Newsletter, Winter 2024
To all Members of the Retired Members Guild
It is the start of a new year, which is a time for new beginnings and new ideas. First and foremost, we would like to introduce you to our new executive elected in January 2024.
If you are a newly retired member, you may ask yourself “What does the Retired Members Guild do?” Well, let’s see. We advocate for members (close to retirement and retired); we raise awareness about the benefits of becoming a member; and, we even mobilize for members in the workplace.
We are now launching a new membership drive and would like to welcome both retired members and soon-to-retire members! So please pass it on. Why? – because it is worthwhile.
Let’s explain first about the Service Plus discount program. It is entirely free and provides great discounts through 80 partners and there are plans for many more in 2024! For rebates on insurance, travel, medical, eyewear, leisure, fitness, communications, and more, check out Service Plus and register. You will also be able to enter contests for amazing prizes. All you need to do is join the program. Many members tell us that their dues are often recovered with only 1 or 2 purchases under the Service Plus discount program!
So, remember to renew your membership with the Retired Members Guild (RMG). It’s only $69.60/year (8% of regular member’s dues). Retired members’ dues can be paid online. Now, it is more important than ever to have your voice heard, regarding issues which affect both soon-to-retire and retired members.
Plus, our membership drive has a new and improved lottery. Until December 31, 2024, you could be eligible to win a new HD home theatre projector with remote control (screen not included) from the RMG. All new and renewing retired members are eligible for the draw. Good luck!
Highlights from 2023
At the 2023 PIPSC Annual General Meeting in Montreal, the delegates successfully defeated a motion to increase the dues.
After more than 20 years, the first national all-presidents meeting of the Retired Members Guild (RMG) was held in Ottawa, on October 17, 2023. It preceded the RMG’s 2023 Annual General Meeting.
Participants from all chapters discussed a variety of contemporary issues that affect professional retirees and strategies to deal with them. The Guild now represents retired professional members in 12 regional chapters across the country.
Shown in the photo:
Front row, left to right: Stewart Wong, Edmonton; Joanne Bouchard, Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba; Gerry Saunders, Moncton; Marie Kereluik, Fraser Valley; Yvon Brodeur, Quebec City.
Back row, left to right: Gary LeGassie, Nova Scotia; Brian Macphee, Avalon, Newfoundland; Rajeshwan Utkhede, Vancouver; Alford Lyon, Vancouver Island; Delbert Jenkins, Fredericton.
Missing in the photo: Aron Wolfson, Greater Toronto Area; Sylvia Boucher, National Capital Region.
Looking Forward to 2025
The RMG will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. We look forward to receiving your ideas on how to mark the occasion. Please feel free to contact your respective Regional Executive Officer of the RMG.