CROSS CANADA CHAPTERS

CARP ACTION
COMMUNITY
> CROSS-CANADA CHAPTERS
WHEN YOU JOIN CARP, quote the code next to the chapter in your area. Want
to start one? Contact Anthony Quinn, 1-888-363-2279 ext. 224 or [email protected].
AJAX-PICKERING, ON (CH 20)
Steve Campbell, 905-903-7419
[email protected]
AVALON, N.L. (CH 1)
Edgar Williams, 709-753-1187
[email protected]
BARRIE, ON (CH 36)
Gwen Kavanagh, 705-252-4756
[email protected]
BRANTFORD, ON (CH 17)
Terry Little, 519-752-8642
[email protected]
BRIGHTON, BELLEVILLE &
QUINTE WEST, ON (CH 39)
Ken Prue, 613-475-0899
[email protected]
BROCKVILLE-1000 ISLANDS, ONT.
(CH 40) Dawn Edgley, 613-345-5815
[email protected]
CALGARY, ALTA. (CH 10)
Robert Robotham, 403-240-0448
[email protected]
CAMBRIDGE, ONT. (CH 41)
Pat Templeton, 519-241-1543
[email protected]
EDMONTON, ALTA. (CH 13)
Bernice Rempel, 780-450-4802
[email protected]
Carp Community 12bg.indd 100
FREDERICTON, N.B. (CH 27)
Joanne Johnson, 506-450-9169
[email protected]
GEORGIAN BAY, ONT. (CH 14)
Ian Kerr, 705-446-1500
[email protected]
HALIFAX, N.S. (CH 22)
Alex Handyside, 902-495-8284
[email protected]
HALTON, ONT. (CH 3)
Tom Carrothers, 905-319-7345
[email protected]
HAMILTON, ONT. (CH 34)
Carlos Duchesne, 905-962-3535
[email protected]
KINGSTON, ONT. (CH 24)
Victoria Pearson, 613-544-3250
[email protected]
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ONT.
(CH 25) John Thompson, 519-8844050, [email protected]
LONDON, ONT. (CH 8)
Dan Procop, 519-432-2789
[email protected]
MARKHAM, ONT. (CH 28)
Terry D’Silva, 905-477-5727
[email protected]
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. (CH 35)
Murray Etherington, 905-824-0919
[email protected]
MONCTON, N.B. (CH 32)
Peggy Humby, 506-854-8903
[email protected]
MONTREAL (WEST), QUE. (CH 37)
Paul Reisman, 514-624-3830
[email protected]
NIAGARA, ONT. (CH 31)
Michael Raimondo, 905-704-6655
[email protected]
NORTH BAY, ONT. (CH 18)
R.M. (Ron) Farrell, 705-497-0482
[email protected]
NORTH FRASER VALLEY, B.C.
(CH 12) Bruce Bird, 778-284-1189
[email protected]
NORTH SHORE VANCOUVER, B.C.
(CH 4) Denise Kelly, 604-785-4047
northshorevancouvercarp@
gmail.com
OKANAGAN VALLEY, B.C. (CH 30)
Gail Goldman, 416-363-2277, ext 246
[email protected]
OTTAWA, ONT. (CH 26)
Janet Gray, 613-755-0055
[email protected]
P.E.I. (CH 21)
Barbara Sinden, 902-436-3459
[email protected]
PETERBOROUGH, ONT. (CH 16)
Robert J. Geddes, 705-745-3771
[email protected]
PINK (LGBT) CHAPTER (CH 33)
John Thornton, 416-619-5501
[email protected]
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. (CH 6)
Rita Marie Wiebe, 250-563-3566
[email protected]
SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. (CH 15)
Marilyn Patterson, 705-949-2299
[email protected]
SCARBOROUGH, ONT. (CH 29)
Contact 416-363-2277 x224
[email protected]
SUDBURY, ONT. (CH 9)
Patricia Douglas, 705-669-0045
[email protected]
THUNDER BAY, ONT. (CH 23)
Allen Richert, 807-768-4746
[email protected]
TORONTO DOWNTOWN, ONT.
(CH 2) Adina Lebo, 905-691-3462
[email protected]
VAUGHAN, ONT. (CH 5)
George Mathew, 416-879-8470
[email protected]
VICTORIA, B.C. (CH 19)
Raymond Welch, 250-220-5870
[email protected]
WHITE ROCK-SURREY, B.C.
(CH 11) Jack Mar, 604-728-5349
[email protected]
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (CH 7)
Larry Duffield, 519-944-1913
[email protected]
11-05-26 3:48 PM
CARP ACTION
BENEFITS
spotlight
HAVE YOU
ACTIVATED YOUR
CARP FUTURA Rewards
card yet? A few months back, we
shipped most CARP members new
membership cards. If you haven’t
received it, you’re already in the
queue for a renewal mailing – you’ll
get a new CARP Futura Rewards
cards when we mail out your
membership kit.
I urge you to activate your card at
www.futurarewards.ca. If you don’t,
you could be missing out on some
great money-making opportunities.
You can earn cash back at more
than 400 retailers and merchants
across Canada.
Many Zoomers are shopping online
these days, and why not? It’s safe and
convenient, and many retailers offer
fantastic deals that are not available
at their ‘brick and mortar’
locations. When you shop
online, use your CARP
Futura Rewards card to
earn cash back at
these stores (and
more).
 Apparel
Addition Elle/
CARP MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
EXPIRY MONTH/YEAR
12345678
10/13
John Smith
FUTURA MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
1234567
Earn cash rewards
when shopping with
Futura Rewards
partners. $1 in
Futura Rewards = $1
Canadian. Use for 123
1234567
personal
savings,
retirement savings, a
child or grandchild’s
education costs
or a charity,
fundraising group or
environmental cause.
