Federal Retirees’ branches are working hard from coast to coast, advocating for secure retirements and healthy aging.
The Avalon-Burin Peninsula branch invited their members of Parliament to their annual general meeting in January.
MP Ken McDonald attended the meeting. MPs Joanne Thompson and Churence Rogers sent regrets due to scheduling conflicts, but said they look forward to attending a future meeting.
During this meeting, Joanne Morrissey, Avalon-Burin Peninsula branch director and branch advocacy liaison, presented Federal Retirees’ four priorities to MP McDonald:
- A comprehensive national seniors strategy which would include home care, community care, long term care, affordability, income security
- Better retirement income security
- A policy framework for improved outcomes for veterans
- A universal, public pharmacare program
Morrissey led McDonald through a discussion on each priority, including government actions to address these issues and where there is work to be done.
The two MPs who were unable to attend received information on Federal Retirees priorities by email.
“I greatly appreciate the excellent work that the Avalon-Burin Peninsula branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees does on behalf of seniors and former public servants — including but not limited to former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP — in the Eastern regions of Newfoundland and Labrador,” replied Rogers.
Morrissey invited MPs to the annual meeting as part of the branch’s work with Reach 338, while also supporting members and prospective members.
“We’re always trying to increase the number of members who attend branch meetings, especially since COVID when people started staying home. Having an MP attend as a guest speaker is a great way to draw more members to meetings and also recruit new members,” said Morrissey.
“With MP MacDonald in attendance, we did see an increase in the number of people who attended the meeting,” Morrissey continued. “This was a great opportunity for both our members and our MP to learn more about Federal Retirees priorities, and for our members to hear from their MP.”
When asked why advocacy is important to her as a Federal Retirees member, Morrissey answered, “MPs need to hear our voices and understand that all Canadians deserve to live out their retirement in dignity, and the government needs to address the issues that affect seniors.”
Interested in inviting your MP to attend a branch meeting? Download our Reach 338 toolkit for templates and meeting kits, or email advocacyteam@federalretirees.ca for help!
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians.Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation. It grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.