President’s Message Karen Huestis CSA President Bill and I would like to welcome everyone back to their homes in Canada. For many of us, this past winter was the first in a few years when things really started to feel like they were getting back to “normal,” so we hope that you enjoyed your stay in your winter homes. The ninth edition of our popular Canadian Travellers’ Report Card is now available on our website. Once again, it examines five key areas of importance to Canadian travellers. We researched the practices and policies of the federal, provincial and territorial governments and then provided each government with an opportunity to comment on our findings. Once gathered, that information is forwarded to an independent, third-party grader for review and evaluation. Canadians who embark on long-term travel continue to pay a full year of taxes to their respective levels of government. They must pay for infrastructure and other government services which they do not use for the full year, and most snowbirds understand and accept that. However, one thing which they do expect and deserve is access to the health care and drug coverage for which they pay those taxes. In many cases, these taxpayers are denied the same benefits as those who remain at home. It is our view that Canadians should not have to choose between exercising their right to travel and having access to the health-care services that they may require. Since 2002, we have made a series of recommendations to protect the rights and privileges of travelling Canadians. We are pleased that many levels of government have responded with improvements to both service and coverage. Unfortunately, some governments have made little progress at all and we remain concerned with their apparent lack of concern for travellers. In March 2022, the Liberal government entered into a supply and confidence agreement with the NDP in which they agreed to support the minority government in key votes until 2025. In exchange, the Liberals agreed to advance some shared legislative priorities, including the tabling of a national pharmacare bill by the end of 2023. This plan may provide substantial benefit to Canadians – especially older Canadians – and many of our members. As of today, a potential national pharmacare plan and the establishment of a National Drug Agency remain merely political commitments. Our independent grader awarded the federal government a slightly higher grade in the “Access to Prescription Drugs for use During Travel” category based on this commitment. A higher score will be justified if and when the national pharmacare plan materializes and is designed in a way that supports the many Canadians who require access to quality pharmacare when travelling abroad. At any rate, this gives you an idea of the approach taken in the document and it remains a critical tool and invaluable resource when we sit down with our elected officials and members of the media. Again, it is available on our website at www.snowbirds.org. I encourage you to read it so that you will be aware of the latest developments pertaining to travellers in your home province or territory. CSA staff are working hard finalizing the 2023 membership renewal campaign. Your renewal packages will be arriving shortly and you can renew through the mail, on the phone or on our website. We are the only association working on behalf of all travelling Canadians and, although we are now more than 100,000 members strong, we continue to need your help and support. I, unfortunately, have some sad news to pass along. Jack Parry – the founding president of the Canadian Snowbird Association – has passed away. Jack was born on March 5, 1930 in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1992, he was elected by his snowbird peers as one of the five original members of the CSA steering committee and subsequently became our first president. Jack served in the RCAF and later acted as the designated flight engineer on VIP executive flights for Canada’s prime ministers and cabinet members. Jack was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to Canada. On behalf of the Canadian Snowbird Association, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Jenny and the entire Parry family. Bill and I wish all of you a safe and relaxing time at home in Canada with family and friends. 10 | www.snowbirds.org
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