IN THIS ISSUE Travel BIRDWATCHING ON VACATION Finance POLITICS AND YOUR PORTFOLIO Health CHANGING TIMES OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION | SPRING 2022 | ISSUE 122 Publication mail agreement no: 40063603
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Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright SPRING 2022 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 Shari McIntyre David McPherson Andrew Moore-Crispin Rex Vogel Robert Wiersema Judith Adam Gabrielle Bauer Donna Carter Michael Coren Jennifer Cox James Dolan John Hardy Milan Korcok Karen Huestis Ron Steeves Garry McDonald Ted Popel Wendy Caban Bob Slack James Leroux Mike Legault John Foster James Carl Simpson Johanne Blain Michael MacKenzie Wallace Weylie President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Past-President Director Director Director Director Director Executive Director Legal Counsel CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Editor CSA Editor President Art Director Director of Operations Marketing & Events Specialist J. Ross Quigley Karen Huestis Christopher Davidge Peter Prusa Paula McGovern Fran Castricone SPRING 2022 | ISSUE 122 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. Merv Magus Illustrator W hen we were locked in our Covid-safe homes, both here in Canada and in the United States, we all became much more aware of our environment and our surroundings. We had very little else that we could do. It is not that we did not pay attention before all of this nonsense, we just had far more time to contemplate our homes and backyards and we became much more aware of everything. The number of birds flitting about and even living in our trees was amazing. Sure, there have always been birds around, but we never really had time to watch, and learn. After a while, we were hooked. Every new bird species was an “event.”The baby birds that suddenly appeared were fragile and we watched them learn how to fly and survive in this unreal world. What a pleasure it was, and is. I guess that you could now call us “birdwatchers.” This is one of the most popular hobbies in America with estimates ranging up to 60 million people (now 60 million and two). Only fishing can claim that kind of participation. There are sponsored tours to birding regions in every province and state; most are inexpensive and many are free. It is a great way to meet good people who enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. On Page 14, Barb and Ron Kroll outline several of the best opportunities for birding in Canada and I would recommend any of them. Our most interesting “observation” was when a red-tailed hawk dove down on the top of our bird feeder three feet from our kitchen window. It had a life-sizedmetal cardinal on top, for decoration, and it was to be the hawk’s lunch. It struggled for about a minute, trying to wrench it free, and then gave up. The hawk hit it so hard that I was concerned it would be injured, but it just flew away − frustrated, I am sure. And just for curiosity, most of us know that a flock of crows is properly called a “murder” of crows. For ravens, the word for a flock is an “unkindness” of ravens. Check this out for fun… www.almanac.com/redeeming-raven-evermore My son Jason taught me a new bird word − “murmurations.” This normally relates to starlings that swoop and fly in huge formations. So much more to learn. J. Ross Quigley Editor CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 3
Table of Contents SPRING 2022 | ISSUE 122 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION Focus Your Binoculars! These sunny, warm-weather getaways offer snowbirds plenty to see & do. by Barb & Ron Kroll Cruise Ships Return to Sea But will they be the same? by Milan Korcok Features 14 20 Travel 40 Pet Vacays Keep your pet healthy, loved and safe when you must travel without them. by John Hardy 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 41 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 42 Golf by David McPherson 44 CSA Online by Andrew Moore-Crispin 46 Gardening by Judith Adam 48 Food & Drink by Shari McIntyre 50 Fun & Games 51 Grins & Giggles 52 CSA Application 53 CSA Benefits 54 Fast Facts 3 Editor’s Message 6 Snowbird Alert 8 Bird Talk 10 President’s Message 11 Government Relations Report 12 Insurance by J. Ross Quigley 13 Opinion by Michael Coren 37 Health Pulse 38 Fitness by Jennifer Cox 39 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 24 34 28 Outdoor Activities for Spring. by Rex Vogel The Changing Face of Family Practice Changing technologies mean being more proactive in managing your own health care. by Dr. Robert MacMillan RV Lifestyle Finance Politics and your portfolio How to protect your nest egg in times of political turmoil. by James Dolan Health Departments CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 5
SnowbirdAlert Source: www.newscanada.com SpringtimeSnowbirdChecklist 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. While you’re there, make sure that all of your vaccinations are up to date! 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 sending 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 prescription medication bottles or be concerned with an accurate recollection of what year or instance in which either of you received medical 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 CSAMembership 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 easily accessed at www.snowbirds.org Three tips to help retirees managemoney Managing money doesn’t come easily for everyone. And, as you get older, retirement can present new challenges for finances as your circumstances change. Here are some tips to help you make sense of your bills and keep on top of your money as you enjoy your golden years. 1. Re-evaluate your priorities As you grow older, it’s important to regularly re-evaluate your financial priorities and look ahead. Are there expenses you’re hanging on to that you don’t need, such as an expensive cable TVpackage or perhaps a second or third vehicle? Cut the financial fat that doesn’t make sense for you now, rather than hanging on to it just in case. Paying bills for something you value, whatever it is, and not for things which you don’t need or care about will improve your quality of life now and in the future. 