OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION | SPRING 2017 | ISSUE 102 FINANCE Protect your investments RV LIFESTYLE Top 2 places to visit HEALTH Home Remedies Publication mail agreement no: 40063603 Striking it Rich in the Yukon In This Issue
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Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright Spring 2017 by Medipac International Communications Inc., 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5. (416)441-7000. Subscription Price: $9.95 Canada; $20.00 U.S. and foreign. Single copy: $3.95. Prices include tax. Published by Medipac International Communications Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the CSA, Medipac International Communications Inc. or its affiliates, their Directors, Officers, or other employees or agents. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No: 40063603. ISSN No: 1195-2393 Barb & Ron Kroll Dr. Robert MacMillan David McPherson Andrew Moore-Crispin Robert Wiersema Rex Vogel Merv Magus Gabrielle Bauer Donna Carter Michael Coren Jennifer Cox Shari Darling James Dolan Illustrator Karen Huestis Ron Steeves John Foster Garry McDonald Rod Seiling Bob Slack James Leroux Robert Herman Ted Popel Wendy Caban Michael MacKenzie Wallace Weylie President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Past President Director Director Director Director Executive Director Legal Counsel CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Editor CSA Editor President Art Director Director of Sales Director of Operations Marketing & Events Specialist J. Ross Quigley Karen Huestis Chris Bradbury Peter Prusa Neville B. Levin Paula McGovern Fran Castricone SPRING 2017 | ISSUE 102 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS I was fortunate enough to attend three of CSA’s 25th-anniversary events. The excitement and dedication of all of the people involved was exhilarating. I met members whom I had not seen for several years and it was fun catching up on all of our lives. That is really what all of our events are about – community, and building and nurturing that community. The volunteers were some of the old faithful, but there are always new faces, and talents, every time. There was one disappointment, but only from an attendance point of view. On the morning of the Ontario picnic, the Fort DeSoto area was caught up in dangerous weather warnings including the possibility of tornadoes. We decided to chance the storm warnings anyway and drove up from Venice to Fort DeSoto, a distance of about 50 miles. It was very stormy and visibility was very poor, but we eventually made it. We drove by several businesses that had their roofs torn off earlier that morning, but it appeared that the tornadoes had passed. When we got to the picnic, our efforts were rewarded by the sun which came out to meet us (and the rain stopped), but it was still pretty cold, even for hearty Canadians. And we, of course, had fun with the 50 or so people who attended. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers who bravely withstood the elements and made our get-together possible. You should try and attend one of the 25th-anniversary events in Canada this fall. Lots of information, entertainment, good friends and just good old-fashioned fun. And remember to pick up your CSA 25th Anniversary pin. Hopefully, a wonderful summer lies ahead…and a tax refund would be nice. Sincerely, J. Ross Quigley Editor We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 3
Table of Contents Features SPRING 2017 | ISSUE 102 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION 17 24 Striking it Rich in the Yukon Discover a fortune of scenic, natural and human treasures. by Barb and Ron Kroll Top Two Places to Visit in 2017 Our RV expert gives you his opinion on the most scenic destinations in Canada and the U.S. by Rex Vogel Travel RV Lifestyle 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 28 32 Departments 37 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 38 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 40 Golf by David McPherson 42 Food & Drink by Shari Darling 44 CSA Online by Andrew Moore-Crispin 46 CSA Application 47 Benefits 48 Fun & Games 49 Grins & Giggles 50 Fast Facts 3 Editor’s Message 6 Snowbird Alert 8 Bird Talk 11 Profile 12 President’s Message 13 Government Relations Report 14 Canada Clubs 15 Insurance by Ross Quigley 16 Opinion by Michael Coren 35 Health Pulse 36 Fitness by Jennifer Cox Getting Ready for Rising Rates How to protect your portfolio (and seize opportunities) in a rising interest rate environment by James Dolan Medical Cures: Myth or Fact? Dr. Bob explores some of the home remedies he hears about while on tour. by Dr. Robert MacMillan Finance Health CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 5
SnowbirdAlert Go to the doctor Get those pre-existing medical conditions under control and work with your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to your medication as soon as possible. Get followup tests and procedures scheduled so that you have a clear 90-day stability period before you head south in the fall. File your 8840 Form When you fulfil the requirements of the substantial presence test, you can be treated as a resident of the United States and be taxed by the IRS on your worldwide income. Declare your closer connection to Canada by completing the IRS 8840 Form and send it in. Update your Personal Health Record When you or your spouse are dealing with a medical emergency either away or at home, you don’t want to run around looking for prescriptionmedication bottles or be concerned with an accurate recollection of what year or instance in which either of you receivedmedical treatment. Write it down now, while you have time and presence of mind, and keep it in a handy spot – such as on your fridge – for quick and easy access should the time ever come at which you need to answer medical questions quickly. Renew your CSA Membership Support the only organization that actively lobbies governments in Canada and the United States to protect and defend the snowbird lifestyle. Note: 8840 Form, Personal Health Records and CSA Membership renewal can all be accessed easily at www.snowbirds.org SPRINGTIME SNOWBIRD CHECKLIST As you give your home a good spring cleaning this year, you may come across investment statements — and it’s a good time to take a closer look. Your 2017 statements contain new, personalized information about how well your investments performed and how much you paid for services from your dealer (the company that your advisor