Accountants Report.....................3Bd of Trustees AGM.......................6Bonnie Pearson..............................6Clyde Griffith ...................................7Johnson Inc..................................7Laura Nashman...............................6President’s Message ......................2Rewards Program ...........................8Ryan Britton..............................6Travel...............................................7Treasurer’s Report ...........................3Wallace Driving School...................7

Inside This Issue

Municipal Pension Retirees’ Association“With age, wisdom and power”

ADVISOR TheSummer 2013

By Addie Derby“Awesome! Had a wonderful time! Banquet was delectable! I've never seen a business meeting run so smoothly. I learned a lot! I look forward to the next biennial convention.”The above are some of the comments made by members departing the Abbotsford Our

tenth th thanniversary was held on May 7 , 8 and

th9 , 2013.

thStarting on Tuesday the 7 of May at the Registration Desk, Delegates received their delegate package, new binders, and a stainless steel water bottle, followed by a Meet and Greet event in the evening.

t hWednesday, the 8 of May the convention began with the business of the convention, guest speakers, resolutions, elections, and our banquet.

thThursday the 9 of May the convention concluded with the completion of resolutions, elections, guest speaker, good and welfare. Delegates and guests alike were pleased with the forethought, planning, and execution of all the events and proceedings. Most of that work was done by our Treasurer Mary Polak and Secretary Jean Cookson who spend weeks prior to the convention, working on and worrying about every tiny detail.

Ramada Inn. first Biennial Convention and our

The Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre must be

number

commended for their food and service throughout the entire convention. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners were delicious and perfectly served.

Our business meeting was chaired to perfection by our President Steven Polak. Not only did he chair the convention for almost two days but he encouraged and assisted delegates during debate on resolutions. Delegates even had the opportunity to debate a teaching resolution that the MPRA advocate increasing the minimum driving age to 19 years of age. It was an interesting exercise, causing some laughter at some of the idiotic reasons for and against the resolution.

The first speakers were Laura Nashman, Chief Executive Officer, Pension Corporation; and Ryan Britton, Assistant Director Pension Services, who as a team presented information from the Pension Corporation. Bonnie Pearson, Secretary -Business Manager, for the Hospital Employees Union spoke on the work being done by the Municipal Employees Pension Committee. See reports. Other guest speakers whom we enjoyed were Jackie Cherewyk, Worldwide Sales Manager, Best Western Hotels; and Steve Wallace, Wallace Driving School.

Wednesday evening was the banquet. The food and entertainment was top notch. On each table there was a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine d o n a t e d b y J o h n s o n I n c . After dinner the Provincial Executive presented each District with a desk sign banner bearing our MPRA logo, District name and District .

Thanks to Regional Director Henry Tomm for making the stands for the banners.

Terry Erskine Ed Pakos

Henry worked for months in his shop perfecting something all districts will be proud to display. At the banquet, the membership showed P r e s i d e n t S t e v e n Po l a k , t h e i r appreciation for ten years of leadership and hard work he has put into the organization on our behalf . Presentation was made by Vice Presidents

and by presenting him with a 10 karat gold man-bracelet. Wear it proudly, Mr. President, and know how much we value what you have achieved. In the evening delegates and guests enjoyed the entertainment by Ed Peekeekoot, a musician, artist and storyteller. Not only did he show us his virtuosity on the guitar but had members dancing to his music.

A review of the convention would not be complete without mentioning the hard work of those behind the scenes. These were the volunteers who, not only manned the registration desk, but days prior to the convention made sure all the delegate packages were in order, distributed material during convention a n d r e s o l v e d a n y i s s u e s . O u r overwhelming gratitude goes out to Pam McFadyen, Glenna Gollub, Dyane Watson, Louise Kerr, and Joyce Tomm. Thank you for your dedication.

Also a heart-felt thank you to every delegate and guest who attended. You entered into the spirit and joy of our tenth anniversary. Furthermore, we hope you developed deeper friendship with your fellow members. Tell your district that the bond formed by these conventions goes a long way in making our voice heard throughout the land.

1st Biennial Convention10th Anniversary Celebration

ADVISOR The

Provincial Executive2012 - 2013

President

Steven Polak

1st Vice President

Terry Erskine2nd Vice President

Ed Pakos1st Vice President-at-Large

Addie Derby2nd Vice President–at-Large

Barbara SinclairProvincial Secretary

Janice BroadhurstProvincial Treasurer

Mary PolakCommunication Director

Gordon Hartney

Regional DirectorsRegion 1

Vancouver Island/ Powell River Sandra Dreger

Region 2

Lower Mainland

Brian McConville

Region 3Fraser Valley

Ron Scott

Regional Director at LargeLower Mainland/Fraser Valley

Wally Gollub Vacant

Region 4

Okanagan

Henry Tomm

Region 5Kootenays

Joyce Winter

Region 6

South Cariboo/Northern B.C.

Ken Kerr

Founding Members

Gay Burdison Cliff Ivers

Wally Gollub Mary Polak

Steven Polak Keith Wilson

President’s Message

Steven PolakPresident

Summer 2013Page 2

Our convention was a very busy time. Delegates had two full days of MPRA business dealing with resolutions, elections and acquiring new information from our guest speakers.

Minutes of the convention will be sent to Delegates, Chairs and Secretaries of their district for their district records.

Now that we have concluded the 10th Anniversary Convention of the Municipal Pension Retirees Association, I believe that the MPRA has come a long way in the last ten years. the MPRA is recognized by representatives of government, unions and many organizations. Our membership has increased to over 7000 plus in 10 years. this has occurred with the support of all our members, the District Executive members and the Provincial Directors.

