Provincial Issues
Support for Teachers in Light of Bill 2 and the Notwithstanding Clause
As most ARTA members know, the 2025 Alberta teachers’ strike ended with a forced re-entry into schools and new legislation that limits the ability of teachers in Alberta to engage in labour action. ARTA stands with teachers and all workers in Alberta in protest of this outcome. On October 29, 2025, we sent a letter to Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Education, expressing our disappointment in this outcome and urged him to keep working to solve the issues facing teachers.
Alberta’s education system has become increasingly overburdened in the last few years, with classroom teachers seeing ever-increasing class sizes, cuts to supports, and stagnant salaries that have not kept pace with inflation. On top of all this, their professional expertise has repeatedly been challenged or ignored as new curriculums and ministerial orders are introduced, without proper consultation, often coming into conflict with educational best-practices.
The strike may be over, but the issues remain unresolved. Please consider writing to your MLA expressing your perspective on Bill 2, and advocate for the rights of teachers in your community.
Support for Public Education, Teachers, and Alberta Students
With news of a looming teacher strike and potential lockout, ARTA stands in solidarity with our province’s active teachers. We have sent a letter expressing our support to Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Education, and Jason Schilling, the president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). You can find that letter attached to this email.
Alberta’s education system has become increasingly overburdened in the last few years, with classroom teachers seeing ever-increasing class sizes, cuts to supports, and stagnant salaries that have not kept pace with inflation. On top of all this, their professional expertise has repeatedly been challenged or ignored as new curriculums and ministerial orders are introduced, without proper consultation, often coming into conflict with educational best-practices.
In the event of a strike or lockout, we encourage you to stand alongside teachers in your community, whether by joining picket lines with your former colleagues, or through other means, such as writing to your MLA or advocating on behalf of teachers to members of your community.
Alberta Policies and Issues that Affect our Members
The mission of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) and its 31,000 retired teacher and affiliate members is to support an engaged lifestyle after retirement through member-centred services, advocacy, communication, wellness and leadership. As an organization, we are non-partisan, and encourage active involvement and participation in the political process. As part of that encouragement, we have an organisational priority of informing our membership of the positions of interest and importance to seniors and retirees.
Below are issues at the provincial level that ARTA has used our collective voice to shape the province for the future.
Alberta Government to Begin Charging for COVID-19 Vaccines
On June 13, 2025 the Government of Alberta announced that they will be implementing changes to their COVID-19 immunization program. Starting this fall, Albertans who want to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccinations will need to pa out-of-pocket. The estimated price is $110 per dose. You can read more about in the full government statement here.
I am writing to you as one of your constituents to voice my concerns with the new COVID-19 vaccination policy, announced on June 13, 2025.
Alberta’s seniors are among those with the highest risk to complications to COVID-19, and this new policy, requiring individuals to pay for the latest dose of the vaccine, will further endanger our health and wellbeing. Premier Danielle Smith cited low-uptake as one of the primary reasons for this change, but charging a fee will cause the vaccination rates to fall even further.
The estimated $110 cost renders the vaccine impractical for many to get, especially for those of us on fixed incomes. Even among those who pay, there will be greater risk of contracting COVID-19, as new strains spread throughout the rest of the population. Vaccines remain the best way to protect the health of the individual, and the health of the whole population.
Additionally, the choice to limit vaccine availability to health clinics is a further, unnecessary complication that will only make it more difficult to receive the protection and peace of mind we need as seniors.
I respectfully urge you to push the Premier and Health Minister to reconsider this decision and advocate for policies that protect the health and welfare of Albertans. The cost of providing vaccines to seniors is far less than the cost of Alberta’s hospitals and ICUs being filled with patients whose illnesses could have been easily avoided.
Thank you for your time and service. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you would like to contact your MLA and voice your opinion, we encourage you to do so.
If you would like to voice your concerns, we encourage you to write to your MLA using the steps below.
- Visit https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly and enter your postal code to find the contact information of your MLA.