works for) in the past year. This information will help you on your path to becoming a more knowledgeable investor. Your report will tell you how well your investments performed after costs have been deducted. It’s called your “personal rate of return” and it’s unique to you. For example, you and your neighbour could each have a different personal rate of return even if you’ve invested in the same fund, because you each moved money in and out of the fund at different times. Your personal rate of return includes the timing of your own deposits and withdrawals, and changes in the market value of your securities. Your report will list the fees which you paid for the services that you received from your dealer over the past year. Services could include understanding your finances and risk tolerance, guiding you to build and maintain your financial plan, buying and selling units based on your needs, and keeping detailed records of your account. This information is new to most investors and helps give a clearer picture of how investments are performing. Whether they’re sitting on your to-do list, at the bottom of your spring cleaning pile, or waiting in your inbox, open your new reports and take charge of your money today. Find more information online at ific.ca. www.newscanada.com I75 Disruption Eight miles (13km) of Interstate-75’s southbound lanes will be closed for the next two years. This affects all traffic entering the U.S. across the Ambassador Bridge at Windsor and heading south on the interstate. It may also affect southbound traffic entering the U.S. at the BlueWater Bridge in Sarnia and taking I-94 south to links with I-75 south in Detroit. Incidentally, the northbound lanes are not affected by this closure, except for some temporary lane restrictions. If you enjoy using Dave Hunter’s “Along I-75” guidebook, you can download replacement maps including Dave’s Better Detour to navigate your journey this fall. www.i75online.com Find out how your money is working for you 6 | www.snowbirds.org
BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, I would like our president and the board of directors to get a suggestion to Mr. Trump’s negotiators that the easiest way to level the playing field between Canada and the U.S. on trade would be to peg the CDN $ and the US $ at even par. This would make for fair trade and stop the big banks from charging huge fees to exchange our $. Bryan McDougall Thessalon, ON Ed.: I loved this note. Totally impossible, I think, but why not send that note anyway. It will be good to get on their radar regardless. Dear Bird Talk, I am in the U.S. for approximately 80 days each year so do not need to file the form, but is there any downside to filing in any case, just for peace of mind? Paul Rosenberg Vancouver, BC Ed.: CSA recommends filing if you stay for longer than three months in the U.S. There is certainly no downside if you decide to file the 8840 when you spend less time. We believe in “peace of mind.” Dear Bird Talk, If a person requires routine tests, for example blood work or an ECG that is not an emergency while they are in the U.S., how is that arranged and paid for? Laurel Pettigrew Cochrane, AB Ed.: No travel insurance policy covers non-emergency treatment or routine care for a chronic condition that requires monitoring. You would have to pay for it yourself and then get reimbursement from the Alberta Health Plan. They might pay 5-10% of the cost. Dear Bird Talk, Does any travel health insurance company offer a policy for travel exclusively in Canada? If not, why not? It should be relatively inexpensive and cover those situations that your home province does not cover. Can you advocate on our behalf? Victor Wall Lac du Bonnet, MB Ed.: The Medipac Annual plan covers unlimited 23-day trips anywhere in the world and also covers you for up to six months in Canada, when outside your province of residence. This was an amazing deal at a par dollar, but it needs to be updated now. We will have one for you later this year. Dear Bird Talk, In a previous Bird Talk forum, it was mentioned that P.E.I. is the only province that doesn’t allow sevenmonths’ absence to retain their health plan. In checking online with the Quebec Health Plan, I see nothing that says that and it appears they are saying six months. I know this seems true as I was recently asked to provide proof that I was in Quebec for at least six months. I had to provide six months of credit card statements proving I spent money in Quebec – we spend six months less about 10 days every year in Phoenix, Arizona. Can you confirmwhat the rule really is? Richard Lefebvre Longueuil, QC Ed.: Currently, Québec has one of the most travel-friendly policies on health coverage for absent residents. In order to maintain coverage under the Québec Health Insurance Plan, residents must be present in Québec for more than half of the year. Specifically, the total number of days of absence in a given calendar year must be fewer than 183. What differentiates Québec is that, in addition, an unlimited number of short-term trips, each no longer than 21 consecutive days, can be taken without counting toward the total number of days of absence. CSA is working to amend that to 23 days, which would be even more convenient for members. Dear Bird Talk, I ordered a supply of placemats a week ago and they have already arrived. Thank you so much. Please let me know if there will be any special supplies available to help celebrate our 150th birthday. Diana McNiven St. Catharines, ON Ed.: If you want some CSA 25th Anniversary Pins, call the CSA and I am sure we can send you a bunch. For free Canada Day items you can Google 'free Canada day items' or go directly tohttp://canada. pch.gc.ca/eng/1449243830064. There is a form you can complete and submit to the Department of Canadian Heritage for a limited supply of complimentary items for your Canada Day Party. Deadline is May 12, 2017 - so hurry! Oh, say canyou see by thedawn'searly light What soproudlywehailedat the twilight's lastgleaming? Whosebroad stripesandbright stars thru theperilous fight, O'er the rampartswewatchedwere sogallantly streaming? And the rocket's redglare, thebombsbursting inair, Gaveproof thru thenight thatour flagwas still there. Oh, saydoes that star-spangled banneryetwave O'er the landof the freeand thehomeof thebrave? STARSPANGLEDBANNER OCanada! Ourhomeandnative land! Truepatriot love inall thy sons command. Withglowinghearts we see thee rise, TheTrueNorth strongand free! From farandwide, OCanada, we standonguard for thee. Godkeepour land gloriousand free! OCanada, we standonguard for thee. OCanada, we standonguard for thee. OCANADA! Arizona California Florida LakelandCenter Lakeland Florida McAllenConventionCenter McAllen Texas Toorderplacemats foryour social function,call theCSA/Medipacplacemat lineat 1-877-888-2505orvisit www.snowbirds.org. HaveaGreatTimeToday! SeeyouatanExtravaganzanearyou! MesaConventionCenter Mesa Arizona TheVoiceofTravellingCanadians. Ifyou'renotamember,becomeone! 1-800-265-3200 www.snowbirds.org Yourworld isunique. We insure it. 1-800-267-8000 Enjoy the freedomof the snowbird lifestyle. Callus…beforeyou travelagain! 1-888-MEDIPAC www.medipac.com Securecross-borderbanking. Preferred rates.$0-5 transfer fees. 1-800-265-3200 www.SnowbirdExchange.com 8 | www.snowbirds.org
