Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians

Issue VI - May 2007

From the Chairman’s Notes

The Rev. Canon Derwyn Shea Chairman

Our membership continues to grow and our programs are beginning to take shape. Our 2006 Annual General Meeting was well attended though not with the same numbers as the previous year. To encourage and facilitate greater participation, the executive has decided to make a few changes for our 2007 AGM. Please read the copy in this newsletter that details the schedule. The meeting will start later but will go forward into dinner in the renovated Assembly Dining Room. This year, the Lieutenant Governor will be hosting our annual event — details to follow. We have arranged for a stimulating program and we believe our after dinner speaker, Ali Velshi of CNN, will spark considerable interest and conversation. Cost per person for dinner has been kept very modest in the hope members will be accompanied by spouse or a guest. They will also be welcomed at the Vice-Regal reception providing we have advanced notice of their attendance.

As you glance through these pages you will note activity in a number of areas. Our networking with sister associations has been productive as well as aggressive. I had the honour of joining the AGM of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress in Washington while our Secretary, John Parker, represented us in Ottawa at the AGM of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. Gilles Morin represented our Association at the AGM of the Quebec Association of Former Parliamentarians in Quebec City where he continued our Liaison Committee activities which we hope will lead to a joint activity later this year in Kingston, Ontario.

In late summer I was pleased to meet with the executive of the former members association of the Irish Parliament in Dublin, with the new chair of the European Parliament Former Members Association and to make contact with the Association of Former Members of European States. We are hopeful that as our contacts with sister associations mature, our own program offerings will be enriched. Given the agenda of our executive, I believe we are just beginning to get a positive glimmer of that possibility. Our education program that aims to develop a curriculum outline for elementary /secondary schools has completed the formative stages. Funding for step two is now needed to proceed and we hope the Speaker can be helpful in this regard. Liaison with our Quebec counterparts is being steered by Vice-Chair Gilles Morin. We hope by our AGM he, and Director John Hastings, will be able to report details of our first joint venture.

Our European trip has not developed as quickly as we could have wished simply because of limited resources amongst our volunteers. Our lead, Murad Velshi, and his wife have put together a first-rate tour detailed elsewhere in this newsletter. If you have any interest in joining us please get your name registered as quickly as possible. Members may register guests as well, but we will need names soon since security is one obvious requirement of the trip. However, there is no question that what is being proposed will be exciting and informative. Numbers of participants are limited so register interest as soon as possible.Study for the first Premiers’ Dinner is still on-going but we hope to have details available by the time we meet for the AGM. With regret, we note the retirement of two friends of OAFP; Claude DesRosiers retired as Clerk of the Assembly and Marilyn Abraham as Director of Human Resources. Both were most helpful as we worked to bring our Association into being and to each we extend best wishes. I wish to express my appreciation to the Speaker and all Assembly staff for their many courtesies and to Christian Pitchard, our director of members’ services, for his diligence in maintaining the office on a consistent part-time basis. We wish we could afford a full time office staff but funds are still insufficient. I also wish to express appreciation to all members of your executive. In particular, I wish to congratulate our Secretary, John Parker, on his election to Toronto City Council and Director John Hastings for his election to the Toronto District School Board. With the intervening campaign, our members will appreciate the challenge I experienced trying to raise quorum. But the elections are behind us and we are filled with energy as we face this new year. To all members, I wish each of you happiness, success and good health this year and I look forward to greeting you at our forthcoming AGM in June.

The Order of Ontario

The Order of Ontario is the province’s most prestigious official honour. The award was created in 1986 by the Government of Ontario to recognize the highest level of individual excellence and achievement in any field. The men and women invested in The Order are representative of the best of Ontario’s caring and diverse society and stand as shining examples for us all. Their lives have benefited society in Ontario and elsewhere.

Where or What in the World

(A quick romp through issues and events engaging some of our sister organizations)

The British Association of Former Members of Parliament records in its newsletter "Order, Order!" membership numbers of approximately 300. As with many associations, the British Association is wrestling with parliamentary pensions. Former members with at least 10 years service may apply for a photo identity pass to enter many, but not all, areas of the central precinct.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association reports the development of "Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures." Practices range from the functions and administration of Houses, to the roles of parties and individual members and guidelines on ethical performance and accountability. As we read in news accounts, the Fiji Islands lost its elected government and parliament in a December 5th military coup. And the C.P.A. recommends Commonwealth nations should pool experiences in an effort to successfully combat economic crime. A seminar was conducted on this topic in Ottawa during October last year. Attention was also given to improving female representation to 30% in legislatures by 2015. Climate change has also been a feature of the 26th Small Countries Conference.