2. Ask for help if you need it Many Canadians canmanage their monthly bills, budgets and spending well into their 80s. But, whenever the time comes that you’re struggling to make sense of payments, or you’re getting behind on bills, it’s important to ask for help from a trusted friend or family member. You may have been brought up to be independent, but your financial future is worth swallowing your pride. No one will think less of you. 3. Keep it simple Whether you have a highly detailed system to manage your money or you’re much more haphazard, it’s in your best interest to keep things straightforward. Close out unnecessary bank accounts and think about consolidating debt – you want a system that is both easy for you to follow and for someone to pick up down the line, if needed. At the same time, follow what works best for you. If you’re technology-savvy and struggle with due dates, try automating some or all of your monthly bill payments – that way, you’ll always pay recurring bills on time. On the other hand, if you don’t trust online banking or you find the internet too costly, confusing or inaccessible, it’s okay to stick with paper bills that come in the mail, where that option exists. In fact, this year, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission mandated that customers who are older than 65, or who don’t have internet or mobile data, or who self-identify as someone with a disability, must be able to receive paper bills from their communications provider at no charge, upon request. You can learn more about the new rule at crtc.gc.ca/paperbilling or 1-877-249-2782 (CRTC). How to protect yourself from fraudsters targeting seniors From telephone calls to suspicious e-mails or text messages, fraudsters take advantage of the pandemic to prey on consumers’ fears, often targeting seniors. But, like the old saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” It’s important to be very cautious when receiving any kind of message that appears to be from a bank or financial service asking for personal or financial information. No matter how official it may look, Canadian banks do not ask for this kind of information by e-mail or text. Staying in touch with your local branch is a safe way to verify your concerns. If you suspect that a call, e-mail or text is not legitimate, call your branch and let them know. Here are some tips from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada regarding what else you can do if you think that you may have been the target of financial fraud: ▶▶ Change your online banking and e-mail account passwords. ▶▶ Ask the bank to place a fraud alert on your account. ▶▶ Review credit card and bank statements for unknown charges or ask a trusted loved one to do so. ▶▶ Order a free credit report and carefully check for anything unusual. ▶▶ Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Find more information and resources to protect yourself at canada.ca/money. 6 | www.snowbirds.org
Mention the code: MAG-TBYB-CSAN Hearing well enables us to live the life we choose to live, choose the conversations we want to be a part of, and continue the activities that make life interesting. Loving your ears, prioritizing your hearing health, is an important part of self-care. That’s why HearingLife wants to ensure that Canadian Snowbird Association Members, who may have hearing loss, receive the care they need. Book an appointment with one of HearingLife’s certified hearing professionals to try the latest advanced or premium digital hearing aids for 30 days, risk-free, – no referral required – and discover what better hearing can do for you. *A comprehensive hearing assessment is provided to adults ages 19 and older at no cost. The results of this assessment will be communicated verbally to you. If you request a copy of the Audiological Report, an administrative fee will apply. Child hearing tests are conducted at select locations for a fee, please contact us for more information. Not applicable to industrial hearing tests. This promotion is valid for select hearing aid models and cannot be combined with more than 1 promotion or discount unless stated otherwise. The extra 10% will be applied to the remaining balance on hearing aids and accessories after all other discounts (if applicable). Offer applies to private sales of select hearing aids and discount is applied after the grant has been deducted. Some conditions apply, see clinic for details. [1] Please allow 45 days for Miles to be posted to your Collector Account. Some conditions apply, see clinic for details. AIR MILES available only at participating locations. ®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and HearingLife Canada Ltd. Offers not valid in Quebec. Offers expires 05/31/2022. Hearing makes more things possible Love your ears, book your free 30-day trial!* Call 1-888-230-4152 or visit HearingLife.ca/TBYB-CSAN Why Choose HearingLife? • Largest network of clinics in Canada • 360-AfterCare: Our full service warranty • AIR MILES® Reward Miles exclusive offers[1]
BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, We are flying fromB.C. to San Diego and travelling the same day toMexico by car. Does the day on which we are in transit count towards our allowed annual days in the U.S.? We are currently in AZ (new snowbirds this year!) and have been since the end of September. We are flying back to B.C. for Christmas on Dec 14. We would prefer not to stay north for 30 days, and so are thinking that if the day in transit is not counted, we could spend part of the 30 days in Mexico. I think I read somewhere that same day in transit does not count, but cannot find any information to confirm that!Thanks for any advice available. Judy Gage Victoria, BC Ed.: A day spent travelling through the United States from Canada to Mexico would be considered a day in transit and would not be counted as a day spent in the United States. However, since you have established yourself as a winter resident in Arizona, your “short” trip out of the United States for the holidays may not be recognized by a Department of Homeland Security Agent, and they have full discretion, so err on the side of caution. Go to the I94 website and see for yourself. Every time you enter or depart the United States is recorded and, if the wrong agent thinks that you are being “tricky,” you may find yourself with limitations going forward. Dear Bird Talk, I go to the U.S. for six months each year and fill out all of the required forms, i.e. 8840. My question is if during those six months in the U.S. I decide to go on a vacation for a week or two to, say, Dominican or Europe, do they take that time into account, whichmeans that I can stay for an extra week or two in the U.S. so that my total days would still equal 182? Dianne Mackay Tottenham, ON Ed.: Since your temporary or “winter” home is in the United States, your short visits to other countries should not be subtracted from your days spent in the United States for Customs and Immigration procedures. The IRS 8840 form is calculated using actual days spent in the United States so, with that calculation, the days spent in other countries should not be included in your calculation. Dear Bird Talk, We are planning a cruise departing from San Diego and sailing for five days at sea and then sailing around the Hawaiian Islands for another six days before departing for foreign ports. Would the U.S. Department of Homeland Security calculate the days at sea as being “in the U.S.”