Go to www.futura
rewards.ca/CARP or
call 1-866-728-3454.
This card is accepted at any participating
Futura location in Canada.
This card identifies the holder as a Member of The Futura Rewards
Program. It is not a credit card. By using the card, the card holder
agrees to the terms and conditions governing its use. The Member’s
right to use the card and collect Futura Rewards may be terminated
or changed at any time in accordance with the terms and conditions
(see www.FuturaRewards.ca for details).
® Registered Trademark of The Futura Loyalty Group Inc.
1-866-728-3454 www.FuturaRewards.ca
Get the Zoomer MasterCard. Visit www.ZoomerCard.ca
Penningtons, 3 per cent; Banana
Republic, 3 per cent; Gap, 3 per cent;
La Senza, 3 per cent; Roots Canada,
3 per cent.
 Cosmetics Ahava, 5 per cent; Avon,
4 per cent; DHC Skincare Canada,
4 per cent; FragranceNet.com, 5 per
cent; Sephora, 3 per cent.
 Household BathAndBed.com,
4 per cent; Dyson Canada, 2 per cent;
HomeDepot.ca, 2 per cent; Sears
Emergency Roadside Assistance............... 1.866.636.3189
CARP Home & Auto Insurance .................1.888.222.3209
CARP Travel Insurance ............................. 1.877.566.6805
CARP Health & Dental Insurance ..............1.877.551.5566
CARP Travel.............................................. 1.877.246.2277
See our CARP Member Handbook for details.
CARP National Member Service
416.363.8748 or 1.800.363.9736
A
Canada, 2 per cent.
There are cash-back rewards on
electronics, flowers, shoes, books
and magazines, toys, pet supplies,
automotive and many other
categories.
Activate your card and start earning
cash back today.”
ERIC VENGROFF
GENERAL MANAGER &
VICE-PRESIDENT, BENEFITS
 CHECK OUT THE BENEFITS
CARP MEMBERS ENJOY!
With the combo of CARP
membership and Zoomer
magazine costing only $34.95
annually (CARP membership
alone is $19.95), your
investment is quickly recouped
by accessing these exclusive
discounts. Join CARP today and
save now. Call 1-800-363-9736 or
go to www.CARP.ca.
102
INSURANCE
CARP Insurance from The McLennan
Group offers complete insurance
protection – the coverage you
need at the best available rates.
Call to speak with a licensed
insurance professional or go to
www.carpinsurance.ca. *
• Auto & Home Insurance
1-888-509-4543
• Health & Dental Insurance
1-877-551-5566
• Travel Insurance 1-877-566-6805
• Follow-Me™ Plan 1-877-551-5566
• Critical Illness Insurance
1-800-929-6606
• Guaranteed Life Insurance
1-800-396-4389
• Long-Term Care Insurance
1-877-851-4520
• Accidental Death & Dismember
ment Insurance 1-800-461-5796
(* Some products may not be
available in all jurisdictions.)
PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKIMAGES (SHOPPING)
> CARP BENEFITS
ZOOMERMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2011
Carp Benefits 5as.indd 102
11-05-26 1:44 PM
AUTOMOTIVE
CARP members can save up to 25%
on the lowest available
discountable rate at participating locations.
Avis offers a 100% smoke-free fleet in
Canada and the U.S and has the youngest
fleet in the industry. CARP members can
enroll in Avis Preferred® Service, to skip the
line and go straight to their vehicle. Best of
all, it’s FREE! Go to www.avis.ca or call
1-800-879-2847. Quote AWD # C744400 at
the time of reservation.
Budget offers a 100% smoke-free
fleet at more than 1,100 locations
in Canada and the U.S. CARP members can
save up to 25% on the lowest available
discountable rate at participating locations
and on truck rentals in Canada. Bypass the
line with Budget Fastbreak Service –
enrolment is FREE! Go to budget.ca or call
1-800-268-8900 and quote BCD # A668600
at the time of reservation.
Hertz operates from 8,100
locations in 147 countries
and 69 major airports. For CARP members,
Hertz #1 Club Gold membership fee is
waived ($60 value: faster reservations and
rentals; discounted rates and special offers;
earn free rental days.) CARP members
receive a discount of up to 25 per cent. Call
1-800-654-3131 and quote CDP # 1890708.
Hearing impaired: 1-800-654-2280. Go to
www.hertz.ca.
CARP On Demand
An emergency roadside
assistance plan available 24-7 with your
CARP membership. A dispatch operator
helps with towing, lock-out service, fuel
delivery, battery boosts and flat tire
change. Services provided by Dominion
Automobile Association. Call 1-866-6363189. CARP members receive a special rate.
PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKIMAGES (SHOPPING)
ON DEMAND
EDUCATION
OWL 55+ Programs for
Older, Wiser Learners •
Online training courses
teaching Microsoft Word, Internet basics,
online social networking and digital
photography
Carp Benefits 5as.indd 103
• Clearly illustrated textbooks
• Instructors available by phone, email or
online chat
• Flexible learning environment
ENTERTAINMENT
Attractions Ontario will
help you find the best
things to do in Ontario and
receive great prices as a CARP member.
CARP members can receive reduced rates,
2-for-1 specials and can also save 20% on
hotel reservations. For a list of companys
and discounts, go to www.attractions
ontario.ca and click on the CARP button.
Dine.TO is the Greater
Toronto Area’s Premier
Online Hospitality Directory. Search our
extensive database of more than 10,000
restaurant, bar, movie and attraction
listings complete with reviews, videos and
establishment ratings. CARP members,
receive an exclusive 20% discount on
coupons from some of the top restaurants
in the GTA. www.dine.to/carp
Mysteriously Yours
Come and join the fun!