BirdTalk Featuring the letters & concerns of our members SEND YOUR LETTERS TO Bird Talk, c/o CSANews 180 Lesmill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5 or by e-mail: csawriteus@snowbirds.org Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, From time to time, I see articles in Bird Talk regarding questions on telephone services between Canada & U.S. Prior to departing Canada in 2016, I signed up with a company called Comwave which was advertising a six-month promotional deal for unlimited Canada & U.S. long distance for $19.95 per month. Sounded like a no-brainer, since I was paying out $35.00 per month to my provider for local calling only. The Comwave system uses yourWi-Fi. My only issue here was what conditions applied with Comwave when I go seasonal. Well, to my disbelief, the agent indicated to me that would not be a problem; for an additional cost of $10.00, I could take my wireless phones with me along with my local phone number to use in the U.S. at no additional usage fees other than my Wi-Fi service. I could alsomake unlimited long-distance calls throughout the U.S. and Canada using my local Canadian phone number from my U.S. residence. With nothing to lose for the first ‘free’ six months, I signed up and Comwave handled the transfer of my local phone number to their company. Everything seems smooth and the systemworked well in Canada for a month before being set up at our U.S. residence, where it has been working flawlessly too. So snowbirds, check out the websitewww.comwave.net. Your 911 can be configured to either address. Merrill Andrews St. John’s NL Ed.: We don’t usually print this type of e-mail as it is sort of an advertisement. This sounds pretty good to me, though, and I thought that we should pass it along. CSA does not recommend any particular phone carriers, as their rules and costs seem to change every day. Dear Bird Talk, In the fall 2016 issue, a writer asked if blood pressure medication containing both hydrochlorothiazide and another medication was considered as ONE medication. Your reply was “it is only counted as one pill (medication).” I, as an RN, was rather surprised at this… should this not be explained on the application form? Something to the effect of: a pill that contains hydrochlorothiazide COMBINED WITH a second blood pressure medication is considered to be ONE medication. I have considered it as two medications when I have filled in the application in the past; now I know not to. I have a question about medication: I take one (combination hydrochlorothiazide/ irbesartan) medication for my blood pressure. After an episode of atrial fib this past January while I was in FL (andMedipac was great!), I was started on metoprolol to slow my pulse. HOWEVER, it can also be used to treat high blood pressure. So in Medipac’s eyes, am I now on two blood pressure medications? And I have a question about coverage: We are thinking of taking a cruise in 2018 that goes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The Canadian government states there is a travel advisory against these areas…althoughmany cruises a year sail there. Medipac states there is no coverage if there is an advisory in place. Does this mean I am not covered for THAT part of the cruise, or for the whole cruise? If I am treated on board by the ship’s MD in that area, am I covered? Does it mean I am not covered for ANY medical emergency in that area (i.e. anMI), or only for any medical injury that arises due to war, terrorism, etc. Thank you. Marian Bowles Newmarket, ON Ed.: Lots of great questions. Let’s start with one pill containing two medications. I think that Medipac is unique in still considering this as one medication. We felt that many seniors were not totally aware of the content of their individual pills and it was unfair to expect them to be pharmacists. So, one pill counts as one medication even if there are two or more medications contained in that pill. This combining of medications is getting to be very common now. The metoprolol, in your situation, is considered a heart medication as it is to protect your heart from beating too fast. You do not have to count it as a blood pressure medication, but the A-fib (if occurring in the past five years) does place you in the Standard rate class. The cruise question is easy – again with Medipac, we consider this as a temporary stopover and you would be fully covered both on and off the boat, even if the destination was on the government’s travel advisory. CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 9
Dear Bird Talk, I just read with interest your response to Weldon Hehr’s post in the recent CSA News magazine (issue 101) concerning his question about bringing grapefruit and lemons into Canada from Arizona. We have been bringing such fruit into Canada (via the Peace Arch entry) for the past three years. When I first inquired about this with the Customs folks and, in particular, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, I was able to find a very descriptive outline of which fruits and vegetable are allowed back into Canada, by travellers. In that website posting, it listed citrus fruits and indicated that up to 240 kilograms of this fruit were allowed to be brought back into Canada. So we pack a large storage container of oranges from our home in Arizona with us and declare them at the border. So far, we have been able to bring these across with us with no difficulty. However, since looking this up and prompted by your response to Mr. Hehr, I thought I’d better check again. The Canada Food Inspection Agency website has changed since I looked it up three years ago and, in fact, is much simpler to follow: The website to look for is: “What Can I Bring into Canada in Terms Of Food, Plant, Animal and Related Products.” It lists as one of the allowable foods to be