Welcome to the Southern Alberta Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees.
For those new to our organization, we currently have eight members on the board of directors who meet once a month (excluding July and August) to discuss administrative/advocacy issues and to plan initiatives that are focused on protecting and enhancing the wants and needs of our members. Our branch has an office in the Nord-Bridge Senior Centre, located at 1904 - 13 Ave N, which is staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the months of September to June between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. by board members who are happy to respond to any questions or queries you might have and provide assistance. (Note: Branch Office will be closed for the Holiday Season between 11 Dec and 9 Jan), We can also be contacted by email at nafr18@shaw.ca.or by telephone at (403) 328-0801. If you are in need of immediate assistance or wish a personal update, feel free to contact me personally at (403) 328-9923.
To receive a fuller understanding of the mandate, role and responsibilities of our Association, you are encouraged to visit our national web site either through google or at the Federal Retirees on Facebook. Be sure you like the Facebook page to get regular updates on issues that would be of concern and interest to our members and seniors writ large
Our 2023 AGM was held at the Country Kitchen on Mayor Magrath in Lethbridge on April 24, 2023. We shared a wonderful meal and friendship. Our next AGM will be held on 22 April 2024 (location TBA) followed by a Branch Luncheon on 21 October 2024 at which we will have a special guest speaker who will discuss an issue that is of vital import to our members.
In addition, and in support and in honour of Public Service Week, we will be hosting our annual summer BBQ.. The event will start at 1130 on 8 June at the Elks Park which is located at the River Bottom (just south of Helen Schuler Museum). This will be a great opportunity to meet with fellow Association members and potential new members as we will extend invitations to folks currently working for the federal government to come and join us. If our BBQ last year is any indication, it promises to be a great time. We are hoping to see you there... and, if you know any Association members or non-members who are currently working for the Federal Government (DND, RCMP, Government) or anyone who is retired and not yet a Federal Retirees member, please extend an invite to them and ask them to mark it on their calendars. There will be No cost to members or potential new members.
Our advocacy team has been very busy ensuring that the Provincial Government is aware of the problems associated with leaving the CPP and advocating against this move. Over the next few months, the team will be visiting our local MLAs and MPs to ensure they are aware of our position and to try and garner their support. The fight to prevent Alberta from leaving the CPP could not be more important. We ask that if you feel the same way that you take the time to post a letter to your MLA and let them know of your concerns. If you require more details regarding the potential impact of this move, please contact our office and one of the Advocacy team members will be happy to provide information and help draft a letter if such is your wish.
I would like to once again extend an invitation to anyone who might like to become a more active member of the branch to give us a call and let us know what you might like to do. Involvement can range from wanting to hold an executive position on the board of directors to volunteering to call other members to remind them of events. That is to say that volunteering with the branch does not compel you to commit to attending monthly meetings or getting involved in everyday decision making (unless, of course, that is your thing). Rather, you can indicate an interest in being only a "Friend of the Board" and helping from time to time and on issues that may be dear to your heart. If you wish to join us (either as a board member or a casual volunteer) please contact us at our office. We would be happy to discuss options and provide details.
Finally, the Association is currently standing up an Ad Hoc Committee designed to look at the current Association Structure and recommend ways in which we might operate more effectively and efficiently. If you are interested, I would ask that you contact the branch and we will put you in touch with the nominating team. If you wish further details please refer to the document housed below (Call for nomination)
Thanking you for visiting our site.
Sincerely,
Richard Chevrier OMM CD
President