- Send them a letter or email outlining your concerns. Do your best to maintain a civil tone and push them to advocate on your behalf. Feel free to use or adapt the template below:
I am writing to you as one of your constituents to voice my concerns with the new COVID-19 vaccination policy, announced on June 13, 2025.
Alberta’s seniors are among those with the highest risk to complications to COVID-19, and this new policy, requiring individuals to pay for the latest dose of the vaccine, will further endanger our health and wellbeing. Premier Danielle Smith cited low-uptake as one of the primary reasons for this change, but charging a fee will cause the vaccination rates to fall even further.
The estimated $110 cost renders the vaccine impractical for many to get, especially for those of us on fixed incomes. Even among those who pay, there will be greater risk of contracting COVID-19, as new strains spread throughout the rest of the population. Vaccines remain the best way to protect the health of the individual, and the health of the whole population.
Additionally, the choice to limit vaccine availability to health clinics is a further, unnecessary complication that will only make it more difficult to receive the protection and peace of mind we need as seniors.
I respectfully urge you to push the Premier and Health Minister to reconsider this decision and advocate for policies that protect the health and welfare of Albertans. The cost of providing vaccines to seniors is far less than the cost of Alberta’s hospitals and ICUs being filled with patients whose illnesses could have been easily avoided.
Thank you for your time and service. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you would like to contact your MLA and voice your opinion, we encourage you to do so.
For ARTA Members members residing in provinces other than Alberta, we encourage you to contact the Cabinet minister with the appropriate ministry for your concern.
Alberta Coverage for Seniors
On June 10, 2025, the Government of Alberta announced their intention to effectively reduce healthcare coverage for seniors by increasing co-pay maximums over a period of ten months. This will results in increased costs to Alberta's seniors for the medications they need to live healthy.
If you would like to voice your concerns, we encourage you to write to your MLA using the steps below.
I am writing to you as one of your constituents to voice my concerns with the changes to Alberta Coverage for Seniors, announced on June 10, 2025.
While I understand the need to find efficiencies within the provincial budget, these changes place an undue burden on Alberta’s seniors. Many seniors live on a fixed income and already struggle to maintain their quality of life amid inflation in the cost of food, housing, and other necessities. A gradual increase to $35 per prescription may not seem like much on paper, but for seniors managing multiple medications every month, the individual impact is significant and potentially harmful.
These co-payment increases arrive at a time when the senior population is growing faster than any other group in Alberta. Instead of reducing supports to save money, we should be investing more in senior wellness, preventative care, and affordability, which would help to mitigate even more costly emergency room visits and long term care down the road.
I respectfully urge you to push the Premier and Health Minister to reconsider this decision and advocate for policies that protect Alberta’s seniors. After a lifetime of contributing to the wealth and prosperity of this province, seniors deserve dignity and support in their later years, not additional financial stress. Alberta can and should do better.
Thank you for your time and service. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you would like to contact your MLA and voice your opinion, we encourage you to do so.
For ARTA members residing in provinces other than Alberta, we encourage you to contact the Cabinet minister with the appropriate ministry for your concern.
On June 10, 2025, the Government of Alberta announced their intention to effectively reduce healthcare coverage for seniors by increasing co-pay maximums over a period of ten months. This will results in increased costs to Alberta's seniors for the medications they need to live healthy.
If you would like to voice your concerns, we encourage you to write to your MLA using the steps below.
- Visit https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly and enter your postal code to find the contact information of your MLA.
- Send them a letter or email outlining your concerns. Do your best to maintain a civil tone and push them to advocate on your behalf. Feel free to use or adapt the template below:
I am writing to you as one of your constituents to voice my concerns with the changes to Alberta Coverage for Seniors, announced on June 10, 2025.
While I understand the need to find efficiencies within the provincial budget, these changes place an undue burden on Alberta’s seniors. Many seniors live on a fixed income and already struggle to maintain their quality of life amid inflation in the cost of food, housing, and other necessities. A gradual increase to $35 per prescription may not seem like much on paper, but for seniors managing multiple medications every month, the individual impact is significant and potentially harmful.