? Bastiaan Dehaas Vernon, BC Ed.: Each Homeland Border Security agent has complete discretion for determining the amount of time you are permitted to enter the United States. Each day spent entering the United States to embark on a cruise ship, visiting U.S. ports, such as Hawaii and disembarking in the United States should be counted as days spent in the United States, including days at sea. Dear Bird Talk, I read your comments on filing IRS 8840. If one files the form every year, you stated that one can stay in the U.S. for a maximumof 182 days. Does this mean actual days or equivalent days? I have submitted the 8840 form in the past, but the IRS has never acknowledged receipt of it. Is that normal? Patrick Keck Calgary, AB Ed.: When completing the IRS 8840 form, the days spent in the United States are calculated by counting the actual days spent in the United States between January 1 and December 31 of each year. The IRS does not confirm receipt of the 8840 form. We suggest making a copy of your completed form and, if you want evidence of delivery, send it by registered mail, although we do not think that is necessary. Dear Bird Talk, Hi, I have to fill in Form 8840 for last year. Since I was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for five months, I never really had an address in the U.S. (except for a couple of nights in a hotel). What should I put into the “Address in the United States” at the top of the page? Peter H. Vancouver, BC Ed.: It is recommended that you enter the name and address of the hotel and include a note stating that you were hiking/camping on the Pacific Crest Trail. Dear Bird Talk, I bought a car in Florida to leave there and purchased auto insurance with Geico. Now, Geico is telling me that they will not renew my policy unless I get a U.S. licence. Are there U.S. insurance companies that do not require a U.S. licence? Robert DuFresne Metcalfe, ON Ed.:We have found State Farm Insurance agents to be helpful. You will be asked to provide a Motor Vehicle Record and an Experience Letter from your Canadian Automobile Insurer. State Farm typically will recognize your Canadian Driver’s Licence and driving experience. Dear Bird Talk, We have purchased a property in Fort Pierce; we want to put our son who is 50 years old on the deed immediately. Our thinking is that upon our demise, he will already be an owner therefore eliminating the inheritance processes and associated costs. What are the advantages and disadvantages to such an approach? Pierre Larocque Hawkesbury, ON Ed.: Advantages are that the property will pass to your son without the necessity of probate in Florida, and no capital gains tax will arise at that time. The disadvantages are that you will not have complete control of the property in that anything you wish to do will need the signature of your son. If the son is put on the initial deed, gift tax is probably not an issue, whereas adding the son after purchase may incur gift tax. In the U.S., one can gift up to $16,000.00 without tax – in Canada, there is no limit. 8 | www.snowbirds.org
Dear Bird Talk, I have seen a number of questions and answers regarding selling your home in the U.S., but I haven’t seen any information about subsequently squaring up with the U.S. Internal Revenue Agency. How do I get our money back to Canada? I assume that a currency exchange company can help with getting the money back tomy Canadian bank. I amwondering what type of reporting I need to do with CRA? Also, a significant gain was made on the exchange fromwhen I withdrew money from my Canadian bank to finance the purchase in the U.S. and now, when I am going to bring the cash back to Canada. I am assuming that the CRA would look at this as a capital gain? Anything which you can tell me would be appreciated. Donald Cocks Medicine Hat, AB Ed.: Firstly, any gain on the exchange is taxable in Canada as income. There are no restrictions on taking funds back to Canada. If you have a local bank account in the U.S., deposit the funds and, in Canada, simply write a cheque on that account and deposit it into your Canadian bank account.You might consider opening a U.S.-dollar account at your Canadian bank and depositing to that account. 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, I am not sure if Canadians are fully aware that if you are not a U.S. citizen and decide to sell real estate property in the U.S., 15% of the selling price will be deducted from your proceeds and sent to the IRS within 20 days after closing. It is called a withholding tax, which is really a deposit against the capital gains tax due. The capital gains tax is based on the profit made on the sale, and is reported on a year-end U.S. tax return. The reported capital gains tax due is deducted from the withholding tax (deposit) and the balance is refunded. This could take several months. This initial 15% withholding tax (deposit) can turn out to be a considerable amount. Anne Smith Bolton, ON Ed.: All of that is correct. There is one exception available if the sale price is less than $300,000. If the purchaser or members of his/her family intend to occupy the premises for at least 50% of the occupied time over the next two years after the closing, withholding can be avoided. This does not affect any capital gains tax that may be owing, or the requirement to file a tax return relating to the sale. Dear Bird Talk, I have a mobile home in a Florida home park on rented land. If I sell, do I have to file a tax return? It’s considered a vehicle because, when I bought the house from an individual, he gave me the title certificate and I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to do the transfer myself. Please help me. A real estate agent tells me that I don’t have to make a statement to FIRPTA. Thank you. Lina Larochelle Sherbrooke, QC Ed.: FIRPTA does not apply, as your property is not considered to be real estate. However, if you realize a capital gain on the sale, you are taxable on any amount greater than $70,400. If the gain is less, there is no tax. Dear Bird Talk, We bought a personal use home in Goodyear in 2007 and sold it at a capital loss in 2015. We had no U.S.