Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees
January 2008
PRESIDENT’S 2007 REPORT TO :
THE FIRST PSAC NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING IN 2008
Hundreds of former PSAC members are distraught and in search of an identity, as they have lost their point of reference, which was quite often their job and sometimes their union, to help them occasionally. The Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees enables all those former PSAC members to maintain contact with a 25, 30 or 35 year past, which will forever be a large part of their life. Can we, and can you, deny this link and this respect in a union follow-up by supporting a structure like the Public Service Alliance of Canada?
In 2008, the National Conventions of the PSAC Unions and the PSAC regional Conventions will be called upon to decide on the survival of this Association; and, in 2009, together at the Triennial Convention, you will have to render your verdict, whether YES or NO, PSAC really wants an Association of former retired members. No one must avoid that debate: it’s too serious.
The year 2007 was very difficult. Dealing with ten (10) suicide issues of former PSAC members, that’s not normal. The fact that former PSAC members rot away in a hospital bed, not because they are ill, but simply because they are old and have nowhere to live; that’s not normal. That the universe of a former PSAC member has become a hospital bed at $2,000 or more per month, waiting for death, that’s not normal, it’s even shameful. Is this the kind of life we are preparing for PSAC members? It’s an awful reality to look at, but it’s there. It’s practically a genocide we don’t want to look at nor talk about. It’s awful.
The Association wishes to express its thanks to Locals, Area Councils, regional women’s committees and several PSAC unions who joined the Association as members; the list is attached. I also wish to thank the two PSAC executive vice-presidents from the Quebec region and the national capital region, who were sensitive and cooperated in our cause; I must also mention the exceptional cooperation of the PSAC president, Mr. John Gordon, and all his administrative staff. This show of encouragement and trust is part of the Association’s survival. The year 2008 is full of hope.
In 2006 and 2007, the Association adopted new Bylaws, new regulations, as well as new and simple policies enabling it to intervene, assist, support and even comfort former PSAC members who were or are experiencing moral, social and human difficulties. It also established a network of very effective political contacts in order to underline and make politicians understand that retirees and the elderly are entitled to respect.
When the six major Canadian chartered banks announce net profits of over 19 billions in 2007, when the Canadian Government boasts of a 14 billion dollar surplus for the 2007 fiscal year and the same federal government announces loudly that the pension benefits will be increased by 1.8% in 2008; that’s shocking, shameful and contemptible.
This report outlines the interventions made by the Association in 2007, and its challenges for the future. Even with volunteerism at the limits of the availability of several individuals, the funding of such an Association is astronomical and outside common measure. We presented a solution to the PSAC unions presidents: two resolutions which must be debated at the various 2008 national conventions, and then at the 2009 PSAC Convention. Is that too much to ask? I’ll let you be the judge. The Association believes both resolutions can meet its many administrative obligations. Inopportunely, that is the price for the respect and the survival of the Association.
The Canadian population is ageing. Many more PSAC members will be retiring in the next few years. The battles will be more difficult on a union level. Once well organized, the former PSAC members can play a positive role by providing physical support in future disputes. The PSAC structure must debate the issue of an Association of retirees and make a rational decision. I am convinced that, together, we can make a difference in the future. It’s a matter of wanting it. I am ending my 2007 report on this note of hope.
Michel Chevalier
National President
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Date Modified : 2008/03/20
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