These co-payment increases arrive at a time when the senior population is growing faster than any other group in Alberta. Instead of reducing supports to save money, we should be investing more in senior wellness, preventative care, and affordability, which would help to mitigate even more costly emergency room visits and long term care down the road.
I respectfully urge you to push the Premier and Health Minister to reconsider this decision and advocate for policies that protect Alberta’s seniors. After a lifetime of contributing to the wealth and prosperity of this province, seniors deserve dignity and support in their later years, not additional financial stress. Alberta can and should do better.
Thank you for your time and service. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you would like to contact your MLA and voice your opinion, we encourage you to do so.
For ARTA members residing in provinces other than Alberta, we encourage you to contact the Cabinet minister with the appropriate ministry for your concern.
2023 Alberta Election (May 2023)
ARTA solicited responses from all of Alberta’s registered political parties on the following matters that most affect our members:
ARTA solicited responses from all of Alberta’s registered political parties on the following matters that most affect our members:
- What is your party’s commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Coverage for Seniors Benefit?
- What are your party’s plans to improve access to safe and affordable revenue-neutral, assisted-living facilities?
- What are your party’s plans to enhance the availability of resources to provide health care for seniors in Alberta? (i.e., geriatricians, virtual care)
- How would you make ageing in place and/or Home Care a more accessible and viable solution for our senior population?
- How do you ensure the federal money provided for health care is used to improve publicly accessible health and not to benefit private health care?
- Specify essential programs and identify the funding your party will put in place to support all seniors in Alberta.
- What is your party’s position to ensure that there are appropriate programs (tax and wellness initiatives) in place for seniors so they can continue to maintain an active and affordable lifestyle in retirement?
- With an ever-changing and growing senior demographic, how does your party view the role of the Alberta Office of the Seniors’ Advocate now, and how do you see it evolving to meet the needs of seniors in Alberta in the future?
- Would your government use Section 19 of the AIMCo Act to direct AIMCo to make certain types of investments using Teachers’ pension plan assets?
- Would your government support clients of AIMCo, including ATRF, having the option to choose asset managers other than AIMCo?
- Do you support the transition of Albertans contributing to an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) versus the current Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) and if so, why?
- Does your party have any other policy positions that you feel would be of interest to Alberta seniors?
Their responses are contained within the following documents and posted as received by ARTA. Note that ARTA formatted all of the responses to look the same, but the content contained within is transcribed precisely from the party. Responses were posted as received. Not all registered political parties responded.
2023 Alberta Election Responses - Prolife Alberta
2023 Alberta Election Responses - Communist Party of Alberta
2023 Alberta Election Responses - Alberta NDP
NDP Supplementary Attachment - Media Backgrounder2023 Alberta Election Responses - Alberta Liberal
Proposed Teacher Discipline Process Changes (December 2021)
In December 2021, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced her plan to strip disciplinary responsibilities from the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), creating a system where the ATA would be unable to discipline teachers who have behaved unprofessionally or put their students in danger.
What would this new system mean for teachers? Should the ATA have the responsibility to discipline its own members? The frequently asked questions on the ATA website can help you understand this debate and learn more about the process by which teachers are disciplined in Alberta. https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Issues/Pages/Alberta-Education-announces-establishment-of-public-teachers%E2%80%99-registry.aspx
ARTA President Lorna McIlroy's response to Minister LaGrange
In December 2021, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced her plan to strip disciplinary responsibilities from the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), creating a system where the ATA would be unable to discipline teachers who have behaved unprofessionally or put their students in danger.
What would this new system mean for teachers? Should the ATA have the responsibility to discipline its own members? The frequently asked questions on the ATA website can help you understand this debate and learn more about the process by which teachers are disciplined in Alberta. https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Issues/Pages/Alberta-Education-announces-establishment-of-public-teachers%E2%80%99-registry.aspx
ARTA President Lorna McIlroy's response to Minister LaGrange
Bill 85 - Education Statutes Amendment Act (November 2021)
In November 2021, Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange announced a plan to create an online registry of teachers in Alberta that would document teacher misconduct and allow members of the public to search for the disciplinary records of any teacher in Alberta. This registry is outlined in Bill 85: Education (Students First) Statutes Amendment Act.