Amicale Des Anciens Parlementaires Du Québec has recently published one of the finest newsletters of all associations. President Jacques Brassard provided a most challenging introduction and members are invited to request a copy of the 40 page document at www.assnat.qc.ca/FRA/amicale or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress. Jim Slattery has been named the new President – he follows Jack Bueckner. During his term as President Jack provided exemplary leadership, especially during the dark days as his beloved wife Nancy was dying of cancer. All members of our Association, I know, join in expressing our sympathy to Jack and his family. And we extend to Jim our very best wishes as he assumes leadership of that large and active association. Best wishes also to John Rhodes III who assumes the Vice-Presidency of the Association. The U.S. Association has been especially active in a "Congress to Campus" program, "Congressional Study Groups and Democracy Building." It has also been an active partner with the Canadian Association and the Association of Former Members of the European Parliament in the development of a credential program for foreign election observers.

European Parliament Former Members Association is currently chaired by Josi Maria Gil-Robles. Currently the Association is focused on issues of immigration into the E.U. This group also supports a "Campus Program" and during 2006, its Study Visit was to Romania and Bulgaria which raised awareness among participants of how much both countries need in social, economic, ecological and infrastructure terms. Strengthening justice and the rule of law and combating organized crime and corruption were benchmarked as essential elements for integration into the E.U. community of values.

The European Association of Former Parliamentarians new President, Nuala Fennell met with our Chairman Canon Derwyn Shea during his July 2006 visit to Dublin in meetings with the Irish Parliamentary Former Members Society. This Association is not to be confused with the E.U. Association. The EPFMA draws membership from 15 member states – not all members of the E.U. President Fennell’s first year in office surprised her by the general lack of support for many Former Members Associations bordering on "actual hostility and stinginess." While the Ontario Association has been blessed with the provision of space, if not many dollars, we note Ms. Fennell's observation is all too common during the formative years of so many sister organizations. The EPFMA held its major conference in Cyprus in November focusing around the theme: "Europe, the Mediterranean and the Fight Against International Terrorism."

The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians recently produced a 36 page "newsletter" which is apparently funded by Parliament. Doug Rowland is the current Chair of CAFP and attention during the past year has focused on the establishment of the International Election Monitors Institute (in co-operation with the EU FMA and the USA FMC). CIDA has agreed to provide some funding over the next 3 years to train foreign election observers and to assist in their deployment. The Association continues to sponsor the Parliamentary Interns Program and its Second Annual Fundraising Dinner held at the Canadian War Museum in November was a great success. We have received no word from any association in British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan nor have we received recent news from our colleagues formerly in the Scottish Parliament.

Irish Parliamentary Former Members Society executive met in July with our Chairman on exchange of experiences. Finances, access and research support featured prominently in discussions although the Society enjoys a stronger base of financial support from The Dail Eireann than does the OAFP. In all other respects, our objectives and activities are very similar and we hope to add the Irish Parliament to our first Study Tour in 2008.

Executive Meeting with Speaker Brown

In Dublin, Canon Shea with Deputy PM and Executive Members of Former Members Association of Ireland

OAFP Chair with Executive Members of the QAFP in Quebec City

Members’ Social Hour

Our Festive Reception

Benefits Update

Human Resources recently conducted a survey of former members who currently are receiving benefits. Some of the replies caused astonishment. Apparently many are unaware they have emergency out-of-country coverage. However, it is strongly recommended that members source additional coverage as well.

Your coverage provides a direct telephone number to Great West Life during regular business hours. GWL will work with the hospital out of country and though you may have immediate out-of-pocket expenses to pay at the time, you will be reimbursed. If you pay for additional private coverage, both carriers will co-ordinate their plans ensuring members get maximum payments. Make sure you let the insurance company you contract first know about any other coverage you have.

Coverage, in brief

• Out-of-country for temporary business or pleasure
• Medical expenses include ambulance, physician fees, X-ray, lab fees, provided they are treatment required
• Hospital accommodation is limited to $65.00 per day (this illustrates the value of additional coverage)
• Benefits reimbursed at 100% of eligible expenses except for prescription drugs which are reimbursed at 90%
• Check your benefits booklet for exclusions

Please note: you must maintain your provincial healthcare coverage under OHIP to be eligible for Great West Life coverage. All out-of-country expenses must be submitted to GWL, who will co-ordinate reimbursement with any other carriers. Eligibility requires submission of claims to OHIP within 12 months from the date the expense is incurred.

Note: this is a synopsis – not a full outline of coverage for former members. If you have any special questions, contact Human Resources directly.

Out-of-country claims or emergency in the USA – call 1-800-957-9777. Any other country – call (collect) 1-204-946-1190 and ask to speak to a client service representative in the Out-of-Country Claims Dept.

