORMATION UPDATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PERSONNEL NEWSLETTER, THE MAPLE LEAF AND THE DPSP INTRANET (http://hr.dwan.dnd.ca/dpsp) AND INTERNET
(WWW.DND.CA/DPSP) WEB SITES
PENSION FEUD BREWS AT
BANK OF CANADA
Bank of Canada retirees claim 'ethical' entitlement' to share of $200M surplus
by Kathryn May
The Ottawa Citizen
A battle is brewing over who owns the $200 million surplus piling up in the Bank of Canada's pension plan workers, the bank, its retirees or taxpayers.
The central bank has decided to keep the surplus while it conducts a study of how to redesign its 65 year old pension plan as a tool to attract and keep top notch workers in today's competitive labour market.
Meanwhile, the fate of that surplus is fuelling a major showdown between the bank and its former employees. The 1,400 pensioners were angered when the bank and its employees stopped making contributions into the plan two years ago, but offered retirees nothing. Pensioners argue they have an "ethical entitlement" to a share of the surplus and they are being unfairly cut out.
"What's the difference between taking money out of the plan or granting themselves and staff a contribution holiday for the next 25 years?" asked one pensioner. "In effect, you are paying for the pension liability of current staff out of the surplus which we pensioners are ethically entitled to." Pensioners argue the "contribution holiday" enjoyed by the bank and staff gave workers a "windfall" raise worth more than six per cent a year and saved the bank $7 million in annual payments into the plan.
All new employees including new governor David Dodge and deputy governor Malcolm Knight are benefiting from salary increases, courtesy of a pension plan they haven't even contributed to. "We're taking the moral high ground here," said one pensioner who retired from the bank five years ago.
"The bank, which sets the rates for the plan, overcharged all of its pensioners so we have an ethical entitlement to some of that surplus because we paid too much over the years." The pensioners, who are forming their own association, are pressing for the surplus to be "equitably" carved up and distributed in cash, as "one time, lump sum payments," similar to the payouts the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the CBC gave their workers and retirees.
That could mean a windfall of $25,000 to $30,000 for the average retiree who earned a $50,000 salary. The average pension paid under the plan is $14,000. A similar payout was also recommended by the bank's own internal committee appointed to study the options. It suggested, out of "fairness, equity and good employee relations," sharing $56 million between the bank, its workers and retirees based on the proportion of their contributions. It earmarked $22 million in cash for workers and pensioners; $34 million for the bank and rest as a contingency fund or "cushion against future shocks."
Bruce Yemen, a spokesman for the bank, said the committee's proposal was rejected for a variety of reasons. The bank claims ownership of the surplus because it is responsible for any shortfall in the plan. He argued that over the years, the bank, not the workers and pensioners "made extra contributions to ensure that current pensioners would continue to receive the promised benefits." The bank has no legal obligation to do anything with the surplus, which has exploded since the mid 1990s, largely because of booming equity markets. It multiplied 25 times since 1996 and is still growing. The plan covers 2,800 current employees and retirees, many of whom live in the Ottawa area. The laws governing federal pension plans are unclear on the ownership of surpluses. The plans are also silent on the handling of surpluses, which weren't even considered possible when set up decades ago. The Income Tax Act forbids employers from making contributions once the surplus gets too big and the Pension Benefits Standards Act won't let employers take a surplus unless it has the backing of two thirds of any plan's members.
The Bank of Canada is among a number of federal agencies facing showdowns over the surpluses piling up in their pension plans. The biggest clash came when the Chrétien government laid claim to the $30 billion surplus in its pension plan for public servants, the military and the RCMP. It refused to share a cent and passed a bill allowing the government to use all and future surpluses to pay down the national debt.
Michael Cohen, a pension specialist, said the pension clashes show how difficult is to be "fair" because no "matter how much you try to be fair, if you give money to Peter and not to Paul, Paul will be mad as hell." But Mr. Cohen said federal workers also get little public sympathy because many Canadians think their pensions are rich enough and would be outraged that they're getting more. "It's amazing how passionate people become about entitlement they didn't even know they had and many people think public service plans, which are more generous than yours or mine, should be enough. "Getting additional money on top of that could be seen by some as sheer greed."
Comment The above article appeared in the Ottawa Citizen and unfortunately did not get a wide distribution in other papers. The Chrétien government showed the way to stealing contributors' retirement savings so that other organizations with no integrity follow.
