To All Active and Retired Federal Public Servants: We Are Here for You!
The National Association of Federal Retirees (Federal Retirees) recognizes and thanks all federal public servants for their contribution and dedication to our country. As you work hard in your respective area of government, you may be interested to know that there is a national association out there that is working hard for you – protecting the pensions and benefits you’ve earned after your years of service to Canada. We’re here to protect what you’ve earned, because the unfortunate reality is that there are risks to your retirement security, and they’re more pronounced now than ever before. If you would like to ensure that your pension and benefits are safe, and that your retirement is the best that it can be, we can help. Take the first step in ensuring your pensions and benefits are protected – join the Association today.
Federal Retirees is the largest registered not-for-profit organization in Canada actively promoting the interests and protecting the benefits of federal employees and retirees. With a network of 79 branches nationwide and a growing membership of roughly 176,000, including 60,000 veterans and their families, we are open to all federal retirees (and their partners) receiving a pension from the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, as well as federally appointed judges. We are also open to those receiving survivors’ pensions, and to current federal employees paying into a pension.
“The raison d’être of our association is advocacy, to advocate for the protection of our pensions and benefits specifically, and for issues of importance for seniors in general. The question that many members ask is: Does advocacy really work? The simple answer is yes.
Jean-Guy Soulière, President”
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Following a 30-year career in the federal government, Jean-Guy Soulière joined the Association in 1994, retiring 13 years later as Executive Director. He played a leading role on a number of seniors’ group coalitions and represented the interests of pensioners on numerous boards and committees.
Jean-Guy Soulière was nominated for a second term as president of the association in the summer of 2019. |
Since 1963, we have developed a tradition of non-partisan advocacy for the rights of retirees and seeking to protect against changes to our members’ hard-earned pensions and benefits. We work towards good policies that improve the lives of all Canadians in retirement.
Our advocacy work has led to significant gains for federal retirees, veterans and their partners and survivors – and it’s ongoing.
- Secured full pension indexation for all pensioned federal retirees. The pensions of our members and their dependents are increased annually to keep up with the cost of living.
- Continued benefits for surviving spouses who remarry. Federal retirees who marry after retirement have the right to obtain a survivor pension for their spouse.
- Created a dedicated dental plan — the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) — for federal retirees, and improved benefits for retirees under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).
- Advocated for and won a federal seniors minister as a dedicated voice for seniors at the cabinet table.
- Fought the $30B pension surplus grab in the public service, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP superannuation accounts and confirmed our members’ right to defined benefit pensions.
- Defeated Bill C-27, a bill that put federal pension security at risk, by leading a coalition of more than 20 organizations representing 5 million Canadians.
- Challenged changes to Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), and won important benefits for retired plan members, including protection for low-income pensioners, removal of annual deductibles, and a gradual phase-in of cost-sharing changes – as well as recognition of the Association’s right to represent all federal retirees.
- Connected with veterans through our Veterans Outreach Initiative to listen, better understand and better advocate for veterans and families as they transition to civilian life, with the respect and benefits they deserve.
- Elevated and lobbied on the unique issues facing women veterans, through our work on the Women Veteran Research and Engagement Network (WREN).
- Advanced our members’ priorities during federal and provincial elections, and in between. From candidate town halls, to meetings and lobby days, and briefs to governments – all of which are now virtual as we all adjust to the new normal – Federal Retirees is working with policy makers to represent members.
In addition to our ongoing advocacy work, Federal Retirees sits on several official committees and advisory boards where critical discussions that affect our members are held. This includes the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) Partners Committee, the PSHCP Administrative Authority Board, the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) Committee, and the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee (PSPAC).
A membership with Federal Retirees also offers savings through our national Preferred Partner Program. Our members have access to exclusive savings on insurance (property, travel, auto), hotels, rental cars, hearing aids, affordable cellular phone plans, personal alarm systems, travel packages, relocation services, and more. The most sought-after benefit of our membership is MEDOC® travel insurance. This exclusive custom-tailored travel insurance program offers coverage and premiums that are head and shoulders above average market standards. MEDOC® just announced that their policies will now include up to $10M in emergency medical coverage for Covid-19 related issues, at no additional cost, and even with the current travel advisory in place. So, for our members, travelling with peace of mind is now a possibility again.
A membership with Federal Retirees offers access to helpful and knowledgeable staff members who can help you understand your pensions and benefits. Sage, a high-quality quarterly national magazine published exclusively for association members, is also included.
It’s never been a better time to join. An annual single membership in 2020 costs only $51.36, or just $66.60 per couple. There are a lot of important things to consider as you transition gradually into retirement, but we are here to help. Remember, you don’t have to be retired to join. Contact us today at 1-855-304-4700 ext. 300 or visit us online at www.federalretirees.ca for more information on how we can serve you, and how to sign up.
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Jeff Wolfson Manager, Recruitment and Member Services National Association of Federal Retirees @fedretirees |