Enjoy 3-course dinner and participate in
the solving of a hilarious whodunit! CARP
members enjoy $10 off per person for
dinner-and-show packages or $9 off
matinee lunch-and-show packages. Shows
Friday & Saturday evenings, some
Thursdays, or join us on select Wednesdays
at the Historic Old Mill Inn for all-you-caneat buffet lunch and mystery. 416-486-7469
or 1-800-NOT-DEAD. www.Mysteriously
Yours.com
MZTV Museum of Television
CARP is proud to introduce The
MZTV Museum of Television to
CARP members as an extension to
our entertainment offers. CARP members
will receive two MZTV Museum tickets for
the price of 1! 416-599-7339 (Monday to
Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Email tours@mztv.
com or go to www.mztv.com.
Magical Mediterranean
Memories Hosted by Marilyn
Lightstone. Sept. 27-Oct. 9, 2011. A 13-day
Grand Italian Opera Cruise aboard the
all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager.
Italian Composers and so much more. $400
USD per stateroom in shipboard credits
exclusive to CARP members! Call 905-8551700 or 1-866-919-2111 or email info@
clarksontravel.ca.
ROM Located in the heart
of Toronto, ROM is
among the world’s leading
museums of natural history, and of world
cultures. CARP members must book online
to receive up to 32% off regular ROM
prices! Online purchases also allow CARP
members to bypass the admission line-up
and head straight to the ROM access point.
Go to websales.omniticket.com/rom/
index.cfm. Don’t forget your promo code is
“CARP.”
Sony Centre CARP
members get a 10%
discount on select shows! Ticketmaster
service charges $5.50-$8.50 per ticket.
CARP members pay only $4 per ticket.
Call 416-872-2262 for our season’s line-up
Go to www.sonycentre.ca/carp and don’t
forget to quote “CARP.”
Stratford Shakespeare
Festival CARP members may
save 25% on any one
performance during the 2011
season with promotion code: 36113.
Limit one show per order. Some
restrictions apply.
11-05-26 1:44 PM
CARP ACTION
BENEFITS
GoodLife includes a copy of Living the
GoodLife (by David Patchell-Evans,
GoodLife founder and CEO). Call the CARP
hotline at 1-800-363-9736 (416-363-8748 in
Toronto).
Hearing aids and assistive
listening devices at
affordable prices. ListenUP! Canada
provides hearing health-care products and
services, including no-cost hearing
assessments and free batteries for five
years with any hearing aid purchase.
Lowest price and satisfaction guaranteed.
Call 1-800-935-0592 or go to
listenupcanada.com.
Golf PEI Accommodations
and golf for individuals,
couples, families or groups. Golf packages
to P.E.I. at guaranteed lowest prices! CARP
members receive a coupon for $100 off!
You also receive $25 off at the Culinary
Institute Boot Camp and 50% off The
Top-Notch Lobster Tour.
1-866-747-1463
FINANCIAL SERVICES
CPP/QPP Benefit Audit The Retirement
Planning Institute provides CPP/QPP
benefit audit services at discounted rates
for CARP members. Call 1-888-822-3948 or
email [email protected].
Earn cash rewards when
shopping with Futura
Rewards Partners. $1 in Futura Rewards = $1
Cdn. Use for personal savings, retirement
savings, a child or grandchild’s education
costs or a charity, fundraising group or
environmental cause. Go to www.futura
rewards.ca/CARP or call 1-866-728-3454.
104
No fee, unlimited 1% cash back
on all net retail purchases and
automatic enrolment in the Best Doctors™
Program for access to renowned physicians.
Reward yourself with the Zoomer Rewards
Master Card. No annual fee! Call 1-877428-6060.
FUNERALS AND MEMORIALS
Through a network of more
than 1,600 funeral, cremation
and cemetery providers in Canada and the
U.S., Dignity Memorial offers quality,
value, caring service and exceptional
customer satisfaction. CARP members
receive a 10 per cent discount. Call
1-800-DIGNITY (344-6489) or go to www.
DignityMemorial.com.
Everest Funeral Planning
provides funeral planning and
concierge services. Call 1-866400-4944 or go to www.everestfuneral.ca.
(Not available in Quebec.)
HEALTH SERVICES
CARP members save $100 on
HD progressive lenses and 20%
on all other optical products, 5% on contact
lenses. A list of more than 500 participating
independent opticians at www.digital
rxcanada.com or call 1-888-996-6637.
Get a GoodLife Fitness
membership at the best
association price in Canada. As a welcome,
Zwell is dedicated to helping
Canadians “live better longer.”
Get 15% off all orders, free
shipping (orders over $50) and special offers
4 times a year. Call 1-877-ZWELL-CA
(993-5522) or go to www.zwell.ca.
HOME CARE
CareAlert Smart Dialer
helps people remain
independent. Savings of $70 for remote
pendant, rechargeable battery backup, all
accessories and a 30-day money-back
guarantee! Go to www.carealertcanada.
com or call 1-888-475-8595.
Personal emergency response
service powered by Revision
Security and featuring products by General
Electric. Security for people requiring a
direct link in case of an emergency. Call
1-877-4-911-SOS (767) or go to www.
directalert.ca.
Home Instead
Senior Care offers
5% discount on all services (max 100 hours
of service), free in-home care consultation,
no-cost home safety check. Go to www.
home instead.com or call 1-888-348-3687.
HOME SERVICES
CARP members get a low
price-match guarantee
against national competitors, two weeks’ free
storage and one-year free CARP membership
PHOTOGRAPHY, TBRITT ERLANSON/GETTY IMAGES (CRUISE); B2M PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES (COUPLE)
Toronto Symphony
Orchestra 25% off tickets
for CARP members on select shows! From
Beethoven and Mozart to jazz standards
and Celtic classics, the TSO has music for
all tastes. Join us for an afternoon or
evening of incredible music at a great price.
416-598-3375. www.tso.ca/weboffers. Don’t
forget to quote “CARP.”
ZOOMERMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2011
Carp Benefits 5as.indd 104
11-05-26 1:44 PM
or renewal with any move. For reservations,
email [email protected] or call
1-855-282-1638.
A new standard in an
all-in-one system with the
premium sound of the Bose Wave music
system. Try it risk-free for 30 days. If not
satisfied, Bose offers to pay return shipping
costs for CARP members. Call 1-800-3402073 or go to www.bose.ca/carp.
Cityfone
Telecommunications offers
savings on wireless phones and airtime
packages. Call 1-888-322-1113 and identify
yourself as a CARP member.
ComparAction, CARP’s
long-distance supplier, offers
savings on all your long-distance calls. Call
toll-free 1-800-547-2720.
PHOTOGRAPHY, TBRITT ERLANSON/GETTY IMAGES (CRUISE); B2M PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES (COUPLE)
Relocation Services Group
Zoomers can receive a cash
rebate when buying and/or
selling. We offer full real
estate, moving and mortgage
co-ordination on a no-fee basis. Contact
us before speaking to a real estate agent
or moving company. Call 1-866-865-5504
or go to www.relocationservices group.
com/carp.htm.
TRAVEL
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
provides convenience, service
and value! CARP members
enjoy our Price Match Guarantee policy
and Vacation Club value-added offers on
packages, cruises and tours through any
one of more than 175 agencies. Call
1-800-CARLSON (227-5766) or go to www.
cwtvacationclub.ca/carp.
Based on location and room availability, the
following chains have programs available
for CARP members. Discounts range from
10 per cent to 25 per cent and are only
available with advance registration.
All Seasons Resort-Europa, 246-432-5046†
Baymont Inns, 1-800-980-1679*
Beaches Resorts, 1-866-498-3218
Best Western, 1-800-780-7234
Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn,
1-800-424-6423**
Chateau Beauvallon, Mont-Tremblant, PQ,
1-888-681-6611***
Clarion, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn,
1-800-424-6423**
Days Inn, 1-800-268-2195*
Delta, 1-800-268-1133
Endless Vacation Rentals, 1-877-670-7088*
Hampton Inn, 1-800-445-8667
Hawthorne, 1-800-221-5816*
Carp Benefits 5as.indd 105
Homewood Suites by Hilton, 1-800-445-8667††
Howard Johnson Hotels, 1-800-769-0939*
Knights Inn, 1-800-682-1071*
Lakeway Spa & Resort, 1-800-679-2634‡
Pacrim Hospitality Services, 1-877-680-7666
Ramada Worldwide, 1-800-462-8035*
Super 8 Motels, 1-800-800-8000*
Touchstone on Lake Muskoka, 1-866-9281098***
Travelodge, 1-800-545-5545*
True Key Resorts, 1-888-766-9637
Vintage Hotels, 1-888-669-5566
Wellesley Inns & Suites, 1-800-444-8888
Wingate Inn, 1-877-202-8814*
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, 1-866-854-1604*
Wyndham Montreal, 1-877-670-7088*
*quote I.D. Number 60056
**quote I.D. Number 00088715
***quote I.D. Code CARP
† quote I.D. Code ALLSEA
†† Mississuaga, Cambridge, Oakville, Toronto
Airport Corporate Centre
‡ quote I.D. Code CARPDOLCE
 CHECK OUT THE BENEFITS
CARP MEMBERS ENJOY!
Join CARP today and recoup
your investment with these
exclusive discounts. Call
1-800-363-9736 or go to www.
CARP.ca.
11-05-26 1:44 PM
ACTION
ADVOCACY BENEFITS COMMUNITY EDITORS ARLENE STACEY & PETER MUGGERIDGE
NEW
MINISTER
FOR
SENIORS
CARP sent a letter
of welcome to the
new Minister of
State for Seniors
Alice Wong
(Con-Richmond,
B.C.) who is the first
Chinese-Canadian
woman to sit in
Cabinet. CARP
looks forward to
working with Wong
and briefing her on
the issues. Here,
Wong is flanked by
Jack Mar and April
Lewis (of CARP’s
White Rock-Surrey
chapter) at a
meeting in March.
CARP BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Maura Ruth Cohen
David Cravit
Lillian Morgenthau
Gord Poland
Eric Vengroff
Moses Znaimer
CARP EXECUTIVE
President Moses Znaimer
General Manager &
Vice-President, Member Benefits
Eric Vengroff
Vice-President, Advocacy
Susan Eng
Vice-President, Community
Development Ross Mayot
CARP ADVISORY BOARD
David Crombie
Monika Deol
Pier Giorgio Di Cicco
Gail Hinchliffe
Dr. Ron Keast
Dr. Colin Powell
Maj.-Gen. Richard Rohmer
Bill VanGorder
CARP NATIONAL OFFICE
30 Jefferson Ave.,
Toronto, Ont. M6K 1Y4
416-363-8748
1-800-363-9736
[email protected]
www.carp.ca
JULY/AUGUST 2011 | ZOOMERMAG.COM
Carp Frontis & ELECTORAL 14bg.indd 91
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26/05/11 2:24 PM
CARP ACTION
ADVOCACY
YOU ASKED
FOR IT AND YOU
GOT IT – now keep asking!
SUSAN ENG
VICE-PRESIDENT,
ADVOCACY
Carp Frontis & ELECTORAL 14bg.indd 92
BEYOND THE BALLOT
CARP WILL INSIST THAT PROMISES ARE HONOURED AND
MEANINGFUL ACTION IS TAKEN ON THESE KEY ISSUES
ELDER ABUSE
The Conservative party campaigned
on a promise to crackdown on elder
abuse – specifically, to amend the
criminal code to add vulnerability due
to age as an aggravating factor when
sentencing those who commit crimes
against elderly Canadians. The NDP
promised to do the same.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans
– voluntary defined contribution
plans – were on the table to fill the
retirement savings gap. However, as
private sector plans, they may carry
high costs and investment risk. The
NDP has the stated goal of doubling
the CPP, but there doesn’t appear to
be too much provincial or federal
will backing CPP expansion.