You will note that the "pension expert" belittles employee's entitlement to their retirement savings. Canadians are of one opinion, that the public servants are over paid and under worked. Leaving that belief aside, no one has any right to steal ones retirement savings! If the savings happen to accrue a higher return than anticipated so be it. The surpluses belong solely to the contributors and not to "GREEDY" employers!
It is all very well for the greedy Prime Minister and his trained seals to give themselves huge swallows at the public trough but there is not one penny of the workers' superannuation surpluses to be given to the working stiffs! And foolishly the stiffs keep re-electing the thieves so they can steal even more. Participants in the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act have no need to worry about any surpluses if the politician's appointees to the Pension Investment Committee continue on their current path, even the principal will disappear.
SUBJECT: 1943 GUIDE TO HIRING WOMEN!
An interesting historical piece circa 1943 "Guide to Hiring Women". The following is an excerpt from the July 1943 issue of Transportation Magazine.
This was serious and written for male supervisors of women in the work force during World War II a mere 57 years ago! Obviously, the intent was not to be "funny," but by today's standards, this is hilarious.
If one were to really read the instructions carefully one would find that it was a sincere attempt to please a new and untapped human resource and not chauvinistic!
****
There's no longer any question whether transit companies should hire women for jobs formerly held by men. The draft and manpower shortage has settled that point. The important things now are to select the most efficient women available and how to use them to the best advantage.
Here are eleven helpful tips on the subject from Western Properties:
1. Pick young married women. They usually have more of a sense of responsibility than their unmarried sisters, they're less likely to be flirtatious, they need the work or they wouldn't be doing it, they still have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the public efficiently.
2. When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Older women who have never contacted the public have a hard time adapting themselves and are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. It's always well to impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy. 3. General experience indicates that "husky" girls those who are just a little on the heavy side are more even tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.
4. Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination one covering female conditions. This step not only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit, but reveals whether the employee to be has any female weaknesses which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job.
5. Stress at the outset the importance of time; the fact that a minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules. Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.
6. Give the female employee a definite day long schedule of duties so that they'll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them, but that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.
7. Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be less nervous and happier with change.
8. Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. You have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.
9. Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can't shrug off harsh words the way men do. Never ridicule a woman it breaks her spirit and cuts off her efficiency.
10. Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around women. Even though a girl's husband or father may swear vociferously, she'll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.
11. Get enough size variety in operator's uniforms so that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can't be stressed too much in keeping women happy.
AFP/AAC STAMP COLLECTORS
The Canadian Forces Philatelic Society (CFPS) is a non public organization for members of the Canadian Forces (active or retired), and their dependents. If you are a stamp collector, why not think about joining the CFPS?
Membership fee is currently $10.00 per year. Membership includes receiving the CFPS's Bulletin three times a year and being able to participate in sales circuits and stamp exchange.
For membership application and additional information visit the CFPS web site at www.sfu.ca/~dgronbec/cfpshome.htm or contact the CFPS Secretary, Neil Johnstone, at CFPS, Box 46006, 2339 Ogilvie Road, GLOUCESTER, ON K1J 9M7.
PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD
President of the Treasury Board of Canada, Lucienne Robillard, announced the appointment of the members of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, on 17 April 2000.
Parliament enacted the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act last September to improve the management of public sector pension funds in order to ensure the sustainability of the pension plans for the future. Beginning this month, the pension contributions made under the pension plans that cover the Public Service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be invested in the financial markets.
"The Government of Canada is confident that the Public Sector Pension Investment Board will invest the funds of the three major public sector pension plans prudently," said Madame Robillard. "Its members, who are highly qualified and possess a broad range of experience in the investment, pension and management fields, will be well equipped to make investment decisions that will lead the public sector pension plans into the 21st century," she added.
Appointed by Governor in Council, the members of the Board were recommended by the President of the Treasury Board from a list of qualified candidates identified by a nominating committee. This nominating committee, which was chaired by Mr. Claude Lamoureux, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, included representatives from a pensioner association and members of the three public sector pension plans.