Note: if you plan on being out-of-country more than 6 months or if you intend to seek medical treatment outside Ontario, we suggest you contact both OHIP and Great West Life to determine coverage.

This update is general in purpose only.

Prescription Drug Update

Members are covered by Great West Life under the Supplementary Health coverage, with a prescription for VIVAXIM, ADDERALL XR and for LEVITRA.

Benefits Summary

When a former member (if qualified) turns age 65 they get their prescription drugs through the Province’s senior drug benefit plan. There is an annual deductible of $100 under that plan and then a dispensing fee. Both the $100 deductible and the dispensing fees are eligible under the Great West Life benefit plan. They will be reimbursed at the prevailing rate for drug coverage which at this time is 95%.

Also, when former members age 65 or more are receiving health services in general that are paid for by the Province OR another private plan and the full amount of the claim is not paid, they should send the remaining costs to GWL for consideration. For additional information contact Human Resources at 416-3253545 or fax 416-325-3573.

Survey Requests

Members are invited to email or write the OAFP office with any benefits question or concern. We will make every effort to have your questions addressed quickly. If there is coverage you wish the BOIE to consider, please let us know and we will place the request before the Board when it meets.

AGM Benefit

For members attending the AGM from beyond the GTA we remind you of the discount available at The Grand Hotel on Jarvis Street. Just show your current membership card to access a special rate.

Claude Bows Out
On November 2, 2006, the speaker (Hon. Michael Brown) tabled before the House a letter of resignation from Claude DesRosiers, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Claude was appointed to serve the Assembly in 1986 and now retires to spend time with his wife, Michelle, and with his children and grandchildren. Prior to assuming his responsibilities with the House, Mr. DesRosiers had already distinguished himself with a long and prestigious career and significant community involvement within and beyond Canada. Most, if not all, of our members served with Claude and remember him as a source of wise, calm and impartial professional counsel. Canon Derwyn Shea sent warmest best wishes and inducted Claude into our Association as the first retired Clerk to be received as an Honourary Member. Best wishes to Claude for a long, productive and healthy life.

CNN Provides our Guest Speaker This year our guest speaker will be Ali Velshi, son of our executive committee member Murad Velshi. If his name sounds familiar you have heard it on CNN where he is a senior business correspondent based in New York. His business segment "The Bottom Line," airs each Wednesday afternoon in "The Situation Room" and daily in the "Vested Interest" segment on American Morning on CNN/US and on Prime News with Erica Hill on Headline News. Ali Velshi’s topic: "Open for Business." Everyone wants your business and media articles tout a well-educated workforce, good infrastructure, low taxes, safe streets, good schools. But are these the things that matter? What kind of incentives can government offer that really foster innovation and growth? What do small, growing businesses reallyneed? And who does it best (and by what measure)? Born in Kenya and raised in Toronto, Ali graduated from Queen’s University and in 1996 he was awarded a fellowship to the U.S. Congress by the American Political Sciences Association. A lively Question and Answer period will follow his presentation. Ali will be speaking during our dinner (an innovation this year) that will follow our reception with the the Lieutenant Governor in the Vice-Regal Suite at 5 P.M. on June 6. Please book your reservations early by email, fax or telephone to our OAFP Queen’s Park office.

Issue IV - March 2005

Dear Colleagues,

Our association was born five years ago, an astonishing fact because it received unanimous all-party support in committee as well as in the Legislative Assembly.

Honourable Alvin Curling Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Thanks to The Speaker and the Board of Internal Economy, funds have recently been provided to pay for part-time office work. Jennifer McFarlane has joined us to staff our office each Thursday and Friday morning.

We have also been able to finalize the membership scrolls which each paid up member should receive shortly in the mail. I hope you find yours attractive enough to frame and prominently display. Each year as dues are paid a current seal will be mailed with your renewed membership identification card.

I would like to thank the executive members who have accepted responsibilities this past year, our part-time staff, Christian and Jennifer, The Speaker -The Honourable Alvin Curling, Wendy Iwai his Executive Assistant and all members of his staff for their support during the year.

Please put our Annual General Meeting in your calendar now for June 1st, and renew your membership as soon as you finish reading the InFormer. See you there!

Every good wish to each member.

Rev. Canon Derwyn Shea
Chairman

In the limelight...members enjoy the 2004 AGM

2005 Annual General Meeting • Put this date in your calendar!

Wednesday, June 1st is the date set for out 5th Annual General Meeting. The leader of each party will be invited in addition to the Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor. There will be time spent in the Speaker’s Gallery for Question Period and an opportunity for business and to pose for the official annual photograph. Please join us. Don’t forget to wear your OAFP pin!