brought into Canada: “15 packages or less up to 250 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables per person (excluding potatoes).” I subsequently called the Inspection Agency info number and spoke to a very helpful lady there who confirmed that yes, you can bring in citrus fruits (up to the 250-kilogram limit). She was not able to confirm if the fruit needed to be in packages, but was confident that if the fruit was in bulk (in a storage container) this would be okay. This is consistent withmy experience as well. But, she was very careful to point out that apples were strictly VERBOTEN!! (as well as other pitted fruits). Hopefully this helps. Doug McLennan, Nanaimo, BC Dear Bird Talk, I have just reviewed the Canada Gov. website and see that in your Bird Talk winter issue 101 you are wrong. The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) confirms if a specific item is allowed. Fruits and vegetables, including herbs: dried • up to 15 packages per person • but not more than 250 kilograms Fruits and vegetables, including herbs: frozen or canned • fruits ՔՔ up to 15 frozen packages or 15 cans per person ՔՔ but not more than 250 kilograms • vegetables ՔՔ up to 20 kilograms of frozen or chilled vegetables per person Fruits and vegetables: fresh • one bag up to 4 kilograms of U.S. number 1 potatoes per person and the bag must be commercially packaged • 15 packages or less up to 250 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables per person (excluding potatoes) • must be free from soil, pests, leaves, branches and/or plant debris • some restrictions on some fresh fruit and vegetables from California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington • in British Columbia (BC): restrictions on fresh apples, stone fruit and potatoes Use Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if the product is allowed, before bringing it into Canada. Kind Regards, Garry Korotash, Edmonton, AB Ed.: Several people, including D.H.,Wayne Amundsen, Harris Toth, Brian Kisinger and Doug Saumer, referred members to the Government of Canada AIRS website for further information. See below: www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for- consumers/travellers what-can-i-bring-into- canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990 Mea culpa, and thank you for helping us set the record straight. BirdTalk Ed.: In CSANews Issue 101 we, meaning me, provided an incorrect response to a Bird Talk letter from Weldon Hehr regarding importing fruit from the U.S. into Canada. I am not sure where my mind was when I answered the question, because I have often imported fruit from the U.S. myself. I also send fruit baskets back to Canada for friends’ special occasions. We received dozens of letters and they were all wonderful to read and most had been well-researched. Several letters outlined their experiences at the border and the comments of their border officer. Doug McLennan of Nanaimo, B.C. and Garry Korotash of Edmonton, Alberta sent the following replies: 10 | www.snowbirds.org
Profile Gerry Brissenden may well have been the most enthusiastic member of the CSA Board of Directors since the Association’s inception in 1992. A fact that can’t be denied is that he served on the Association’s board longer than any other member in the Association’s history; 18 years. He was appointed to the board in the year 2000, representing the districts of Ontario and Florida and, throughout his tenure, performed the executive functions of treasurer, president and immediate past-president. During his time at the helm of the Canadian Snowbird Association, Gerry was successful at increasing the amount paid for medical services outside the Province of Prince Edward Island from $400.00 to $1,250.00 per day. He convinced theManitoba government to allow residents to travel an extra 30 days each year. He oversaw the co-ordination of absentee ballot voting for Canadian snowbirds in the United States in the 2006 federal election and had the laws changed so that Ontario residents could vote from abroad in provincial elections. He was a tenacious advocate and took his position and his mandate seriously. He never missed an opportunity to meet with a politician or attend a fundraiser in order to further the profile of the CSA. He was relentless in his pursuit of appointments, knocking on doors and telephoning until he got his meeting scheduled. He was always first in line to send a congratulatory memo when someone was elected or appointed to cabinet. And, if he liked you, you would always get a card fromhim on your birthday; a true gentleman. Gerry was a man of the people and loved to be in front of an audience, whether it was to answer questions at a Winter Meeting, to conduct a presentation at a Canada Club event or simply to perform a song, play or a skit for everyone’s amusement; he was as much at home on stage as he was anywhere else. Inhis working life, hewas a professional soccer player (playing for the TottenhamHotspurs), served his community as a member of the police constabulary in London, England and later in Montreal, Quebec and was proud of the work that he did for Playtex Industries and Allied Van Lines as vice-president of sales and marketing. Over the years during which Gerry represented the CSA, we all had the opportunity to work or play with him at one point or another and, as a result, we each have a funny story or a fond memory to share about him. He will be missed. Gerry Brissenden August 29, 1931 to March 6, 2017 Joan and Gerry Brissenden at Snowbird Extravaganza CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 11