CARP’S POSITION CARP members
are not impressed with a voluntary
fund run by the private sector and said
so in our surveys. A public option is
needed – allow people to buy into a
separate fund run by the existing notfor-profit pension funds like the CPP,
OMERS, provincial teachers’ funds
and the like. With their size and experience, they can offer low-cost, reliable defined benefit pensions, which,
coincidentally, is what we’ve been asking for.
CARP’S POSITION In advance of the
election, CARP specifically called
for exacerbated sentencing in cases of
elder abuse. CARP has also called for
a comprehensive approach to punish
the most egregious manifestations
of elder abuse and implement meas- CAREGIVING
ures to prevent future abuse.
The pre-election budget gave an important nod of support to family caregivers but only offered up to $300 in
CANADA PENSION PLAN
non-refundable tax credits under the
REFORM
When the election writ was dropped, existing categories of caregiver tax
PHOTOGRAPHY, THE CANADIAN PRESS/ADRIAN WYLD (HARPER); THE CANADIAN PRESS/ANDREW VAUGHAN (PENSION REFORM)
According to CARP Polls,
our members supported the
Conservative majority. Now the
real work begins.
Pension reform and caregiver
support, eliminating senior
poverty and dealing with elder
abuse – most of these issues were
addressed in the March budget,
which Finance Minister Jim
Flaherty has already said would
be reintroduced with some
‘tinkering.’ In our CARP Polls,
you said those budget proposals
were good, but the opposition
proposals were better. Indeed,
support for the NDP doubled
among our members in the runup to the election, and we should
expect the official Opposition
to champion these priorities. To
make promises a reality, policies
based on those promises should
be in the throne speech and the
new budget – that’s where the
government sets out its priorities
to Parliament and where the
Opposition gets to argue to
better those policies.
With a strong majority
government and an
official Opposition
party that was even
more expansive
on our priorities,
there should be no
excuse for not
acting on these
pressing issues.
But Parliament
is never so
straightforward.
Stay tuned –
things are moving
a lot faster than
they used to.”
11-05-26 1:17 PM
Will Harper
listen to the
older voters
who helped him
get his majority?
closely to ensure that the elimination
is made promptly and that older Canadians are, in fact, given greater control of their careers.
GUARANTEED INCOME
SUPPLEMENT
The pre-election budget promised a
$300 million boost to GIS directed at
seniors at the lowest levels of income,
amounting to a maximum of $600 for
single seniors and $840 for couples.
The increase will help those with very
low incomes, but the amount of the
top-up will be reduced gradually and
will completely phase out at an income
level (other than Old Age Security
and the GIS) of $4,400 for singles and
$7,360 for couples.
PHOTOGRAPHY, THE CANADIAN PRESS/ADRIAN WYLD (HARPER); THE CANADIAN PRESS/ANDREW VAUGHAN (PENSION REFORM)
CARP’S POSITION $300 million is a
credits for live-in spouses and parents.
If a dependent does not live in the
same household, they have to be financially dependent on the caregiver.
This non-refundable tax credit would
not significantly benefit low income
caregivers or those who had to quit
work to look after a loved one.
CARP’S POSITION The opposition
platforms contained refundable tax
credits worth up to $1,500 a year along
with important changes for compassionate leave, and would go much
farther to support the millions of Canadians who are providing informal
care to a loved one.
MANDATORY RETIREMENT
The practice of mandatory retirement in federally regulated industries
should end soon if the government
keeps the promises it made in both the
2011 budget and the election.
CARP’S POSITION CARP has long
advocated for the elimination of mandatory retirement – most recently by
supporting a private member’s bill
that made it to final reading before
the recent election. We’ll be watching
start, but more has to be done to reduce financial insecurity among older
Canadians. The current proposal targets a small subset of GIS recipients,
but everyone currently receiving GIS
is, by definition, financially insecure.
The NDP campaigned on a promise to eradicate old-age poverty, and
the new majority government has
more opportunity now than in the
previous five years to boost the GIS.
—Michael Nicin
> CARP POLL
This fall, provincial elections will
be held in a number of provinces
across Canada: P.E.I. (Oct. 3),
Manitoba (Oct. 4), Ontario (Oct. 6),
Newfoundland and Labrador
(Oct. 11) and Saskatchewan (Nov. 7).
In a recent CARPAction Online
poll, we asked: What issue will be
most important to you in your
provincial election? Here are the
results from the 3,644 members
who responded.
BUDGET DEFICIT: 20%
ELECTRICITY PRICES: 17%
HST: 16%
WAIT TIMES FOR SURGERY: 11%
GOVERNMENT COVERAGE OF DRUGS: 6%
ACCESS TO HOME CARE: 5.5%
ACCESS TO LONG-TERM CARE: 5.5%
PROPERTY TAXES: 5%
HIGH COST OF DRUGS: 2.5%
OTHER: 11.5%
CARP IN THE MEDIA
“Though not a traditional headline-grabber, the seniors
file got a much bigger profile during the election. CARP’s
head of advocacy, Susan Eng, made that point in a press
release. ‘Every party made promises to address pension
reform, caregiver support, eliminating poverty among
pensioners and dealing with elder abuse,’ she said ‘There
will be no excuse for not acting on these pressing issues.’
Based on the prime minister’s comments following
Wednesday’s cabinet announcements, seniors still appear
to be near the top of the agenda.
From ipolitics.ca, May 18, 2011
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AD
WONG A BIG STEP UP FROM FANTINO
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>HST AND YOU
The much-anticipated B.C. referendum on Harmonized
Sales Tax will take place this summer. Referendum ballots
will be mailed to all registered voters by June 24. Completed ballots must be received by Elections B.C. by July 22.