Member’s Benefits are a Long-Term Concern

"It’s great that you have that pension, isn’t it?"

How many times have you been asked that question in the last few years? For members or former members elected since 1995 the answer is simple - "Actually we don’t have any pension." Instead, these former MPPs get about $ 4000/ year invested in the RRSP investment of their choice - an amount that has shrunk for many, and simply does not replace a defined benefit pension. The truth is that employers are not lined up to hire middle-aged former politicians, and most former members and many current MPPs feel this was a mistake. Anyone that serves a day under five years is disqualified from benefits entirely. Yet no one can even remember what is magic about five years.

Why do we do this to ourselves? The vast majority of elected officials I’ve met, regardless of party, are there for the right reasons - better government. When we as a society ask people to stand up in pubic and say what no one else wants to say, to work very long hours, to be away from spouse and family for long periods, and to place themselves and their families in the limelight for media scrutiny and public comment, we should ensure they have a dignified bridge back to private life, and that they and their families don’t suffer financially because of their public service. Our Association has members right now in their fifties and sixties who are unemployed (or underemployed) and are cashing in the last of RRSP savings to pay their bills. What does the future hold for them? We also have members that will not be able to afford critical physiotherapy if they have a stroke or need to have their teeth fixed in their seventies and eighties. What does it say about us if we allow this to stand?

Changing member’s pension and benefits is in the public interest because Ontario must attract talented, dedicated people to the Assembly from all walks of life - not just the wealthy. Those who lose an election now or are eliminated by changes in the ridings face upheaval in their personal and working lives. Increasingly, good people will refuse to enter public life unless they can rely on having a dignified exit.

Some will argue we did it to ourselves. Agreed. All parties have been guilty of playing the game of attacking MPP pay and benefits at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t act to establish an appropriate pay and benefits plan now.

I raise this issue now for two primary reasons: First because it appears that despite recent record profits, the insurance industry is looking for ways to decrease benefits coverage in employee plans across the board. Second, with seniors being a rising portion of our society and employers looking to control costs, defined benefit pension plans are starting to disappear. So decision makers at The Legislative Assembly will face increasing financial and political pressure to reduce or eliminate both. That would be a mistake.

The Integrity Commissioner is to report to Premier McGuinty on member’s pensions and benefits in 2005. Hopefully his report will be an opportunity to act on these important matters The time is long overdue to stop playing political football with MPP pay, benefits and pensions. Your executive is monitoring this matter but your opinion is important. If you feel inclined, why not send your thoughts now on this subject to us and to any current MPPs you know, so they can be more aware of the realities of life after ’the ledge’.

Terence H. Young, Vice Chair

Executive Update

In addition to regular business, we are trying to develop an office plan that would support members’ occasional use when visiting Toronto. More about this at the AGM.

Canadian Observers Mission, Ukraine 2004

Member David Fleet served in the mission... here is a brief account in his own words.

David Fleet and Andrew Hupfan with interpreters.

Interesting, exhausting, satisfying.

Those are the typical initial answers I provide to explain my experience as part of the first ever contingent of the "Canada Corps"" last December. The official Canadian Observers Mission to the rerun of the Ukraine Presidential Election had a contingent of 500. The mission was organized through the Canadian International Development Agency and its logistical consultant CANADEM. (Google CANADEM for more information). I was the Chernivtsi team leader of 18 Canadians. We traveled together across much of the Ukraine. Despite widely varying backgrounds, we had a common purpose centered on the rule of law, and transparent fairness in the exercise of a democratic election.

We started with ten days notice to gather in Ottawa for two days of government briefings. Briefings and preparation in Kyiv, including last minute travel arrangements inevitably meant that we functioned sleep deprived and with an erratic meal pattern. Twice (once on election day) I was up for more than 24 consecutive hours.

As I personally observed the election, it was better run than some I have participated in within Canada. International observers, of which Canadians were at the forefront, clearly achieved two purposes. First, we were a material deterrent to electoral fraud. Second, we were a material part of legitimizing the election of the winning presidential candidate, Viktor Yushchenko.

The Canadian Observers Mission was indisputably political but non-partisan, with active participants from all five federal parties, plus many Canadians who typically had political experience but not necessarily of a partisan nature.

OAFP Meets Westminster Following a lengthy period of correspondence at his own expense, out chairman, Canon Shea, visited Westminster in August of 2004 for meetings with former Labour MP Joe Ashton. Mr. Ashton is chair of a group attempting to organize an association of former parliamentarians at Westminster. It seems the Speaker at Westminster has been very supportive of the goals of former members but the current government doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. Lobbying efforts continue. We will keep you up to speed on future developments.