President’s Message Karen Huestis CSA President It is an honour for me to accept the office of president of the Canadian Snowbird Association. For 25 years, the association has actively defended the rights and privileges of travelling Canadians. As your new president, I am re-committing to you today my dedication to carry on with that challenge on behalf of our members, across Canada as well as the United States. We have accomplishedmuch in our past and, at the same time, new challenges lie ahead. We are confident that our new board of directors, together with the CSA staff and our benefit partners – all working as a team – will meet these challenges as we continue to build on what we have achieved. As in all organizations, it is important to increase our membership. A large and dedicatedmembership is essential when lobbying on your behalf to governments in Canada and the United States. We will continue to make this a priority. On behalf of the CSA and its board of directors, I would like to thank Bob Slack and his wife Lois for their dedication and hard work over the past seven years. They have truly been ambassadors for the association. My first stop as president was at the annual Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland, Florida. From there, my husband Bill and I headed to McAllen, Texas for the Winter Texans’ Snowbird Extravaganza and Mesa, Arizona for the annual Canadian Snowbird Celebration. Despite the depressed value of the Canadian dollar, we welcomed big crowds and were again fortunate enough to have sold hundreds of new memberships. From there, we embarked on the annual Winter Information Meeting tour. This year, we made stops in Sahuarita, Arizona before putting on shows in both Indio and Winterhaven, California. We then headed back to Florida with stops in Immokalee, Dania Beach, Bradenton, Dunedin and Punta Gorda. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and all those who attended any of these shows; there is no way we could do any of this year in and year out without your support. Thanks also to our partners at Medipac for all that they do to assist in the organization of these terrific events. The sixth edition of the Canadian Travellers’ Report Card was officially released at Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland. As those of you who are regular readers of our report cards know, we have achieved many victories on the government relations front… particularly over the past few years. Having said that, unfortunately we still have many battles to fight, particularly around the issue of provincial reimbursement rates. To find out what your federal and provincial/territorial governments are doing to help or hinder your right to travel, please visit our website at www.snowbirds.organd download a copy. InMarch, I met withMr. DavidMacNaughton – Canada’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States – in Miami. The reason for the meeting was so that he could get a better appreciation for the depth and breadth of the economic impact which Canadian travellers have on Florida each and every year. In 2016, Florida visits by Canadians topped 4.2million and those visitors spent $5.1 billion. This easily makes Canada Florida’s number-one tourismmarket. Having said that, it’s important to note that Ambassador MacNaughton represents all Canadians travelling, working and investing in/with the United States. Obviously, one of his biggest concerns is ensuring that the border between our two countries remains secure while, at the same time, permitting the speedy passage of both goods and people, a primary concern of all travelling Canadians. I should also mention that Ambassador MacNaughton requested the meeting and it took place only four days after he presented his credentials to the new administration inWashington. It was clear to me that he takes the concerns of the Canadian Snowbird Association seriously. We will be similarly engaged with him in the coming months demonstrating the strong, economic impact which our members in the Western snowbird states have on their local winter economies. Yet again our Snowbird Currency Exchange Program has experienced a significant increase in use, as well as in first-time enrolments. If you have yet to do so, please take a look at this money-saving program. It is without doubt one of the most attractive offerings of the Canadian Snowbird Association. Thanks again to Bob and Lois Slack, our incoming and outgoing board of directors, office staff, members, volunteers and friends at Medipac. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing some hard, effective work on your behalf in the years to come. Bill and I wish all of you a safe journey home to Canada. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Ron Steeves First Vice-President In October 2016, representatives from the Canadian Snowbird Associationmet with senior health officials at the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living to discuss rescinding the requirement for Manitoba residents to apply for a term certificate if they were leaving the province for more than three months. In past discussions with previous governments in Manitoba, it was indicated that Manitobans who wish to be away for longer than three months were required to inform the government of their expected dates of departure and return. Upon this notification, they would receive a term certificate confirming coverage fromManitoba Health. It should be noted that no other jurisdiction in Canada requires that temporarily absent residents apply for a term certificate prior to their departure for longer than three months. The CSA is pleased to announce that the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has now clarified their position regarding the term certificate, indicating to the CSA in writing that it is only a recommendation and not a requirement for Manitoba travellers. In an effort to be responsive to the concerns raised by the CSA, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has amended the Request for Temporary Out-of-Province Benefits form to permit residents to indicate whether or not they wish to receive a term certificate. In addition, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has taken steps to update its website and internal processes to clarify its messaging with respect to out-of-country benefits. In 2013, the CSAworked closely with the government of Manitoba to increase the length of time residents of Manitoba may temporarily reside outside of their home province from six to seven months in a 12-month period. This clarification from the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living will allowManitoba snowbirds to travel freely outside of their home province for up to seven months without having to first notify the Manitoba government of their travel plans. On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and HealthMinister Kelvin Goertzen for making this important clarification. On March 6, 2017, the front page of the National Post announced “As U.S. Tightens Border, Bills Would Let Snowbirds Stay Longer.” This was, of course, in reference to our seemingly never-ending Canadian Retiree Visa initiative. On Feb 7, 2017, Congressmen Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Ted Yoho (R-FL) introduced “The Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act” whose sole objective is the implementation of our visa proposal that would allow eligible Canadian citizens to spend up to 240 days in the United States in a 365-day