As an organization of retired teachers, ARTA is in full support of student safety, confidence for parents, and accountability for teachers. We celebrate those ideals. However, effective safeguards for all these things already exist within the Alberta Teachers’ Association, an organization that has been effectively self-governing for over a century. Bill 85 seeks to paint teachers as a potentially dangerous group to be warry of, as an attempt to distract from more pressing issues in our education system. This divisive action undermines the legitimacy of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and damages the reputations of teachers across the province.
Below, you can access a letter written by ARTA’s President, Lorna McIlroy to Minister Adriana LaGrange, as well as Minister LaGrange’s response.
ARTA President Lorna McIlroy's Letter to Minister LaGrange (re Bill 85)
In November 2021, Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange announced a plan to create an online registry of teachers in Alberta that would document teacher misconduct and allow members of the public to search for the disciplinary records of any teacher in Alberta. This registry is outlined in Bill 85: Education (Students First) Statutes Amendment Act.
As an organization of retired teachers, ARTA is in full support of student safety, confidence for parents, and accountability for teachers. We celebrate those ideals. However, effective safeguards for all these things already exist within the Alberta Teachers’ Association, an organization that has been effectively self-governing for over a century. Bill 85 seeks to paint teachers as a potentially dangerous group to be warry of, as an attempt to distract from more pressing issues in our education system. This divisive action undermines the legitimacy of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and damages the reputations of teachers across the province.
Below, you can access a letter written by ARTA’s President, Lorna McIlroy to Minister Adriana LaGrange, as well as Minister LaGrange’s response.
ARTA President Lorna McIlroy's Letter to Minister LaGrange (re Bill 85)
Curriculum Development (2019 - 2021)
April 12, 2021
It is a common goal for Albertans to want the best education possible for students in our province. With the recent draft of the new curriculum released by the Alberta government, ARTA has become concerned that Alberta is turning away from its history of excellence in education.
We have voiced our concerns to the Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange, and urge her to reconsider the implementation of this curriculum. ARTA offers its assistance in correcting this misstep, so we can work together in our goal of top-tier education for all Albertan students.
Letter to Minister LaGrange - Proposed Alberta Curriculum
September 27, 2019
ARTA’s common concern for all Albertans (teachers, retired teachers, politicians, parents, grandparents and all other Albertans) is, and always should be, the best possible education for Alberta students. When the Alberta government advised the Alberta Teachers’ Association that it was cancelling the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding with the Association which established a partnership to advance provincial curriculum development, concerns surfaced.
2016 Memorandum of Understanding
Our second concern is the delay in the implementation of the K-4 curriculum. The most recent elementary curriculum was implemented in 2007 which is twelve years ago and in need of updating.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Education LaGrange
April 12, 2021
It is a common goal for Albertans to want the best education possible for students in our province. With the recent draft of the new curriculum released by the Alberta government, ARTA has become concerned that Alberta is turning away from its history of excellence in education.
We have voiced our concerns to the Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange, and urge her to reconsider the implementation of this curriculum. ARTA offers its assistance in correcting this misstep, so we can work together in our goal of top-tier education for all Albertan students.
Letter to Minister LaGrange - Proposed Alberta Curriculum
September 27, 2019
ARTA’s common concern for all Albertans (teachers, retired teachers, politicians, parents, grandparents and all other Albertans) is, and always should be, the best possible education for Alberta students. When the Alberta government advised the Alberta Teachers’ Association that it was cancelling the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding with the Association which established a partnership to advance provincial curriculum development, concerns surfaced.
2016 Memorandum of Understanding
Our second concern is the delay in the implementation of the K-4 curriculum. The most recent elementary curriculum was implemented in 2007 which is twelve years ago and in need of updating.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Education LaGrange
ATRF Investment Management Change (2020 to 2021)
October 2021
Once the IMA was in place, ATRF was able to proceed to transfer the remaining assets to AIMCo. On October 5, 2021, ATRF announced that this process has now concluded and all assets are now under AIMCo’s management as per the legislation and legislated deadlines.