-based income, so did not file a U.S. income tax return. At that time, we purchased a larger home and we are optimistic that it will sell for a considerable capital gain in the near future. Can the earlier capital loss on the first house be used to offset some of the anticipated capital gain on the current house? Is it too late to get the earlier capital loss on the U.S. tax record? I am guessing that many snowbirds went through a similar situation. Stephen Murray Medicine Hat, ON Ed.: We would suggest reporting both transactions in the tax return which you file on the sale of the present property. Nothing to lose. Dear Bird Talk, Being a Canadian owning a mobile home in a park where I pay land rent, how would I ensure that my daughter has the right to ownership of my mobile home in Florida upon my passing? Anything in particular that would have to be done to ensure this in the U.S. and/or Canada? Angela Staples Baltimore, ON Ed.: You and your daughter need to attend at the local motor vehicle registration office and transfer the title from yourself, to yourself and your daughter as joint owners of the property. As well, you need to approach the owners of the park and ascertain what is necessary to accomplish your wish in the documentation relating to the park. CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 9
President’s Message Karen Huestis CSA President Welcome home to Canada! 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Snowbird Association. In March of 1992, just over 1,000 people gathered at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida and formed what was then known as the Canadian Sunbelt Association. In 1991, the Ontario government significantly reduced out-ofcountry emergency hospital coverage that led to a 300 per cent increase in supplemental insurance premiums for Ontario snowbirds. To say that snowbirds were angry is putting it mildly. They had worked hard for their entire lives, paid their taxes, saved their money and played by the rules. Canadians who spend their winters in warmer destinations still pay a full year of taxes to their various levels of government. They continue to pay for infrastructure and other government services while they are away and that is completely understandable. Having said that, the one thing which they expect and deserve is to have full, equal access to emergency health care. Those founding members of the association knew that if Ontario could get away with reducing out-ofcountry emergency hospital coverage, there would be nothing preventing other provinces from doing the same thing. It became increasingly clear that federal, provincial and territorial governments of all political stripes were not living up to their obligations to travelling Canadian residents. Something had to be done to defend the rights and privileges of all travelling Canadians. Thirty years later, the 1,055-member Canadian Sunbelt Association has become the Canadian Snowbird Association and we are 115,000 members strong! In 30 years of advocacy, what have we achieved together? Snowbirds could not vote in federal elections when they were outside of Canada… now they can. Saskatchewan residents who spend six months outside of Canada every year can now spend sevenmonths away, while maintaining their provincial health care. They couldn’t do that before we got involved. Since 2013, we have convinced the provincial governments in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to make the same change. We worked hard to make the 10-year Canadian passport a reality. When Florida state lawmakers suddenly required an International Driving Permit for out-ofcountry drivers, we fought back and had the legislation repealed in fewer than 90 days. On January 1, 2020, in an unprecedented move, the current government of Ontario eliminated the Out-of-Country Travellers’ Program entirely, which provided reimbursement for Ontario residents who facedmedical emergencies while travelling outside of the country. This policy change made Ontario the only jurisdiction in Canada to cut all emergency medical coverage for residents travelling abroad. By eliminating all out-of-country health coverage, the Ontario government was in clear violation of the Canada Health Act and the CSA challenged this decision in court. In a unanimous decision, the Ontario Divisional Court in Canadian Snowbird Association Inc vs. Attorney General of Ontario struck down part of Regulation 259, which terminated OHIP’S Out-of-Country Travellers’ Program. The Court’s ruling reinstated this important coverage for travelling Ontarians. Challenging the illegal actions of the Ontario government was necessary not only to protect the interests of our Ontario members, but for all of our members across Canada. Just as in 1991, if Ontario had been successful, there is little reason to think that other provinces might feel empowered to try the same thing. As those of you who have long been members of the association well know, these are just some of the many victories which we’ve achieved in the last 30 years, and none of them would have been possible without the loyal and generous support of our members. By the time you read this, you will have hopefully received your membership renewal information in the mail. Please take a moment to renew by simply mailing us your renewal notice, visiting our website (www.snowbirds.org) or calling the office. Although we are now well over 100,000 members strong, we want to continue to see that number grow. Believe me, a membership base of our size makes all the difference when we sit down with our elected officials. Thanks to everyone who has made donations to our Special Action Fund in the past. Every dollar donated to the fund is held in a separate account and is used exclusively to fund our government advocacy efforts. Often, we find ourselves having to react quickly to emerging issues and that’s where the Special Action Fund is a vital resource. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a donation; no amount is too small and it’s one of the most important tools that allow us to continue to fight on your behalf. Once again, welcome home. 10 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Ron Steeves First Vice-President Since my last report, there has been a series of updates to cross-border travel measures made by the Canadian federal government. In mid-February, the Government of Canada announced that fully vaccinated Canadian travellers could return to Canada with a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result instead of a pre-arrival COVID19 molecular test result, effective February 28. As COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are cheaper, provide faster results and are more readily available abroad, this change made it easier for fully vaccinated Canadians to return home. While the CSA applauded this policy change as it gave fully vaccinated Canadian travellers re-entering Canada more options, we continued to push the Government of Canada to remove all pre-arrival testing requirements for fully vaccinated Canadian travellers. In May 2021, the COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel recommended that the federal government eliminate pre-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada, as travellers who have been vaccinated pose a lower risk of importation and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. One month after the approval of pre-arrival rapid antigen tests, the federal government announced the total removal of pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada at airports and land-border crossings effective April 1. This decision came after months of extensive lobbying by CSA officials to lift the mandatory testing requirement for vaccinated Canadian travellers returning home. At the time of printing, Canadian travellers are still required to submit their travel information via ArriveCAN, including contact information, travel details, proof of vaccination and a suitable quarantine plan. A complete list of the current requirements for re-entry into Canada can be found here, https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid. These requirements are subject to change and it is recommended that members review this site prior to any return trips back into Canada. Currently, the pre-entry testing requirements for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers entering Canada have not changed. Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers five years of age or older who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must continue to provide proof of an accepted type of pre-entry COVID-19 test result: • a valid, negative antigen test, administered or observed by an accredited lab or testing provider, taken outside of Canada no more than one day before their initially scheduled flight departure time, or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or • a valid, negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or • a previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry. It is important to note that positive antigen test results will not be accepted. This year, there are two significant general elections scheduled in Ontario and Quebec. As we do with every provincial and territorial election, the CSAwill be putting together and distributing our election handbooks for members in these provinces. The election handbooks contain key information about our major issues in each province, as well as details regarding how to vote, along with key dates to ensure that members have the information which they need in order to exercise their right to vote. For the upcoming election in Ontario, Elections Ontario will be scheduling 10 days of advanced voting, increased fromfive days during the previous election. In addition, Elections Ontario has revised the process to apply for a mail-in ballot online, allowing electors to sign up from May 4 to May 27. More detailed election information will be included in our elections handbooks, which will be sent to members in Ontario and Quebec and placed on our website, www.snowbirds.org closer to the election periods. As part of our annual renewal campaign, we provide members with two copies of IRS Form 8840, Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens. For tax purposes, any Canadian who spends roughly four months or longer in the U.S. each calendar year would want to file IRS Form 8840 in order to be treated as a non-resident. The threeyear calculation known as the substantial presence test determines whether or not you need to submit the closer connection form. This formula and additional information have been included in our membership renewal package. If you typically spend four or more months annually in the U.S., the CSA strongly recommends filing the 8840 Form by the June 15 deadline. You are eligible to file the 8840 Form as long as you do not exceed 182 days of presence in the United States in a single calendar year. It is a relatively simple way to protect yourself by ensuring compliance with U.S. tax law. On behalf of Judy andmyself, please have a safe and enjoyable spring. CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 11
J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance There is not much new to report on the insurance front. The sales this year were greater than any other in Medipac’s 39 years of underwriting travel medical insurance business. Part of that can be attributed to Medipac being the first, and still one of the few, companies which properly covers Covid and its many strains. The other driver is the powerful word of mouth recommendations from our many clients who have experienced our excellent and caring claims service. Thank you for your wonderful support during these trying times. Medipac still provides a 5% discount for those who have had a Covid vaccination, and continues to provide coverage even when there is a Covid travel advisory issued by the Canadian Government. It is interesting to note that the states in the U.S. which remained fairly lenient with their lockdowns and restrictions seem to have resulted in fewer Covid deaths and better medical outcomes. This has certainly been reflected in our claim statistics as well. We are already making plans for our Early Bird launch and I hope to have good news on the premium front. We still must navigate the last few weeks of the snowbird market, however, and we hope to find no “surprises.” It has been a wonderful year in snowbird country. Few restrictions, lots of sand and sun, and meeting old and new friends has been a blessing. Have a wonderful spring and summer and a safe trip home… if you are still lingering in the South. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Believe it or not, there was good news fromOttawa at the beginning of this year. Long pause. No, it had nothing to do with protests or convoys, hysteria and shouting or anything else political or confrontational. The good news was that a new life entered the world in the perfect shape of our first grandchild, a precious little boy. I shall not name him or his parents because, in this broken world, there are people who hate and hurt others and while I can take it – and do so most days on social media – I must protect my family. I wish that I didn’t have to say that of course, but that reality, sadly, illustrates why new, pristine and gorgeous life is so important. Because there is too much darkness, too much pain, too much suffering and too much anger. Then along comes a tiny ray of light, extending and renewing hope and promise. In his cries and his laughter, he is all of the world’s sparkling possibilities personified. Well-meaning friends have said to me that grandchildren are the reward for parenting. Sorry, I disagree. I loved, still love, being a father and bless the fact that we have four children. This doesn’t mean that it’s always been easy, for me or for them, but that’s not the point at all. Family is as complex and layered as is the rest of life. But I’m so, so thankful for it. I’m 63 now, and both of my parents were gone in their mid-70s. That was far, far too young. Mortality has exponential meaning, and I find myself reading obituaries and looking to see how oldmy heroes were when they died. I’m a priest; I spend a great deal of time with the dying and have got to know the intimacy of death. Good Lord, last year alone I presided over 12 funerals. But here in this spectacular miniature is the guarantee that at each ending, there is another beginning. My mum was in Toronto on holiday from Britain when our third child, Oliver, was born. It was October 9, which was her birthday, too. I always remember taking her to the airport and the woman checking her in asking if she’d had a nice time. “Yes,” said Sheila Coren in her best east-end London accent. “I saw my grandson born.” The Air Canada official replied, “Well, I’m going to make it a nice journey home, too. I’m bumping you up to business class.” They could do that back then. It was the only time my mum ever flew business class. It was also the last time I saw her before the hellish blanket of dementia wrapped its filthy arms around her. She declined horribly quickly, fell into a coma and then passed fromus. As I age, I miss her more and more, miss my dad, feel guilty for my failures as a son and wish that I could tell them how much I loved them and how much they did for me. Oh, how I wish that so much. In the years which I have left, however, I can tell my grandson howmuch I love him. Tell his parents how much I love them. Tell my other children, their partners, my wife and all of the members of the cast that keeps our little play moving and growing. Love isn’t, as the Valentine’s Day cards will tell you, never having to say you’re sorry. It’s telling people howmuch theymatter, howmuch theymean and how much you need and want them. Yes, there was good news from Ottawa earlier this year, and from every town and village and city and country in the world. It’s birth and it’s love, it’s care and it’s sacrifice, community and collective, empathy and apology, giving and knowing. Good news that sings words of incalculable beauty. I’ve no idea what my tiny grandson will be, what he’ll do, and I couldn’t really care less. If he’s happy, and makes others happy, the good guys have won once again. And when I’m gone, and he remembers grandpa, looks at photos of the funny-looking bald man who wore a collar and wrote some columns, I simply want him to be able to say, “I loved him.”That’s all. Seems very small and insignificant, but it transforms the entire world. I know that to be true, because I see it every single day. Opinion with Michael Coren CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 13
Story and photos © Barb & Ron Kroll FOCUS YOUR BINOCULARS! Embrace birdwatching as a pleasurable pastime at home and abroad Birdwatching around the world Avian life abounds on every continent. National, provincial and state parks are popular places for birdwatching, as well as wildlife refuges and sanctuaries. Our first birding tour was in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad, where thousands of scarlet ibis inhabit the swamp. One look at the brilliant red plumage of Trinidad’s national bird hooked us on the avian pursuit. A more legendary bird − the resplendent quetzal − drew us to Costa Rica’s Savegre Forest Reserve, 90 kilometres southwest of San José. The sacred bird of the Mayas and Aztecs, the quetzal is now endangered, the victim of a rapidly diminishing cloud forest habitat. Spring and fall are known for migratory birdwatching in Canada, but birding is a yearround activity both at home and around the world. Whether you’re an amateur or an ardent devotee, observing birds as an individual or in a group, the experience will enhance your enjoyment of the natural environment. Here’s a roundup of some of our favourite domestic and international destinations for viewing our fine feathered friends. Resplendent quetzal 14 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Look up! Look down! At Sable Island National Park Reserve, a 70-minute flight southeast of Halifax, we learned to look skyward as well as on the ground to appreciate the 350 bird species found here. Herring gulls soared above us and cautiously watched us from their nests on the sand. By our feet, we spotted herring gull footprints and a broken-open gull egg, speckled with brown, grey and black spots. Sable Island has two colonies of roseate terns, which also nest on the ground. They are listed as endangered in Canada, with fewer than a dozen breeding pairs. Angry birds − not the online game When we viewedMain Station, near the location of one colony, Parks Canada staff did not allow us to approach the buildings. “Terns nesting in the heath will dive-bomb you if you get too close. They aggressively protect their nests from people who may trample them and from gulls that try to eat their eggs.” In northern Manitoba, we also had to scan the ground carefully to see ptarmigans eating seeds from tiny