The Board will consist initially of a chairperson, Mr. William R.C. Blundell, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Electric Canada Inc. and former Chairman of the Manufacturers Life Insurance Co., and six directors:
Bob Baldwin, Ottawa, Ont
Jean Louis Bourbeau, Montreal, Que
Paul Cantor, Toronto, Ont
Paul G. Haggis, Edmonton, Alberta
Donna Soble Kaufman, Toronto, Ont
Carl H. Otto, Montreal, Quebec
The Board's goal will be to achieve maximum rates of return on investments without undue risk, while respecting the requirements and financial obligations of each of the public sector pension plans. It will also be responsible for setting investment policies, standards and procedures, establishing investment and audit committees, developing conflict of interest rules and a code of conduct for directors, officers and employees, as well as appointing an auditor and complying with legislated investment parameters.
THE BOARD WILL OPERATE AT ARMS' LENGTH FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND FROM PLAN MEMBERS. It will also report to Parliament annually on the results of its investment decisions. In its first year of operations, the Board is expected to invest approximately $3 billion in new pension contributions.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD:
SELECTION PROCESS AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Selection Process
The President of the Treasury Board of Canada, Lucienne Robillard, recommended the Board of Directors from a list of candidates proposed by a nominating committee. The nominating committee, which has tenure of five years, is composed of eight members selected in the following manner:
An independent chairperson selected by the President of the Treasury Board;
A member recommended by a pensioners' association; Has NOT happened!
Two members selected by the Minister of National Defence to represent the members of the Canadian Forces pension plan; (Note: NO Retirees)
Two members selected by the Solicitor General to represent the members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police pension plan; and
Two members selected by the President of the Treasury Board to represent the members of the public service pension plan.
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board will eventually be made up of 12 directors, including the chairperson. While it is expected that the remaining five members will be appointed in the near future, the appointment of these first seven members will allow the Board to set up its operations beginning this month.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Bob Baldwin (Ottawa, Ontario): Mr. Baldwin was a Professor of Political Science at the University of Western Ontario before joining the Canadian Labour Congress in 1976. There, he held a series of positions before becoming the Director of Social and Economic Policy, his current position. Mr. Baldwin holds a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario.
Jean Louis Bourbeau (Montreal, Quebec): Having worked in various capacities with the Alliance Mutual Life Insurance for over 20 years, Mr. Bourbeau joined William M. Mercer Limited as a consultant in 1979. From 1985 to 1999, he was the Chairman of Mercer. Mr. Bourbeau holds a Bachelor's degree in Science from the University of Montreal. He is also a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
Paul Cantor (Toronto, Ontario): Mr. Cantor was recently appointed Managing Director of Russell Reynolds Associates. Mr. Cantor holds an LL.B. from the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers.
Paul G. Haggis (Edmonton, Alberta): Mr. Haggis began his career in the banking sector in 1979. In 1988, he was named Vice President, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. It was with this latter company that Mr. Haggis held a variety of senior positions, including those of Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations. Mr. Haggis holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Western Ontario.
Donna Soble Kaufman (Toronto, Ontario): Mrs. Kaufman, a full time Corporate Director, began her career as a broadcast executive with CHCH TV in the early sixties. She is a former partner of Stikeman Elliott, an international law firm, where she practised antitrust law. She has served on several boards of directors, including Selkirk Communications Limited, where she was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Southam Inc. and Provigo Inc. She currently sits on the boards of BCE Inc., Bell Canada International Inc., and TransAlta Corporation, and serves on the Audit/Pension Policy Committees of all three corporations. Mrs. Kaufman holds a B.C.L. from McGill University and an LL.M. from the Université de Montréal.
Carl H. Otto (Montreal, Quebec): Mr. Otto began his career with the Investment Department of Montreal Trust in 1961 as Financial Analyst and subsequently Manager, Investment Research Department. He later worked with AMI Partners Incorporated, where he remained until 1996 as Managing Director. Mr. Otto is a member of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts and holds a PhD (Law) from Freiburg University in Germany.
CHAIRMAN
William R.C. Blundell (Toronto, Ontario): In 1949, Mr. Blundell began his career working with the Canadian General Electric Company Limited (CGE). Mr. Blundell holds a Bachelor's degree in Science (Engineering and Physics) from the University of Toronto.