September 2021
ATRF and AIMCo Agree to an IMA
March 2021
Management of Real Estate and Private Equity Assets Moved to AIMCo
February 2021
Management of the First Group of ATRF Assets Moved to AIMCo: Infrastructure:
January 21, 2021
ARTA president Lorna McIlroy and ATA President Jason Schilling joined Mark Connolly on CBC Radio to discuss the changes to ATRF pension management.
January 15, 2021
On December 23, 2020, Finance Minister Travis Toews signed a ministerial order which imposed an investment management agreement between the Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund (ATRF) and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). This imposed agreement essentially gives AIMCo a veto when it comes to any recommendations ATRF makes regarding the investment of teachers’ pensions.
I have sent a letter to Minister Toews expressing the betrayal felt by Alberta’s retired teachers upon hearing of this latest broken promise. If you would like to make your own voice heard, visit HandsOffMyPension.ca where a template is available to send a letter directly to your MLA.
– Lorna McIlroy, ARTA President
Letter from ARTA president to Minister Toews regarding Imposed Agreement
Some of you have already heard back from your MLA. We would like to share with you rebuttals to the talking points now being used.
“Similar IMAs have long been successful in the responsible management of pensions for other Alberta public service employees.”
The finance minister imposed new IMAs on other pension boards too. And those workers also feel that their ability to direct investments are being eroded.
“The ministerial order was necessary as a temporary measure to ensure that the pension plan remains appropriately managed.”
ATRF has very effectively managed teacher pension investments for over 80 years. There was no need to rush the transfer by imposing an IMA now.
“Once the parties agree to a final IMA, the ministerial order will no longer be in effect. We are confident that ATRF and AIMCo will be able to come to an agreement.”
In negotiations, AIMCo has not been willing to give ATRF full control over how pension funds are invested. Why would AIMCo move on this now, knowing that their position is backstopped by the ministerial order?
Thanks for your ongoing support. If you haven’t already done so, send a message to your MLA at handsoffmypension.ca.
July 7, 2020
Thank you very much to all our members who quickly sent in written stakeholder submissions supporting Bill 203, the Pension Protection Act. Unfortunately, more than 3,450 submissions were not enough to convince a majority of committee members to allow Bill 203 a full debate in the legislature. ARTA will continue to support ATRF as they move forward, and we will continue to ensure a unified voice is heard on issues affecting current and future retired individuals.
– Lorna McIlroy, ARTA President
June 30, 2020
Bill 203, the Pension Protection Act, has been introduced in the legislature. If passed, it would reverse the changes contained in Bill 22: Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions and Government Enterprises Act, 2019 that affect public sector pension plans.
Notably, Bill 203 would reverse the requirement of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) to transfer investment management to the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).
Letter from ARTA president to Standing Committee regarding Bill 203
April 27, 2020
In response to the reported four billion dollar loss by AIMCo, ARTA President Lorna McIlroy sent a letter to Honourable Travis Toews on behalf of all ARTA members.
Open Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Finance Toews
October 30, 2019
ARTA has received many inquiries regarding the proposed legislative amendment to make Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) the exclusive investment manager of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF). ARTA endeavoured to collect and share pertinent information on this amendment and has posted them on our website for all of our members to view. As further details become available, we will continue to share any relevant information with you.
Lorna McIlroy, President
The “fact sheet” linked below originates with Alberta Finance. Note that this is the Government of Alberta’s characterization of the transfer of ATRF investment management.
Fact Sheet - AIMCo Management of ATRF Assets
A letter sent by ARTA President Lorna McIlroy to President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews is linked below.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Finance Toews
A letter sent by ATA President Jason Schilling to Auditor General of Alberta Doug Wylie is linked below.
Letter sent by ATA to the Auditor General of Alberta
A letter sent by Minister of Finance Travis Toews to ARTA President Lorna McIlroy is linked below.