The CARPAction Online newsletter (sign up for it at
www.CARP.ca) recently ran a thorough breakdown of the
HST. Here are some of the highlights.
• No one likes paying taxes, and Statistics
Canada found that the HST would add about
$521 to the tax burden of the average household.
• In 2009, a Canadian Centre for Policy
Alternatives report dubbed seniors HST “losers.”
On average, the CCPA report suggests, senior
couples will be worse off by approximately $150.
The report found that 45.5 per cent of senior
couples with combined (annual) income of $20,000 to
$50,000 could expect to pay (an average of) $270 more. It
also revealed that “even at incomes under $20,000, about
eight per cent of families will experience a loss.”
• CARP has repeatedly called on the government to
implement an HST relief grant for low- and middleincome seniors. Although it has suggested a willingness
to offer concessions to make HST more appealing to
older voters, CARP points out that at press time, “the B.C.
government has made no specific provisions to protect
seniors from the repercussions of the HST.”
Reasons
to vote
NtoO
HST
Reasons
to vote
• The B.C. government’s independent panel
to look into HST estimates that the tax would
bring in an extra $820 million a year in 2013-14
and $893 million in 2014-15, money which could
be bridge deficits and fund key services.
• If HST is voted down, going back to the PST
would cost the province $531 million in lost
revenue in 2013-14 and $645 million the 2014-15.
Also, a “no” vote might force the province to repay as
much as $1.6 billion to Ottawa.
• According to the panel’s calculations, the HST would
also create nearly 25,000 jobs by 2020.
Y
E
S
to HST
CARP’s full report on the B.C. HST referendum is available
at www.CARP.ca/advocacy.
94
CARP MAILBAG
Regarding “Who can afford this?” [June 2011]
Even though [my stepdad] is terminally ill, apparently
he isn’t dying fast enough to be considered acute
care. They will be moving him to continuing care
to the tune of $1,600 a month. In addition, he has
to pay for medical transportation for three dialysis
treatments and one chemo treatment a week plus
aids to daily living. And if there is no continuing care
bed available for him, the hospital will charge him
the continuing care rate ($48.40 a day) for every
day that he remains in hospital – through no fault
of his own!
My question is: how many Canadians can pull
$2,000 a month out of their current budget to look
after a sick spouse or parent? Like most Canadians,
my folks have just enough money to live on. Now,
my mother is tasked with selling their home to pay
this bill in addition to all the overwhelming stress of
dealing with this heartless system. She will ultimately
be living in poverty while universal health care sucks
up every penny she could have used to survive on
once my dad passes away. I thought if you were sick,
health care looks after you. Obviously not.
—Desiree Bauer, via email
RRIF clawback
I am 72 years young and have worked hard all my
life to provide security for myself and keep myself
healthy in my senior years. I have never asked for
handouts or been a burden on health, welfare,
employment insurance or other government services.
For years, I have contributed to an RRSP to feel
secure in my senior years – but, at age 71, I am
required to turn this into a RRIF and am forced,
against my wishes, to release a percentage of this
annually – thereby pushing me into a higher income
bracket and forcing me to pay more income tax into
the cavernous government coffers when I feel I will
require my money to see me through at a later stage.
I already return all my OAS and CPP, and now I
have to turn over half of the released RRIF. Why
is the government penalizing seniors
for looking after themselves? I do
not want to become a burden on
government handouts when (if) I
require more care.
If you know of any way I can add my
voice to a growing movement against
this government victimization by social
media or other ways, please advise me.
—Jan Howarth, via email
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PHOTOGRAPHY, THE CANADIAN PRESS/DARRYL DYCK (HST); ISTOCKPHOTO.COM (MAILBAG); DAN SAELINGER/THE IMAGE BANK (NURSE)
CARP ACTION
ADVOCACY
CARP ACTION
ISSUE
WIRED FOR CARE
PHOTOGRAPHY, THE CANADIAN PRESS/DARRYL DYCK (HST); ISTOCKPHOTO.COM (MAILBAG); DAN SAELINGER/THE IMAGE BANK (NURSE)
IN THE FINAL INSTALMENT IN OUR FOUR-PART SERIES,
IAN MACNEILL EXPLORES HOW TECHNOLOGY PROMISES
TO RESHAPE THE HOME CARE EXPERIENCE
Schram says. “We’ve attained a level of
97 per cent.” A single full-time nurse
could conceivably monitor as many
as 300 individuals, he says, lowering
costs even further.
It’s the kind of innovation that just
makes sense, says Community Care
Access Centre CEO Bill Innes.
“Our aging population means fewer
people are going to be available to
serve the needs of aging Canadians,”
he says. “We have to look at utilizing
human resources in different ways but
also in ways that are at least equal to
if not more effective than those currently in place.”
Remote monitoring may lack the
human touch, but Innes says a nurse
making house calls can only visit
about five patients a day. And when
the nurse leaves, the patient’s condition could change without a healthcare professional there to help them.
Remote monitoring is continuous and
also has the advantage of providing
data that can provide snapshots of
an individual’s unique conditions and
highlight any variations in them.
“It’s just the beginning,” Innes says.
“From a manpower and cost point of
view, we’re going to have to be doing
more and more of this kind of thing.”
It turns out we are. A good example
Technology isn’t going to stop ings for the three years the program
aging, but it certainly has the potential
to make aging in place a more realistic
and safer alternative for an increasing
number of Canadians.
A good example of evolving homecare technologies at work is a program
in North Simcoe Muskoka, Ont., where
100 seniors with chronic diseases are
having key vital signs monitored remotely by one part-time nurse. According to John Schram, CEO of We
Care, the company that’s operating
the program in partnership with the
North Simcoe Muskoka Community
Care Access Centre, health-care sav-
has been up and running can be conservatively estimated at more than
$600,000.