period. It is also important to mention that such persons would be treated as non-resident aliens for tax purposes. As we go to press, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is poised to reintroduce her “Canadian Snowbird Visa” bill that was first introduced in September 2016. Both bills will be bipartisan in nature and we are meeting with all of the lawmakers in question on a regular basis to ensure that these efforts are co-ordinated. We will have a more fulsome update on our progress in the summer edition of the magazine. On May 9, 2017, British Columbia residents will go to the polls to elect a new provincial government. In order to ensure that issues of importance to our members are adequately addressed during the campaign, we will be issuing to our British Columbia members a British Columbia Election Handbook prior to voting day. This publication outlines the limitations of British Columbia’s provincial reimbursement rates for out-of-country emergency medical care, allowable time permitted out of the province and information regarding prescription drug allowances for travellers. The handbook is also a great resource that contains important information regarding election times, dates and polling information. We publish these handbooks for every province and territory across Canada whenever there is a provincial or territorial election. On March 22, 2017, the Saskatchewan government announced that it was raising the rate of provincial sales tax from five per cent to six per cent. Effective July 1, 2017, the PST of six per cent will now apply to all insurance products as defined in The Saskatchewan Insurance Act which will seemingly include insurance premiums onmedical travel insurance. Needless to say we are very concerned about this and, as we go to press, CSA officials are on their way to Saskatchewan in an attempt to resolve this prior to the July 1 implementation date. Medical insurance is simply a prepayment for medical services that may or may not be consumed and, if so, are consumed outside of the province. We are firmly opposed to this and will update you shortly on our progress. CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 13
CanadaClubs Four Lakes Golf Club CANAM event in Winter Haven New Canadian Club at Quail Creek Saddlebag Lake Resort Canada Club Citrus Park Canada Club Greenfield Village Resort 2017 marks the 25th Anniversary for the Canadian Snowbird Association. To commemorate this milestone, the CSA and Medipac Travel Insurance each offered $500 to qualifying Canada Clubs that planned to host a 25th Anniversary Celebration this past winter. The results are in and a good time was had by all! Join the Celebration! 14 | www.snowbirds.org
At this time, the province of Saskatchewan is trying to implement a sales tax on travel medical insurance. This would obviously increase premiums by 6% across the board and is very unfair to seniors who wish to travel in their hard-earned retirement. The irony is that the medical services which they are taxing are almost all provided OUTSIDE of Canada. We have already fought this battle in Ontario, several years ago, and the Ontario government “saw the light” and issued Medipac an exemption from the tax as we provide only medical services (not taxable) and services provided outside of Canada (not taxable). Hopefully, Saskatchewan will also see the light and leave their seniors alone to enjoy their retirement. We will also certainly remind them that travel insurance premiums are high to start with, because they are breaching theCanada Health Act portability provision. One of the issues that Gerry was very passionate about was the Canada Health Act, and the provincial governments’ failure to uphold the Act for all Canadians. If you want to help, a contribution to CSA’s Special Action Fund, in Gerry’s memory, would be appropriate. J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Gerry Brissenden, a Past President of the Canadian Snowbird Association. Gerry served the CSA for 18 years and held most executive posts during his long tenure. He was the ultimate volunteer and gave more of himself to others than you would even think possible. He was my friend. Gerry battled the governments, he battled with the board and he battled with Medipac, all for the benefit of “his” CSA members. His history included being a “Bobbie” in England and one of the top salespeople for Playtex. His police background was always in evidence, with his inquiring mind and a relentless search for the real facts. He was a vocal supporter of all police endeavours and was especially involved with helping and promoting the Police Veterans’ associations. He was afraid of no one and spoke his mind, but everyone loved him, even his adversaries in government. His last battle was with cancer and he died a peaceful death, surrounded by family and friends, knowing that he had done his best. We will all miss him! Medipacmade special insurance arrangements for him to be able to attend CSA’s November board meeting and spend Christmas and New Year’s with friends in the U.S. He was hoping to stay for Extravaganza to accept his retirement awards, but that was not to be. CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 15
Opinion with Michael Coren I was born in 1959 in Britain to a mixed family: three of my grandparents were Jewish, but my maternal grandma – and that’s the one who matters – was not. So I was Jewish enough for anti-Semites but not quite sufficiently kosher for most Jews. It was a supremely happy, if humble upbringing and, if there were any Jew-haters around, I wasn’t really aware of them. English Nazis were lonely and impotent freaks living in obscurity, and anti-Semitism was a toxin that had been long rejected by the vast majority of people. Today, the situation in Europe and North America appears on the surface to have changed. Jewish cemeteries vandalized, racist graffiti on Jewish homes, countless bomb threats to Jewish schools and institutions and, we are told, widespread hostility on college campuses. These are actually profoundly different things, but more of that later. The bomb threats and attacks are clearly motivated by hatred; the one perpetrator who was caught inMarch was motivated, bizarrely, by a broken romance – but that’s an aberration. The desecration of graves is equally and obviously anti-Semitic in cause, and how telling it is that members of the master race are only brave enough to confront the dead. So, do we construe from all this that obsessive despisers of Jews have suddenly multiplied? I very much doubt