Letter by Minister of Finance Toews to ARTA President McIlroy
October 2021
Once the IMA was in place, ATRF was able to proceed to transfer the remaining assets to AIMCo. On October 5, 2021, ATRF announced that this process has now concluded and all assets are now under AIMCo’s management as per the legislation and legislated deadlines.
September 2021
ATRF and AIMCo Agree to an IMA
March 2021
Management of Real Estate and Private Equity Assets Moved to AIMCo
February 2021
Management of the First Group of ATRF Assets Moved to AIMCo: Infrastructure:
January 21, 2021
ARTA president Lorna McIlroy and ATA President Jason Schilling joined Mark Connolly on CBC Radio to discuss the changes to ATRF pension management.
January 15, 2021
On December 23, 2020, Finance Minister Travis Toews signed a ministerial order which imposed an investment management agreement between the Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund (ATRF) and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). This imposed agreement essentially gives AIMCo a veto when it comes to any recommendations ATRF makes regarding the investment of teachers’ pensions.
I have sent a letter to Minister Toews expressing the betrayal felt by Alberta’s retired teachers upon hearing of this latest broken promise. If you would like to make your own voice heard, visit HandsOffMyPension.ca where a template is available to send a letter directly to your MLA.
– Lorna McIlroy, ARTA President
Letter from ARTA president to Minister Toews regarding Imposed Agreement
Some of you have already heard back from your MLA. We would like to share with you rebuttals to the talking points now being used.
“Similar IMAs have long been successful in the responsible management of pensions for other Alberta public service employees.”
The finance minister imposed new IMAs on other pension boards too. And those workers also feel that their ability to direct investments are being eroded.
“The ministerial order was necessary as a temporary measure to ensure that the pension plan remains appropriately managed.”
ATRF has very effectively managed teacher pension investments for over 80 years. There was no need to rush the transfer by imposing an IMA now.
“Once the parties agree to a final IMA, the ministerial order will no longer be in effect. We are confident that ATRF and AIMCo will be able to come to an agreement.”
In negotiations, AIMCo has not been willing to give ATRF full control over how pension funds are invested. Why would AIMCo move on this now, knowing that their position is backstopped by the ministerial order?
Thanks for your ongoing support. If you haven’t already done so, send a message to your MLA at handsoffmypension.ca.
July 7, 2020
Thank you very much to all our members who quickly sent in written stakeholder submissions supporting Bill 203, the Pension Protection Act. Unfortunately, more than 3,450 submissions were not enough to convince a majority of committee members to allow Bill 203 a full debate in the legislature. ARTA will continue to support ATRF as they move forward, and we will continue to ensure a unified voice is heard on issues affecting current and future retired individuals.
– Lorna McIlroy, ARTA President
June 30, 2020
Bill 203, the Pension Protection Act, has been introduced in the legislature. If passed, it would reverse the changes contained in Bill 22: Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions and Government Enterprises Act, 2019 that affect public sector pension plans.
Notably, Bill 203 would reverse the requirement of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) to transfer investment management to the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).
Letter from ARTA president to Standing Committee regarding Bill 203
April 27, 2020
In response to the reported four billion dollar loss by AIMCo, ARTA President Lorna McIlroy sent a letter to Honourable Travis Toews on behalf of all ARTA members.
Open Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Finance Toews
October 30, 2019
ARTA has received many inquiries regarding the proposed legislative amendment to make Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) the exclusive investment manager of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF). ARTA endeavoured to collect and share pertinent information on this amendment and has posted them on our website for all of our members to view. As further details become available, we will continue to share any relevant information with you.
Lorna McIlroy, President
The “fact sheet” linked below originates with Alberta Finance. Note that this is the Government of Alberta’s characterization of the transfer of ATRF investment management.
Fact Sheet - AIMCo Management of ATRF Assets
A letter sent by ARTA President Lorna McIlroy to President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews is linked below.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Finance Toews
A letter sent by ATA President Jason Schilling to Auditor General of Alberta Doug Wylie is linked below.
Letter sent by ATA to the Auditor General of Alberta
A letter sent by Minister of Finance Travis Toews to ARTA President Lorna McIlroy is linked below.