And that’s just the financial side of
the equation. Fall prevention is up in
the test group, and both emergency
room visits and hospital admissions
are down. In human terms, we could
say that family and patient peace of
mind is up and suffering is down.
“The North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network that’s
funding the program wanted to see at
least 80 per cent of the people being
monitored stay in the community,”
of a more robust form of home healthcare delivery is another new program
operating out of Toronto, this one
aimed at individuals being discharged
from the hospital. In an effort to reduce re-admissions, the hospital has
developed a Virtual Ward system
that effectively replicates care services in the home setting. A care coordinator visits patients at home the
day after discharge and assesses what
kinds of services, if any, will be required to help them recuperate.
Although the program is low-tech
now – team members are currently
communicating by phone and in
person – program director Dr. Irfan
Dhalla says he’s hoping the introduction of electronic health records,
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CARP ACTION
ISSUE
easily accessible by all team members,
would go a long way toward enhancing efficiencies. Similarly, he says he’d
like to see the growth of telemedicine,
a process whereby iPhone 4-equipped
team members who are not doctors could use the phone’s camera to
stream images of the patient (in real
time) in the home setting.
“This would allow the doctor to see
exactly how the patient was struggling with a breathing problem, for
example. Previously, the only way the
doctor could do that would be to see
the patient in person,” Dr. Dhalla says.
Ultimately, he says, these programs
will make it possible for ever more
Canadians to stay at home longer.
“One of the difficulties patients who
are getting older now face is that the
folks who are providing them with
home care aren’t necessarily working
closely with the doctors, specialists
and hospitals they may also be getting
care from,” Dr. Dhalla says. “If we can
provide these people – some of whom
have as many as five chronic diseases
– with an interdisciplinary team that
includes their usual home care providers, as well as their pharmacist and
a doctor who can visit them at home,
then I think we can provide people
with more of the tools they need to
age in place.”
As promising as technology is to
home care, Marg McAlister of the
Canadian Home Care Association
(CHCA) cautions that it serves as a
compliment to home care services
delivered by human beings, not a replacement.
“It’s a support, not a substitute,” says
McAlister, the association’s director
of policy and research. However, she
adds, properly designed and managed, leveraging technology that
makes it easier for seniors to remain
in their own homes longer should
ultimately contain health-care costs
and, more importantly, improve care.
“It allows enhanced access and
makes it possible to direct human resources where they are needed most,
and that is especially important when
access to human resources is declining,” she says.
The CHCA is particularly excited
about the potential in remote monitoring systems, especially their ability
to deliver services in rural locations.
In addition to the North Simcoe
Muskoka project, a “telehome-care”
monitoring program in the Northern
Lights Region of Alberta, a vast and
sparsely populated region anchored
by the city of Fort McMurray, has resulted in a reduction in “avoidable”
use of emergency rooms, decreased
high-tech home care
The technological revolution has hit the home-care industry. The following
STANDING MODE
SEATED MODE
Carp Home Care FC 17bg.indd 96
devices are either soon-to-be available or on shelves now. It’s hoped that these
innovative products will lead the way to a better – and more affordable –
home-care experience.
BREAKING BARRIERS Wheelchair
manufacturers are rolling out
an increasingly impressive array
of high-tech “personal mobility
vehicles.” Permobil (www.permobil.
com) is offering a $55,000 fourwheel all-terrain model, while Swiss
manufacturer Levo (www.levousa.
com) is rethinking traditional
wheelchairs – its stand-up models
take riders from seated to standing
in seconds. A Bluetooth fourwheel drive model is available
that will climb a four-inch curb – a
veritable mountain for conventional
wheelchairs. And Dynamic Controls
(www.dynamiccontrols.com/iportal)
recently unveiled an iPhone app that
allows users to have a dashboard
control system for their electric
wheelchair, including speedometer
and a battery-charge indicator. As
of this writing, the app was available
at iTunes for a “free introductory
period.” It is slated to eventually
retail for about $100.
BACKYARD HOSPITAL For those
with deep pockets, MedCottage
(www.medcottage.com) is a portable
medical home that recreates the
tools and amenities of a hospital
room right on one’s own property.
The 299-square-foot modular
facility comes with technologies to
monitor vital signs, filter the air for
contaminants and communicate
with the outside world via Internet
and smart phone applications.
Built-in sensors alert caregivers
if the patient falls and provide
information through remote control
26/05/11 2:23 PM
re-admissions to hospitals and a high
degree of “client satisfaction.”
However, she adds, remote monitoring will only be successful in the
long term if it is accompanied by the
expansion of broadband services to
all parts of the country. Unfortunately,
she says, the value of technologies has
not been matched by a similar enthusiasm for government investment
in them.
“We need targeted funding,” McAlister says. “Right now, depending on
the province, home care is only funded between four to seven per cent of
the health-care budget. The CHCA
has suggested in its submissions that
funding be specifically targeted to investment in home care “both for direct care and for innovative technology
to enhace [patient] independence and
tools to support timely communication between providers.”
and monitoring on a dashboard that
serves as a family communication
portal. These pricey pre-fabs (only
available in selected U.S. markets
at this time) will rent for about
$4,000 a month or sell for about
$85,000, depending on the chosen
configuration.
MED REMINDERS According
to Caring.com, the inability of
individuals to take their medications
without supervision accounts for
a whopping 40 per cent of nursing
home admissions. A variety of
automated pill dispensers are now
available both online and at
retail outlets, some with
built-in alarms to
>ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS
CARP has long recognized that the
only way we can take advantage
of technological innovations to
improve home care, we must have
an efficient electronic medical
records system in place.