Executive Team - Public Sector Pension Investment Management Board
ADEL SARWAT, President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Mr Sarwat was Vice President, International Stock Markets at Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec since 1987. He started this activity internally for the Caisse and was responsible for $22 billion of assets, heading an in house team of 14 international portfolio managers and analysts and hiring outside managers. He was also chairman of the Asset Mix Committee at the Caisse. Mr Sarwat joined the Caisse in 1986 as Senior Portfolio Manager, US equities. He managed that portfolio for 8 years. Mr Sarwat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Cairo University, Egypt, a Master of Science degree in Mathematics, a Master of Science degree in Economics and an MBA (finance) from HEC(Université de Montréal). Mr Sarwat is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
DANIELLE G. MORIN, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Mrs. Morin had been, since 1999, vice president, Finance and Operations with Elantis Investment Management Inc. Mrs. Morin holds a Bachelor of Actuarial Science from Laval University.
CFPAC MEMBERS
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Pension (Superannuation) Advisory Committee
Incumbent Appointments:
1. MajGen RJ Hillier, Assistant Chief of Land Staff
2. Cmdre Jacques Gauvin, Director General Naval Personnel
3. BrigGen Tom Johnson, Director General Air Personnel
4. RearAdm Ray Zuliani, Chief Reserves and Cadets
5. LtGen Christian Couture, ADM (Human Resources Military)
6. ViceAdm Gregory Jarvis, Director General Finances
7. CPO1 Richard Lupien, CF CWO
8. Col Dominic McAlea, DND/CF Legal Advisor
9. Col Linda Colwell, Director General Compensation and Benefits
10. BrigGen (Ret) Allan McLellan, the MND's FSNA Representative
12. Canadian Forces Retirees' Representative - NIL!
There now are over 100,000 CF Retirees yet we have NO voice on this important Committee "administrating" the investment of our retirement savings!
13. Non Commissioned Members' Representative - NIL
14. Junior Officers' Representative - NIL.
Currently there are fewer than 60,000 Serving Members, including the 73 generals', in the Canadian Armed Forces!
"Esprit de corps"
Are you looking for that great little investigative magazine called, "esprit de corps, Canadian Military?"
This magazine, has been investigating and reporting upon the shenanigans, obfuscation, cover ups, mismanagement and even theft and fraud by National Defence bureaucrats and senior military officers for years. It is not available on all bookshelves so is worth at least a trial subscription.
The AFP/AAC goes after government mismanagement and such issues as theft of our retirement savings. The esprit de corps' goes after individual dastardly incidents, incompetence and of course the stupidity of having more than one uniformed general plus the equivalent number of "civilian" generals per 800 troops, all pushing paper. Yet, no decent and safe helicopters, tanks, vehicles, boots, weapons, uniforms etc. etc.
Historical articles by noted Canadian historians are also published.
It can come directly to your home each month by subscription. Give them a call, (toll free) at 1-800-361-2791 or
email at: espritdecorp@idirect.com.
Anytime.
VIAGRA
After a flurry of publicity which implied that the medication Viagra was available to veterans for free, the reality is NOT quite like that. The drug is NOT even available to veterans receiving a disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada.
Theoretically, on the recommendation of a Urologist or similar specialist, the family Doctor can write a prescription for the medication and it will be paid for by VAC.
In reality, the veteran must have a disability pension for an erectal or urinary dysfunction, and the above recommendation, before VAC will pay for the drug. The fact that the pensioner might have been treated for the dysfunction when in the Forces, and even might have spent time in a hospital for the dysfunction while Serving, it is not sufficient to qualify for the drug! The disability must be specifically for the dysfunction to qualify for an entitlement for the drug.
Change of sex operations are fully paid for but not the price of a drug which might help improve the quality of life? Go figure.
The above information is based on direct communications from VAC bureaucracy in Charlottetown. No response to the question, posted three months ago, has been received from the VAC Secretary of State, Ron Duhamel.
Response to an Access to Information Request was received in ten days. The response from the Minister followed a week late having taken over three months?
It was confirmed that any veteran who was treated for a urinary infection while in the service or was released with a disability relating to a urinary infection and has an erectal problem may be eligible for the drug Viagra. A recommendation must be made by a Urologist and a prescription written by the family doctor and then the matter of providing the drug under is taken under consideration.
VAC Web Site: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general
GENERAL INSURANCE
In an effort to provide you with the best possible service for your group home and/or auto insurance policy, the provider of the group general insurance of behalf the AFP/AAC has changed the method of servicing your group home and auto insurance needs.