bushes. With plumage as white as the snow around them, we could only see the birds when they moved their black eyes and beaks. The pigeon-sized male displays two graceful tail feathers nearly twice the length of its body. A crimson breast contrasts vividly with its lustrous green plumage. When we joined a tour at Savegre Hotel, we received a checklist of 170 bird species. After four hours of hiking, we returned to the hotel with checkmarks next to 80 birds − but no quetzal. To our surprise, we noticed several birdwatchers peering into scopes, gazing at a splendid male quetzal just metres from our lodging. He let us admire him for a few precious minutes and then vanished like an apparition, leaving only the glint of the sun on his luminous green tail feathers. Numerous trails in Everglades National Park, an hour fromMiami, offer opportunities to view more than 300 bird species. From the Eco Pond Trail, we observed several snowy egrets. On the Anhinga Trail boardwalk through a sawgrass marsh, we spotted an anhinga, perched on a branch holding its wings out to dry like a cape. (Anhingas’ feathers lack oil, so they must dry them after fishing before they can fly again.) Ptarmigan eats seeds from tiny bush in snow Flying herring gull, Sable Island National Park Reserve Scarlet ibis Anhinga spreads out wings to dry CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 15 Travel
No binoculars or telephoto lenses? No problem− if you’re in the Galapagos. Located 1,000 kilometres west of Ecuador, the archipelago requires all visitors to Galapagos National Park to use certified naturalists as guides. “Stay at least two metres away from wildlife,” advised our guide Ceci. “If birds or animals approach closer, don’t touch them. They’re not tame, just unafraid.” From that distance, you can still take awesome photos, even with smartphone cameras. Cute chicks October on Espanola Island is a perfect time for birdwatching, because adults and albatross chicks are in their nests. Albatrosses mate for life. Both parents incubate eggs and feed their chicks. Fuzzy brown albatross chicks, nearly as large as their parents, exercised their immature wings by flapping them in the air. “Albatross chicks have only six months to fledge and become strong enough to fly 2,000 kilometres round trip to the South American coast where they fish,” said Ceci. The cute red-footed booby chicks on Genovesa Island made us smile. The balls of white fluff filled twig nests in the trees. Their large black eyes curiously followed our movements. Red-footed booby chick Nesting adult albatrosses Photographing Galapagos birds from a two-metre distance Galapagos National Park certified guide points out bird to visitor Photographing blue-footed boobies from a two-metre distance 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
As colourful as painters’ palettes Although their plumage can be brown or white, adult red-footed boobies are multihued. Their feet look as if they were dipped into a bucket of red paint. The beaks are blue, with pink at the base and in front of the eyes. “Their eyes appear to be surrounded with blue eye shadow, like the kind my mom used to wear in the 1970s,” said Ceci. An adult male magnificent frigatebird captured our attention onNorth Seymour Island by spreading out his wings and puffing out Alternatives to birdwatching on foot You don’t have to walk long distances for spectacular birdwatching. In San Blas, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, we enjoyed a birding boat tour in La Tovara National Park. Blue herons peered at us from the reeds and took off from the water in front of us. Our boatman pointed out a boat-billed heron and a snail kite in the trees. We saw more wading birds during a guided Gulf Coast Kayak tour throughMatlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, north of Sanibel Island in Florida. When our kayaks emerged from a tunnel of redmangroves and entered a placid inlet, we gasped. Two dozen cotton candy-coloured birds hung like Christmas ornaments in the verdant foliage around us. At first, we thought that they were flamingos. On closer inspection, we noted their spatula-shaped beaks. Our guide identified them as roseate spoonbills. his bright red neck pouch to attract females. Nearby, a fluffy white frigatebird chick observed us from a twig nest. Birdwatching on boat tour of La Tovara National Park in San Blas Boat-billed heron Red-footed booby Adult male magnificent frigatebird puffs out red neck pouch to attract females CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 17 Travel
From the Arctic to Africa Another exciting way to view birds from the water is fromZodiacs. During an Arctic cruise, one Zodiac excursion brought us to the 285-metre cliffs on Digges Island, at Hudson Bay’s eastern entrance. Observing 800,000 nesting thick-billed murres left us awestruck. A blizzard of pudgy black-and-white birds spilled from towering cliff ledges. With black feet spread like rudders, they clumsily splash-landed on their bellies around us. The thick-billed murres jostled on rocky shelves for the best spots to protect their aquamarine eggs from hungry glaucous gulls. Tips for memorable bird photos Rather than taking photos of sedentary birds, make your images come to life by capturing their behaviours and interactions with each other. In the Galapagos, for example, we photographed swallow-tailed gulls with vivid red eye-rings preening each other. On Espanola Island, we listened to an immature Nazca booby make quick quacklike sounds in succession. Hearing his incessant cries, his mother opened her orange beak. The juvenile booby shoved his head into her throat to collect enough predigested fish to satisfy his hunger. A whistling sound drew us to a male bluefooted booby standing on a rock above a ground nest. Standing below him, a female blue-footed booby responded by honking. Nestled into a rock niche, their booby chick was as white and fuzzy as a child’s stuffed toy. When he woke up, he tapped his mother’s beak. She opened her mouth so that the chick could retrieve regurgitated fish from her throat. Guided tours or on your own? Tour guides provide invaluable details about bird species, plumage, songs, behaviour and habitat. Without our knowledgeable guides, we would have walked right by numerous fascinating birds. When tours are not available, apps, field guides and bird identification books provide helpful information. Many parks post interpretive plaques describing local avian life. Some