Since 2001, Canadian Info
Pathways, a federal agency charged
with developing a Canada-wide
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
system, has encountered many
hurdles. Issues such as competing
visions, poor funding and the
inability to get all stakeholders on
the same page, means progress has
been slow.
Ideally, an EHR system would look
like this.
 Every individual would have
their health record placed on a
computer database.
help at least some aging-in-placers
manage their meds. MedReady
(www.medreadyexpress.com) is even
marketing a monitored dispenser that
comes with a phone modem: if the
meds are not removed by the end
of the alarm duration, emergency
calls are sent out to as many as three
emergency telephone numbers.
Prices for these devices run from
$50 to $260.
 It would contain an up-to-date
record of your medical
history (prescriptions, lab tests,
blood sugar readings).
 The system would also store
your entire medical history (X-rays,
conditions, medications, allergies,
tests, etc.).
 This electronic file would be
accessible to patients, doctors,
hospitals, labs, long-term care
facilities, home-care health
teams, etc.
Developing a portable electronic
medical file would improve
the home-care experience by
reducing hospital visits, streamline
emergency room visits and create
an environment for better
diagnoses. CARP is pushing for
this to become a reality.
for about $100 – will keep track of
patient falls and monitor variations in
gait and behaviours that might be a
cause of concern for caregivers.
FIRE PROOF According to research
by Pioneering Technology of
Mississauga (www.pioneeringtech.
com), kitchen stovetops are the
No. 1 cause of household fires
in North America. The solution
could be the Safe-t-element, an
electronically controlled solid cover
plate installed on top of existing
stovetop burners that
REDUCING FALLS Harry Tyrer Jr., a
can automatically
University of Missouri professor of
electrical and computer engineering, shut them off
when critical
is working on a “smart carpet” that
will monitor the movement of elderly temperatures are
reached. It also
persons and hopefully prevent or
reduce falls. Sensors under the carpet has the ability
to switch itself
monitor and communicate walking
activity to a computer that crunches back on again.
Retrofit kits cost
the data for useful information, says
about $180 for a set
the system’s inventor. Researchers
of four stovetops plus
are hoping the devices and related
software – which are expected to sell installation.
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CARP ACTION
COMMUNITY
PLAYING TO WIN
THIS PAST
SPRING WAS A BUSY
TIME FOR OUR CARP
community across the country. The
federal election had something to do
with that, but the chapters were also
busy promoting new memberships!
Collectively, they generated a record
number of new chapter members in
the first quarter of this year.
As we continue to grow our
network of chapters, we’re
connecting with people who
are willing to take on leadership
roles and create a welcoming
environment for others. I’m
delighted to say we’ve found two
such people in Winnipeg – Ole
Torlen and Jean Henderson.
Experienced community leaders
(both were board members
for the Manitoba Society
of Seniors), Ole and Jean
have stepped forward
and are forming a
steering committee to
help us launch our
first chapter in
Manitoba.”
ROSS MAYOT
VICE-PRESIDENT,
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Kelly welcomed
the challenge
of learning to
play hockey.
AT 48, DENISE KELLY, chair of
CARP’s North Shore Vancouver
chapter, finds herself on the younger
end of the Zoomer spectrum. And
while she admits some people are
surprised by her relative youth, she
plays it to her advantage.
“I can use it to bring people together, to bridge the gaps in this great
organization,” says the North Vancouver resident. “I’m really looking
forward to working with people aged
45 to 100.”
Kelly learned about CARP while
reading Zoomer magazine. She was
immediately attracted to the New Vision of Aging and when she found the
North Shore chapter had an opening,
she jumped at the opportunity.
As well as serving as chapter chair
for the 1,500 members, she’s a healthcare marketing consultant, a mother
of two and plays defence for her local women’s hockey team, the Stanley
Cupcakes. “My husband, Brendan,
played recreational hockey, and I was
jealous,” she says. “I couldn’t skate at
the beginning. But I proved to myself
that, even with all the typical fears
and denial we face when we age, my
life wasn’t ending. I hope others can
see this and say: ‘Oh my goodness, I
can do that too.’ ”
Kelly is working on a partnership
with the Eldercollege at Capilano
University, exploring educational opportunities for CARP members.
But above all, she’s always looking
for locals who want to get involved
with CARP and help in the community. “It’s coming together. We have a
great group – but we’re always looking for more.”
Join us to meet and greet CARP’s
new North Shore Vancouver team:
Sept. 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at
Churchill House Retirement
Community, North Vancouver.
Contact Denise Kelly by phone at
604-785-4047 or by email at
northshorevancouvercarp@gmail.
com or go to www.carp.ca/North
Vancouver/index.cfm.
the chapter connection
OUR NEW AJAX-PICKERING CHAPTER, headed up by
Steve Campbell, is off to a great start, garnering great
interest in the community.
LONDON CHAPTER CHAIR Dan Procop organized a
successful AGM at the Amica Mature Lifestyles Wellness
& Vitality Residences. Anthony Quinn and I attended
and were given a tour of the Labatt Brewing Co.
NORTH BAY CHAPTER held its AGM. A full house turned
out to hear Susan Eng speak on the impact CARP’s
Advocacy had during the federal election.
SUDBURY CHAPTER had its spring AGM and continues
to be active under Pat Douglas and her board.
VANCOUVER AREA CHAPTERS collaborated on a booth
98
at the B.C. Active Aging Symposium. Denise Kelly (see
profile above), chair of the North Shore Vancouver
chapter, stepped up along with Barry Thomas, past CARP
representative, to organize the CARP presence.
AT THE WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY
AGM, Larry Duffield was re-elected
as chair. Larry has a fresh new team
with lots of enthusiasm for building
the chapter. Past chair Bruce Draper
has agreed to organize a chapter in
Chatham-Kent County – we look
forward to good things developing
there. —RM
Larry Duffield
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