Effective October 1, 2001 you will have the option of dealing directly with Waterloo Insurance for any new business, changes to your policy or reporting a potential claim.
Waterloo Insurance Company is part of The Economical Insurance Group, a financially secure organization with over $1.6 billion in assets and a surplus of over $500 million to protect its policy holders.
Unlike many insurance companies operating in Canada, the Waterloo is not a subsidiary of a foreign owned company. The Economical Insurance Group is 100% Truly Canadian and a supporter of the national economy. Since its beginning in 1871, it has directed almost 100% of its available funds to Canadian investments.
Waterloo Insurance has licensed insurance professionals who specialize in group home and auto insurance. Dealing directly with Waterloo Insurance eliminates potential for error with guaranteed policy premium quotations, and will result in faster distribution of your policy. It is this quality of service that makes your group home and auto insurance program unique in this market place.
If you currently participate in the AFP/AAC group home and auto insurance program through Waterloo Insurance and wish to continue on the plan, please contact Waterloo Insurance at 1-866-247-7700 or 1-519-570-3049.
If you wish to stay with your existing broker, please contact them directly.
All residents of Quebec wishing to join the program please contact Le Group LAH at 1-800-361-1480 or 1-514-878-9373.
This arrangement is to provide general insurance at group rates. All enquiries must be addressed to the insurance provider and NOT to the AFP/AAC.. However, complaints about the service can be sent to the AFP/AAC for resolution.
All calls to the 866 number will be taken by operators fluent in the English language, day or night!
MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION - RENEWAL
(Still only $15.00 per year)
Rank or Title & Init:_____________________
(Mrs Ms Mr or Capt etc)
Name:________________________________
Decorations:___________________________
Address:______________________________
Apt No:__________
City:________________________________
Prov:__________.Post Code:____________
Telephone :(____)________________________
E-Mail:______________________________
Please make cheques out to: AFP/AAC
Mail Application/Renewal forms, with fees, to:
AFP/AAC
PO Box-28029,
LONDON, ON. N6H 5E1
A Renewal Form is NOT necessary. If your Membership number or Postal Code is legible your data can be easily accessed and updated. Therefore it is NOT necessary to damage your NEWSLETTER.
Please note the membership expiry date on your envelope.
We DO NOT mail out expiry notices!!
Tel:- 1 (519) 471-9232
e-mail:-
Web Site:- www.afp-aac.org
SUBJECT: FOOD TO AVOID
A dietitian was addressing a large audience in Vancouver.
"The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"
A 75 year old man in the front row stood up and said, "Wedding cake."
COST OF LIVING INCREASE
Information was received that the increase in the Canadian Forces Superannuation due to the Cost of Living is to be 3% in 2002.
SPEECH BY LTCDR MAGEE, RCN, CD REVIEWING OFFICER
AT THE 50TH WARRIORS DAY PARADE, WESTERN FAIR. LONDON ON.
I recently watched a T.V. program where a number of Hungarian women who had been prisoners in the concentration camps of Auschwitz, Bergen Belsen and others during WW II describe the treatment they received from the Nazis. All of them had lost their loved ones.
The program included snippets of various happenings which brought back memories of World War II and how it lasted five years and eleven months ... of the terrible treatment of our prisoners of war in Europe and Japan ... how 36 million lives were lost ... and the lives of millions of others were changed forever; and how peace-keeping and peace-making have reached epidemic proportions today.
Yet, as happened prior to WW II, many in authority questioned the need for our armed forces, ... and today, again, the authorities seem to question the need for our warriors and the armed forces are continually being reduced.
Most, if not all, in authority today were too young to be involved in those times, nor do they seem to have learned the lessons of WW II or Korea, which started five years after WW II and lasted another three years.
Our warriors have fought for the freedom of others for the last century and are still fighting the struggle of peace-keeping had peace-making under great hardship, in areas such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, the Gulf War, etc.
Those who so proudly marched today and those unable to march are the men and women who are or were willing to give up some of their freedom to help others and today they would like us to recognize that fact.
Among those who marched are representative groups of veteran warriors from WW II and Korea, as well as many peacekeepers and peacemakers, who serve in many parts of the world ensuring someone's freedom.
All those wonderful cadet squadrons who marched so well also remind us how wonderful freedom is. Some of them may one day become part of our military heritage.