birds are so common that you don’t need a tour guide or identification book to recognize them. In Florida, we frequently viewed brown pelicans waddling on docks, perched on pilings and plunging head-first into the ocean to scoop up fish in their expandable throat pouches. By the way, if you’re searching for pink flamingos (other than the plastic ones) in Florida, you’ll discover that sightings in the wild are rare. The best places to view the Sunshine State’s quintessential emblem are in Florida’s theme parks, such as Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. The large flocks make it easy to hone your bird photography skills. In addition to photos of the entire flock, focus on the details, such as the eyes and feathers, as well as their reflections in the water. Another fun way to birdwatch without walking is from an African safari vehicle. In South Africa, we observed yellow-and-black weaver birds construct stocking-shaped nests. In Botswana, home to 550 species of birds, we photographed two hornbills on a tree branch. Birds often announce predators approaching. A northern black korhaan skittered nervously and cried out as a lion lurked nearby in the grasslands. Juvenile Nazca booby retrieves predigested fish from mother’s throat Two pink flamingos reflected in water Thick-billed murres nest on ledges on Digges Island cliffs Weaver birds construct stocking-shaped nests in South Africa 18 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Barb & Ron Kroll publish the trip-planning website www.KrollTravel.com Courtship rituals A few steps farther, we photographed bluefooted boobies courting. The male whistled and lifted his ultramarine feet, like someone trying to walk with swim fins. (The higher he lifts his feet, the better his chances of mating.) To impress the female, the male booby lifts his head and tail upward in a courtship ritual called sky-pointing. When the female mimics his moves, she agrees to mate with him. On Fernandina Island, we viewed the courtship dance of a pair of flightless cormorants. Their turquoise eyes sparkled in the sun. Entwining their necks, they rotated − first clockwise, and then in reverse. After the male accepted the female’s amorous advances, he brought her sticks to begin nest-building. Focusing on details, such as the feathers, eyes and eggs add interest to depictions of avian life. In the Galapagos, we couldn’t resist taking pictures of the webbed feet of blue-footed and red-footed boobies, as well as the American oystercatcher approaching her nest with two black-speckled white eggs. Silhouettes also provide unique perspectives, as we discovered with our depictions of a nest-building weaver bird in Africa and a roosting great blue heron in Mexico. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and cameras when you travel. Birdwatching and photography will undoubtedly add an enjoyable new dimension to your next trip. Sky-pointing blue-footed booby Flightless cormorants’ courtship dance Preening swallow-tailed gulls with red eye-rings CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 19 Travel
On a typically warm South Florida March evening, the biggest cruise ship ever built, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ “Wonder ofThe Seas” slipped out of Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale’s home port) heading for Caribbean waters on her maiden voyage with paying customers. What do we mean by big? Really, really big − 1,188-feet-long − the length of three Canadian football fields, as wide as four tractor trailers and, with 18 passenger decks, as tall as a 16-storey building. If and when all 2,867 staterooms are filled, “Wonder” could accommodate 6,988 “guests” and 2,300 crew − that’s the total population of some of Canada’s smaller cities − Yarmouth, NS, for example, crammed into a space 210 feet wide. (As big as Wonder is, the space-to-passenger ratio is about equal to other large ships). So far, the 2022/23 cruise season restart has been cautiously encouraging.The launch of Wonder presages a continuing trend: as the police chief told the captain of the great white shark hunter in the movie Jaws—”We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” And there will be more big boats, because bigger boats generate more revenue per investment dollar, and that’s what cruise lines need to offset the catastrophic losses of the past two years and to navigate the growing headwinds caused by skyrocketing oil prices and curtailments of lucrative summer cruise traffic to northern European waters (including Baltic states and Russian ports) due to the Ukrainian invasion crisis. Despite these continuing barriers, passengers so far are opening their wallets and spending freely via every revenue stream: spas, gift shops, food and beverages, casinos, special goods and services. Says Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean line: “The cruise companies, especially publicly traded companies, need to grow their quarterly earnings and one way to do that is to have more ships, meaning more capacity, more passengers, more revenue and thus, hopefully, increased net earnings.” RCL’s Wonder has 20 restaurants and 11 bars, ranging from taco or pasta stands to “formal” dining. And the more “formal” the venue, the greater the tab. That’s quite a revenue stream. To date, cruise vessels have been sailing at between 25 and 50 per cent capacity. That’s far from optimal. As Royal Caribbean’s Liberty has conceded: ships are “accretive to us at around that 35% to 50% mark… the newer, large ships are closer to 35 per cent…older, smaller ships are closer to…50 per cent.” For “accretive” read “profitable.” (Investors have remained cautious about reinvesting in the cruise industry. Share values for the big three − Carnival, Royal and Norwegian lines − have see-sawed day after day. Carnival still lingers at around $20 as of March 22 − down from a high of $52 per share in December 2019; NCL is around $20, down from $58; and even Royal − the strongest to date − is lingering at around $77, down from $135 in December 2019. They could all use some “accretion.”) As the relaunch of the world’s cruise fleet continues into 2022 and 2023, and the COVID restrictions lessen (though some have become permanent), what can you expect and prepare for should there be a cruise in your future? Cruise Ships Return to Sea: But wi l l they be the same? By Milan Korcok 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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