that. What has happened is that anti-Semites and for that matter, racists in general, have recently felt empowered, partly by the election of Donald Trump but also because of the rise of the hard right in Europe. Ironically, that far right in Holland, Britain and even to a degree in France, is not specifically anti-Jewish and often pro-Israel. The point about the racist coward, however, is that it’s a creature easily intimidated but quickly emboldened by the assumption of numbers. When long-time anti-Semites believe through the distorted lens of social media that they are not alone, they tend to act. And there is nothing so apparently safe as making bomb threats by phone through a foreign-based and untraceable number. The result is confusion, fear and panic – the precise results the rancid Hitlerites desire – and the exact reason that members of the Jewish community must realize that they are in fact supported, defended and loved. The Nazi bullies are pathetic and grimy and, while they can intimidate and annoy, they can never win. Ostensible campus anti-Semitism is a different issue and one which we have to get right. In spite of what radical supporters of Israel might claim, most critics of Israeli policy are certainly not anti-Jewish and that applies even to those who are passionately opposed to Israeli actions. Of course, some racists join the anti-Zionist ranks, but then the contrary holds true too: Arthur Balfour of the eponymous declaration that gave rise to Israel was repulsed by the idea of a country full of Jews! Yet to label the anti-Israel left, even the boycott and divestment movement, as being anti-Semitic is reductive and dangerous. More than this, to dismiss Jewish anti-Zionists – and there are more all the time – as being self-loathing is simply insulting. Of course there are valid questions to be asked about the double standards applied to, for example, Israel and Iran; vital discussions to be had about what some radical Muslims say about Jews; essential conversations over how the left understand the Jewish experience; and please, please have the sensitivity and intelligence not to accuse Jews of being Nazis. But informed criticism, even of a harsh kind, of a powerful and highly military state in the Middle East is not the same as smashing a Jewish cemetery or threatening to bomb a school. This stuffmatters, and shame on those conservative websites and organizations that seem to exploit all of this for their own ends, and who blame Islam and socialism for every act of gutter racism. The current revival of that old ghoul that we thought buried in 1945 is horrible, but I am convinced that it will slither back to its bog before too long. In the meantime, react sensibly and cleverly and know that the world hasn’t changed as much as some people would like us to believe. The good guys won then, they will win again now. 16 | www.snowbirds.org
Travel Striking it Rich in the Yukon Million-dollar panoramas IMAX-movie scenery awed us on a flight-seeing tour of Kluane National Park, departing from Haines Junction, a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital. Our Kluane Glacier Air Tours plane skirted over massive peaks, rugged ridges and breathtaking glaciers in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We swivelled our heads to view mountains poking their rocky heads through snow blanketing their flanks like downy comforters. Clouds flowed like champagne foam between their peaks. Some glaciers looked like elongated ski runs. Others, such as Kaskawulsh, resembled curving superhighways. To see a larger ice field, we’d have to fly over the North or South Poles. Our jaws dropped as we circled Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain. Its massive peaks are only the tip of the 5,959-metre mountain. The rest is buried in 1.5 kilometres of ice. We halfexpected a woolly mammoth to plod across the landscape. Story and Photos by Barb and Ron Kroll Lured by gold and Klondike heritage, we discovered a fortune of scenic, natural and human treasures Before we travelled to the Yukon, we associated Canada’s northwestern territory with the Klondike Gold Rush. During our midsummer visit, we did discover gold, but we also found far more encompassing riches. Half the size of Ontario with a population of 37,600, Yukon is home to the world’s smallest desert, Canada’s highest mountain, the planet’s largest non-polar ice field, tranquil lakes, fast-flowing rivers, vibrant wildflowers, wildlife galore – including twice as many moose as residents – and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere. Emerald Lake CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 17
Travel Woolly mammoths More than 15,000 years ago, these hairy, humpbacked behemoths crossed the lost subcontinent of Beringia from eastern Siberia into Yukon. The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse displays a cast of the largest woolly mammoth ever discovered. Larger than an Asian elephant, its enormous feet evoked memories of the thunderous footsteps which we heard in Jurassic Park. “Yukon’s gold miners often unearth piles of mammoth tusks and bones,” said a museum employee as we gazed at the long, curved tusks. Mammoth tusks are Crown property and can only be legally sold or exported if government paleontologists determine that they have no scientific or historical value. Several Whitehorse gem and souvenir shops sell mammoth ivory jewellery created from broken tusk fragments. Aeri Rings on horns of Dall sheep indicate its age Moose stands in Yukon Wildlife Preserve pond Wildlife photo safari It was living, rather than extinct mammals, that enticed us onto a guided bus tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a 25-minute drive northwest of Whitehorse. The 300-hectare preserve’s habitats – ranging from bogs to boreal forests – shelter 90 species of birds and 11 species of northern mammals. A massive moose stood knee-deep in a pond while munching vegetation. Shaggy wood bison grazed on lush grass. Muskoxen rested under shady trees. An Arctic ground squirrel stood on its hind legs and uttered a highpitched cry. Our guide explained that the moulting white mountain goats were antelopes, not goats. She also explained how to estimate the age of Dall sheep by counting rings on their horns. Woolly mammoth cast in Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Whitehorse 18 | www.snowbirds.org