Letter by Minister of Finance Toews to ARTA President McIlroy
Protect Alberta Healthcare (October 2020)
In response to the recent strikes by health care workers in the Province of Alberta, ARTA would like to recognize and voice our association’s appreciation of the extraordinary efforts of all healthcare workers on our behalf during this pandemic.
Many of our members are concerned about planned changes to the healthcare system that will effect these workers, the level of care which will be provided, and the impacts we as seniors will feel. We urge our members to contact their MLA, the Health Minister, or the Premier to express their opinions. You can do so here: weworkforalberta.ca/protectpublicservices
In response to the recent strikes by health care workers in the Province of Alberta, ARTA would like to recognize and voice our association’s appreciation of the extraordinary efforts of all healthcare workers on our behalf during this pandemic.
Many of our members are concerned about planned changes to the healthcare system that will effect these workers, the level of care which will be provided, and the impacts we as seniors will feel. We urge our members to contact their MLA, the Health Minister, or the Premier to express their opinions. You can do so here: weworkforalberta.ca/protectpublicservices
Changes to the Alberta Seniors Drug Plan (March 2020)
Effective March 1, 2020, family members (spouses and dependents) younger than 65 years of age will no longer be covered by the Coverage for Seniors program. Albertans 65 years of age and older will continue to be covered by the program.
How does this affect me?
If you and your family members are already all over aged 65, this will not affect you.
If any of you, your spouse or your dependent(s) on your Health Benefits Plan is under aged 65 (sixty five), those individuals will no longer be covered by the Coverage for Seniors program. That means that ARTA will become first payer for covered items. It is important to review your prescription drug coverage maximum if this affects you; if you need to increase your drug maximum from $1,200 per person per year to $2,000 per person per year you may do so by notifying ASEBP in writing. Note that a higher monthly premium will apply, and your coverage will be locked-in for 24 months before you can decrease your coverage again if you elect to make this change.
Do I need additional prescription drug coverage?
If you have significant prescription drug expenses and the ARTA coverage does not appear to be sufficient, you may enrol in the Non-group Coverage in order to receive the same coverage you had prior to this change being implemented. There is an additional premium charge payable for this coverage, however. If you apply before March 1 the waiting period is waived. More information is available on the Non-Group Coverage webpage of the Govt of Alberta website.
What happens when my spouse turns 65?
Your spouse will receive a package in the mail prior to their sixty-fifth birthday asking them to submit proof-of-age documents as required. If you do not receive the package, contact the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) office.
Once they are successfully enrolled in the Coverage for Seniors program, the Government of Alberta will once again become first payer on covered items, and ARTA will automatically become second payer.
I’m over 65, but still received a letter in the mail asking for proof-of-age documents. What do I do?
If you were defaulted into the program because your spouse was over 65, you were not required to submit proof of age at the time. You are now being asked to do so in order to remain in the Coverage for Seniors program.
You will need to submit a proof-of-age document and a completed Proof-of-Age Declaration form
Acceptable proof-of-age documents include:
- birth certificate
- old-age pension entitlement form
- passport or immigration record
- Canadian citizenship certificate
Take your proof-of-age document and declaration to an AHCIP authorized registry agent for processing. You can also mail the completed form and a copy (both sides) of the proof-of-age document to the AHCIP office.
I have a question that isn’t answered here. What do I do?
You can contact the ARTA office at 780-822-2400 or [email protected].
You can also contact the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan office by phoning 780-427-1432 (toll free in Alberta by first dialing 310-0000).
Effective March 1, 2020, family members (spouses and dependents) younger than 65 years of age will no longer be covered by the Coverage for Seniors program. Albertans 65 years of age and older will continue to be covered by the program.
How does this affect me?
If you and your family members are already all over aged 65, this will not affect you.
If any of you, your spouse or your dependent(s) on your Health Benefits Plan is under aged 65 (sixty five), those individuals will no longer be covered by the Coverage for Seniors program. That means that ARTA will become first payer for covered items. It is important to review your prescription drug coverage maximum if this affects you; if you need to increase your drug maximum from $1,200 per person per year to $2,000 per person per year you may do so by notifying ASEBP in writing. Note that a higher monthly premium will apply, and your coverage will be locked-in for 24 months before you can decrease your coverage again if you elect to make this change.