We saw many representatives marching today from various veterans groups, such as the legion and associations directly related to the navy, army and air force. I was impressed to see separate groups representing specific areas B the Newfoundland Regiment, the Polish groups, the Dutch Legion, the Vietnam Veterans and our Native Veterans ... Warriors all!
Then we had all those units from the United States who travelled here from Michigan to celebrate this Warriors Day. It is too bad the Buffalo Soldiers (Calico Troops), horses and riders, were unable to be here.
I think it is also of great credit to those veteran warriors who are unable to march, yet come out to celebrate this great day.
And to add to it all, we had the Police Guard and Band, as well as the Army, Navy and Air Force Ladies Auxiliary.
Then, of course, any such occasion would not be the same without the bands and colour parties who added so much to the success of it all, especially the Duty Colour Party and Band.
Lastly, I would like in particular to extend my appreciation to the Guard of Honour from HMCS Prevost, in London, and the band from HMCS York, in Toronto, and to say they performed admirably ... Thank You.
I have been honoured to be the reviewing officer today and assure you it will remain a highlight in my life.
I extend my congratulations to all those involved for such a magnificent performance and to those responsible for the planning and organization of the event. Thank You.
Will the audience please join me in a show of appreciation for a job well done.
TERROR
The day of infamy which started just before 9:00 Am 11 September 2001 will never be forgotten, nor should it ever be!
It is not possible to comprehend that close to 6000 humans were murdered by a few terrorists. It is also difficult to believe that there are people in this world so disgruntled that their hate would lead them to commit suicide in order to fulfill their evil and criminal acts.
There were the Kamikazes during WW II who knowingly were prepared to sacrifice themselves in the last ditch attempt by the Japanese government to salvage what it could as their war was being lost. The attacks however were only against military targets.
The 11 September actions were criminal acts against innocent civilians.
The USA has a very difficult response to make, and it must respond - but against whom? Attack a whole nation and religious fanatics could and would declare a holy war which would pit millions of Muslims against the Western democracies.
Kill those madmen behind the 11 September murders and they will be made martyrs by other madmen, and terror will continue. Unless all terrorists, their leaders and protectors are disposed of, promptly.
President George Bush is in an unenviable situation, even though the majority of the world's people and governments have offered to help eradicate the criminals.
Canada's possible weak support is a disgrace, 73 "generals" but only a handful of troops. The Rapid Response Force - The Canadian Airborne Regiment - is no more, and. no Mobilization Plan, thanks to political and bureaucratic bungling. What have we to offer? Why two platoons of generals of course, in used combat clothing, wearing second hand boots, and equipped with obsolete weapons and helicopters.
Aside of the above digression regarding Canada's sad state of defence preparedness, we must try to help capture, try and execute those responsible for the terrorists, even if it involves executing leaders of foreign governments. None must be allowed to hide anywhere in the world..
If terrorism is not stopped immediately, we Canadians will surely be targeted one day.
We had a spate of bombing and murder back in the so called October Crisis. The criminals were captured but were allowed to escape punishment by being permitted to live in exile! Some were eventually allowed to slip back into Canada and some were given government jobs.
No more.
Bush was right when he said that those who were not with the USA in going after the terrorists must be supporting the terrorists.
There cannot be any halfway measures in this issue. Canada must give full and unqualified support to the USA and the rest of the world. Even China has offered to help.
May all those innocent souls who perished by the terrorist attack - REST IN PEACE!
They must be avenged.
We finally dispatched our navy to help in a war against a land locked country.
PERSONAL RECORDS
CF Retirees who wish to obtain their personal records can do so from the attached address. In applying for disability pensions or desiring to know just what was filed in one's records could be of significant use when seeking justice. Not all bureaucrats are meticulous in their searches for pertinent data regarding one's medical records. Individuals can be much more thoroughly informed based on their own memories of events and the contents of their records.
Write:
National Archives of Canada
Personal Records Unit
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N3
Phone: (613) 995 5138
Or try requesting info over the Internet at:
http://www.archives.ca/02/020203_e.html
SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
No personal data of any AFP/AAC member is loaned, sold, rented or disseminated in any way to a third party. The data is contained in three computers, one is used for daily working and the other two store the information as backups. Two back up disks are also maintained and all hardware is stored securely.