Travel l view of mountain peaks in Kluane National Park Restored 1897 Skagway Brewing Co. building Carcross Station, a Canadian Heritage Railway Station Yukon Suspension Bridge above the Tutshi River Scenic route to the U.S. The next day, we drove 180 kilometres south of Whitehorse on the Klondike Highway to Skagway, Alaska. It was a scenic drive. Bristly pines and snowstreaked mountains surround Emerald Lake. Sunlight reflects off powdered limestone in the shallow water, creating its gemstone colour. The nearby 260-hectare Carcross Desert is locally known as the world’s smallest desert. Lodgepole pines punctuate the sand dunes that were formerly a glacial lake bed. In Carcross, we stopped for waffle ice-cream cones at Matthew Watson General Store across the road from Carcross Station. Built in 1910, it’s a designated Canadian Heritage Railway Station. Ten minutes from the U.S./Canada border, the South Klondike Highway crossed British Columbia and took us to the 65-metre-long Yukon Suspension Bridge. The spectacular views of the raging Tutshi River, its gorge and mountains were well worth the vertigo as we traversed it. (Yes, it does sway, but it’s sturdy enough to hold 300 people.) Gold Rush-era city We arrived in Skagway in time to have lunch at the Red Onion Saloon, followed by cream puffs at the Sweet Tooth Café. Although Skagway’s population is only about 1,000, its streets bustle with cruise ship passengers in summer because the city is at the northernmost tip of the Inside Passage. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, we admired restored historic buildings that look much like they did during the Klondike Gold Rush. The most unusual building is the 1899-vintage Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which has more than 8,800 driftwood sticks nailed to it. The restored 1898 Railroad Depot houses the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center. Three blocks north, in the Trail Center, the U.S. National Parks Service and Parks Canada provide Chilkoot Trail permits and briefings. This historic route to the Yukon gold fields includes 27 kilometres in the U.S. and 26 kilometres in Canada. CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 19
Travel S.S. Klo St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Fort Selkirk Fort Selkirk, Yukon’s earliest permanent settlement Vintage transportation The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a tourist attraction that also brings hikers to and from the Chilkoot Trail. Built between 1898 and 1900, the narrow-gauge railway is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation that it shares with the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal. “All aboard!” shouted the conductor, as we boarded a vintage passenger coach. During the 110-kilometre journey to Carcross, announcements described the gruelling Trail of ’89 used by prospectors trekking to Klondike gold fields. As the train climbed 915 metres through tunnels, over bridges and trestles, we inhaled the pollution-free air and photographed cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and snow-topped mountains. Back in Whitehorse, we viewed other vintage modes of travel, including a mustard-yellow plane suspended from the Transportation Museum’s ceiling. We also toured the S.S. Klondike, permanently docked beside the Yukon River. The restored sternwheeler plied the river between Whitehorse and Dawson City in the early 20th century. Abandoned trading post Two football fields wide and 3,185 kilometres long, the Yukon is Canada’s second-longest river (after the Mackenzie). As we travelled by boat from Whitehorse to Fort Selkirk with Up North Adventures, a bald eagle observed us from a cottonwood tree. Fireweed (Yukon’s official flower) splashed patches of brilliant magenta along the riverbanks. Our captain waited as we explored Fort Selkirk, using a free map and walking tour downloaded from the Yukon government’s website. Established as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in the late 1800s, the community of settlers and Selkirk First Nation people existed for 60 years. It was abandoned in 1951, when new roads made steamboats to the upper Yukon River redundant. The 40 historic buildings in Yukon’s earliest permanent settlement were both eerie and fascinating. We peered into the RCMP Detachment cabin and the sod-roofed cabin built in 1939 by Selkirk First Nation Elder Tommy McGinty. Inside the plank-floored Baum Cabin (built 1915-1925), we found an old Singer sewing machine, a tin of Noxzema Cream, several glass bottles, chests, a wooden table and chairs. After examining the hand-squared and dovetailed logs used in 1893 to build The Rectory to house ministers for the nearby St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, we made an amusing discovery – a wooden outhouse. Our most poignant discovery was the Selkirk First Nation Cemetery, with more than 100 graves dating back to the late 19th century. Today, it’s a sacred place where Selkirk First Nation people come to remember their ancestors. 20 | www.snowbirds.org
Travel dike, a restored sternwheeler, permanently docked in Whitehorse Conductor stands by caboose with White Pass & Yukon Route sign Washing pans of gravel at Claim 33 Gold Panning Two ounces of glimmering gold Gold fever We admired beaded First Nation octopus bags at the MacBride Museum after we returned to Whitehorse. (The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate visited the museum and Carcross in September 2016.) Stricken with gold fever after viewing MacBride’s dazzling nugget collection, we travelled to Dawson City, a 75-minute flight northwest of Whitehorse. From the Midnight Dome summit, we overlooked the city of 2,158 people at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. During the Gold Rush, it was the largest city north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg, with a population of 30,000. We found the largest bucket-line, wooden-hulled dredge in North America beside Bonanza Creek. For 60 years, the four-storey machine dug up earth for miners who extracted gold. Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site now rests near the spot where it stopped operating in 1960. Prospectors still mine gold in the Yukon. About 80 mines are small family-run businesses. At Claim 33 Gold Panning, we joined other visitors leaning over water troughs, swirling pans of gravel. The owner showed us a pan containing two ounces of gold. Although we found only a few glimmering specks in our pans, we headed to a Dawson saloon to celebrate, like countless prospectors before us. Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site CSANews | SPRING 2017 | 21
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