Do I need additional prescription drug coverage?
If you have significant prescription drug expenses and the ARTA coverage does not appear to be sufficient, you may enrol in the Non-group Coverage in order to receive the same coverage you had prior to this change being implemented. There is an additional premium charge payable for this coverage, however. If you apply before March 1 the waiting period is waived. More information is available on the Non-Group Coverage webpage of the Govt of Alberta website.
What happens when my spouse turns 65?
Your spouse will receive a package in the mail prior to their sixty-fifth birthday asking them to submit proof-of-age documents as required. If you do not receive the package, contact the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) office.
Once they are successfully enrolled in the Coverage for Seniors program, the Government of Alberta will once again become first payer on covered items, and ARTA will automatically become second payer.
I’m over 65, but still received a letter in the mail asking for proof-of-age documents. What do I do?
If you were defaulted into the program because your spouse was over 65, you were not required to submit proof of age at the time. You are now being asked to do so in order to remain in the Coverage for Seniors program.
You will need to submit a proof-of-age document and a completed Proof-of-Age Declaration form
Acceptable proof-of-age documents include:
- birth certificate
- old-age pension entitlement form
- passport or immigration record
- Canadian citizenship certificate
Take your proof-of-age document and declaration to an AHCIP authorized registry agent for processing. You can also mail the completed form and a copy (both sides) of the proof-of-age document to the AHCIP office.
I have a question that isn’t answered here. What do I do?
You can contact the ARTA office at 780-822-2400 or [email protected].
You can also contact the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan office by phoning 780-427-1432 (toll free in Alberta by first dialing 310-0000).
Phasing out of the Seniors Advocate Role (December 2019)
December 10, 2019
ARTA members were very pleased when the Alberta Government announced the creation of a Seniors Advocate in Alberta – focusing on seniors’ unique needs (including health, accommodation, finance, and other senior-related matters). When the announcement came that the newly elected government is now phasing out that role and placing that mandate under the direction of the Alberta Health Advocate, we were concerned.
We at ARTA believe it is important that this government support the growing demographic of a senior’s population. Our association calls for the re-institution of the role of the Seniors Advocate, ensuring that seniors in Alberta are cared for. We believe now is the time to invest in programs to assist seniors to ensure that they can live an engaged lifestyle after retirement.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Seniors and Housing Pon
December 10, 2019
ARTA members were very pleased when the Alberta Government announced the creation of a Seniors Advocate in Alberta – focusing on seniors’ unique needs (including health, accommodation, finance, and other senior-related matters). When the announcement came that the newly elected government is now phasing out that role and placing that mandate under the direction of the Alberta Health Advocate, we were concerned.
We at ARTA believe it is important that this government support the growing demographic of a senior’s population. Our association calls for the re-institution of the role of the Seniors Advocate, ensuring that seniors in Alberta are cared for. We believe now is the time to invest in programs to assist seniors to ensure that they can live an engaged lifestyle after retirement.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Seniors and Housing Pon
Choice in Education Act (November 2019)
November 27, 2019
The Government of Alberta will propose new legislation called the “Choice in Education Act”. Their policy includes instituting an American-style voucher system that would reduce the amount of funding available for public, separate and Francophone schools and impact students, particularly those most vulnerable.
We asked our members to have their voice heard by filling out a survey that closed on December 6th. Over 3,000 members took part in the survey and made an impact.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Education LaGrange
November 27, 2019
The Government of Alberta will propose new legislation called the “Choice in Education Act”. Their policy includes instituting an American-style voucher system that would reduce the amount of funding available for public, separate and Francophone schools and impact students, particularly those most vulnerable.
We asked our members to have their voice heard by filling out a survey that closed on December 6th. Over 3,000 members took part in the survey and made an impact.
Letter sent by ARTA to Minister of Education LaGrange