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ACER-CART Moves Forward

Marilyn Bossert | Vice-President and Communications Chair, ACER-CART

ACER-CART (L’Association Canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités – Canadian Association of Retired Teachers) concluded a challenging but productive year with the 2024 AGM held in Ottawa the first week of June.

In the words of president Bill Berryman, “The organization remains a vibrant and effective voice for retired teachers and seniors at a national level in Canada.” Despite a set-back with the withdrawal of one Member organization earlier in the year, the remaining Members remain confident with the power of the voice of ACER-CART.

Every year, ACER-CART focuses on priorities evolving from issues affecting the well-being of seniors across Canada. For 2024–25, “ACER-CART will, in collaboration with like-minded organizations, develop strategies for facilitating ageing at home.” A public health care system that prioritizes appropriately supported care is necessary to allow seniors to remain in their own home or within their own community for as long as possible.

The work is currently with the Health Services Committee who will short-list the essentials of “ageing in place” for an information document that will assist with the advocating process.

In the past six months, ACER-CART has acted on two issues:

  • President Berryman composed three messages in support of Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, a bill that is currently under consideration in committee in the Senate. Those messages and a Call to Action can be found at acer-cart.org. ARTA members can visit the ARTA website for more information on the situation in Alberta along with a Call to Action: arta.net/posts/general-interest/a-long-awaited-canadian-pharmacare-plan.
  • Canadians welcomed the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan but quickly realized the access rules caused unfortunate confusion and consequences, especially for seniors with low incomes. President Berryman’s letter to the prime minister and other major political leaders can also be found on the ACER-CART website. The Alberta premier has already announced Alberta will not be a part of the plan.

ARTA was applauded for its continuing support of ACER-CART: Gary Sawatzky for his informative presentation “Top Trends in Canada Affecting Benefit Plans,” Tony Esteves for his work with the Communications Committee, and CEO Daniel Mulloy for making it happen.