Bulk mail sent out electronically (e-mail) is sent out as BCC (blind carbon copies) so there is no way any third party has access to anyone's personal information. One on one mail of course is dispatched directly to the recipient and to no one else.
Membership lists are continually being asked for and the requesters are denied the information.
Any general mail outs, such as insurance forms, are handled by this office and paid for by the originating firm. We do not mail out or subscribe to junk mail or telemarketing.
Your data is confidential and will continue to remain so.
LITIGATION
The government pulled a rather sleazy trick and managed to convince a Judge that Unions cannot represent their members in the theft case against the Crown of the surpluses of our retirement savings. That is a difficult one to understand when it was also union member's money that the government grabbed through Bill C-78/99.
The RCMP Associations affiliated with the AFP/AAC were also disqualified by the same Judge.
So now we have more legal shenanigans to overcome before we can get to court!
On behalf of the RCMP Associations we have launched an Appeal to overturn the Ruling.
Only one union group, the Public Service Alliance of Canada on behalf of its coalition, has also launched an Appeal. The Professional Institute of Public Service Canada (PIPSC) to date has NOT launched an Appeal on behalf of its members or their affiliates.
So it would appear that it is the AFP/AAC that is now the only spearhead stuck into the side of the Federal government and its lawyers!
We must now await to see what sleazy trick will be applied to get us to back off!
Paraphrasing President Bush, those who are not with us must be against us, and with the government on this issue! But we are not the enemy.
We have been getting feelers from some union/association groups in an endeavour to join with us in this litigation. More on this as the saga unfolds.
Supplementary Death Benefit
A recent out of court settlement awarded a widow in Victoria full entitlement to her deceased husband's SDB which had been reduced by virtue of his age upon his death.
It must be noted that this was an "out of court settlement". This type of settlement might save the government some money in the short term, but in the long run could be very expensive. There is an example of that sort of legal manoeuvring before the courts now. The government had an opportunity to resolve the issue of the interest of institutionalized veteran's money back in 1985. It chose not to, but did make a couple settlements. The government now is on the hook for anywhere up $1.5 billion for being stupid in this case.
This can and will happen over the SDB and regarding the 60% survivors' benefit and no benefit for those who marry after age 60!. The courts will eventually rule on sexual and age discrimination in all cases and that will cost a lot of money. Money that we DID have surplus in our Canadian Forces Superannuation Account.
SUBJECT: CANADIAN CATHOLIC WOMAN'S LEAGUE RESOLUTION 01.06
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001 18:50:38 0800
Dear Sir;
The following excerpts are from the minutes of the Catholic Women's League of Canada the Annual National meeting held in Calgary AB in Aug 2001.
01.06 Spousal Benefits Under the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act [CFSA]:
Whereas, Spouses of Canadian Forces members significantly contribute to the ability of the Canadian Forces to serve Canada with distinction all over the world; and
Whereas, Spouses of deceased Canadian Forces members are entitled to an annuity equal to 50% of a deceased spouses pension in accordance with the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, Chapter C 17, Section 25 {1};and
Whereas, Spouses of deceased members of parliament are entitled to an annuity of 60% of a deceased spouse's pension in accordance with the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act, Chapter M 5 Section 20 {1},
therefore: be it Resolved,
That the National Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada, in 81st annual convention assembled, urge the federal government to amend Chapter C 17, Section 25 {1} of the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act to grant spouses of deceased Canadian Forces members an annuity equal to 60% of a deceased spouse's pension.
Issue summary: Members of the Canadian Forces, their spouses and families are subjected to a number and variety of sacrifices occasioned by a military career. Given that they too serve their country, just as members of parliament do, the spouses of deceased military members should be entitled to the same benefits as the spouses of those who serve their country in parliament
I would like to point out that this large group of ladies representing 100,000 members have it right and that there is no reason at all why the same benefits should not apply to retired members of the Armed Forces of Canada as to retired MP's. This is especially true when the present Government sees fit to raid the so called "surplus" of the superannuation fund which I believe is still before the courts. The fund was never government funds and was never put there to fund other government expenses.
Submitted by: MJ Weiten, AFP/AAC
Permission to print granted by President, Canadian Catholic Women's League
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2001
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
AND ON THE WALL PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBERING THOUGHT CAME TO MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, SO DARK AND SO DREARY,
THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, NOW I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD EVENING'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
|
| | |