Over the years from 2003 to 2013 the MPRA has taken steps to achieve recognition with the Provincial Government and the Union of BC Municipalities. The Directors continue to present our ideas as seniors to these two groups. Representatives from both of these groups are present at the Board of Trustees and at the table to discuss ideas and issues about our Municipal Pension Plan.

Through the Provincial Directors efforts we were able to successfully submit our resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities and overwhelming receive the passing of the resolution. The resolution was to eliminate MSP premiums for seniors in the Province of BC

The contributors to the Municipal Pension Plan are represented by the Municipal Employees Pension Committee. Again the Directors are engaged in conversations with the various unions to inform the union leadership of the ideas and issues of the retirees of the Municipal Plan. Some unions have agreed to pay the first year's MPRA dues for example Vancouver Local 1004 CUPE; or recommend to their locals to pay the first year's dues for example as the Hospital Employees Union does. The MPRA annual dues for the first year of retirement are paid as part of their retirement gift from their union.

Our retirees are presented to the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Municipal Pension Plan when . The Municipal Employees Pension Advisory Committee (MEPAC) has two MPRA members in attendance at the quarterly meetings. The Municipal Employees Pension Committee(MEPC) said that they would meet with the MPRA to hear retirees concerns and issues but we want to be present at the table during discussions on the future of the Municipal Pension Plan. Presently we do not have a seat or a voice at the MEPC which prohibits us from participating at the Plan Partners Meetings. This is the reason for the petition to the Municipal Employees Pension Committee

Another success was the establishing of a MPRA office in West Kelowna with part time staff. This has been a direct link between the members and the Association. The office is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 3PM every week. A member can contact someone with their questions even if a Provincial Director is not available. When we created six Regions within the Province of BC, and elected six Regional Directors with two additional Regional Directors at Large for the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley all members can contact their Regional Director with their ideas, suggestions and concerns. Our main goal is to have access and communication for our members.

We must take this opportunity to recognize and thank the District Executives who have accepted to continue in their position for another term and acknowledge the new executive members who have accepted positions. We must sincerely thank those members who have decided to step down from an executive position.

the MPRA has regularly scheduled meetings

cont’d on page 3

The ADVISOR Summer 2013 Page 3

President’s message continued

Why do we need the MPRA? We need to preserve our pensions and benefits. We need to ensure our voice is heard and we need to share information to retirees and from retirees. We need to have a voice, to advocate and to provide a social network for all retirees of the Municipal Pension Plan.

What positions does the MPRA have in the Municipal Pension Board of Trustees?We have the MPRA Retiree Trustee and Alternate Retiree Trustee appointed through the MEPCWhy are we so important to the Municipal Pension Plan?We present our ideas and views as retirees to the Board of Trustees

Any Changes to the Trust Agreement must be done by the Plan PartnersThe Plan Partners are the parties to the Trust Agreement Plan Employer Partner and the Plan Member Partner1 The Provincial Government 1 Municipal Employees Pension

We read and we hear in the news media that Defined Benefit Pension Plans are too costly. We have a Defined Benefit Pension Plan. There is ongoing discussion about potential changes to our pensions. There is a possibility of change with the Inflation adjustment account, subsidizes for the MSP premiums or subsidizes for Group Health Benefits. Any one or all of these three could change.

There are changes being considered and changes could occur from time to time depending, on the economy, the investment returns, and the actuarial reports. The Board of Trustees must consider all factors when planning for funding of the plan into the future. As retirees, we must preserve and protect our pensions for now and into the future. We as retirees must continue to be aware and vigilant.

In closing, I believe our pension plan is one of the best Defined Benefit Pension Plans in the country. We have to understand that there are groups and organizations out there that would like to take it away from us. We cannot let this happen. We must continue to be strong advocates for our plan.

Have a great summer everyone! Thank you

What is our interest in the Municipal Pension Plan as MPRA members? Obviously our monthly retirement pay cheque. The Municipal Pension Plan Board of Trustees (MPBT) administers the plan for both contributors and retirees. The present contributors will become retirees, the future members of the MPRA.

Committee(MEPC) 2 Union of BC Municipalities (are the Unions representing the contributors)

My experience at the 2013 Biennial Convention

By Gord Hartneyth

The MPRA 10 Anniversary convention began with a cheery greeting and ended with good will and the hope to see all the delegates in two years time. Being greeted at registration with smiles from the MPRA directors and then efficient assistance from volunteers Glenna Gollub, Louise Kerr, Joyce Tomm and Dyane Watson kicked off the convention for me.

The business of convention was run in an orderly fashion and even though there was some heated discussion on several resolutions, that's what a democratic convention should be about.

I personally was impressed with the guest speakers, especially Laura Nashman, CEO of Pension Corporation and Steve Wallace of Wallace Driving School.

I heard numerous times from delegates about the quality and healthy selections of the food served by catering and many liked the printed list of seating for the banquet dinner.

All in all my experience was a very positive one and I hope to see many new and returnee delegates at the 2015 biennial convention.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I did accept the nomination for the vacant position of Director of Communications. I'm looking forward to meeting the challenge and hope I can do as good a job as Addie Derby, the previous Director.

Accountants Report-Terry CraigWednesday afternoon began with a presentation of the Financial Statements for the MPRA. Terry Craig BC CGA, from Kemp Harvey Kemp Inc., the accountant for the MPRA presented the financial information for the last three years. Terry stated that the F inancial statements were not audited. The information has been reviewed and financial practices followed. The Financial information is reviewed every three years. The delegates each received copies of the Financial Statements to have for their District Meetings.

The MPRA uses the email address for notification to our members. It is the most effective way to communicate quickly. Any change of

information i.e. address or phone please notify the office.

We have three new staff members, Gail Kaake, Leisa Zaharia and Sylvia Benson. The staff continue to work part time from Tuesday to Friday 9:30 to 3:00. New member's applications

will be processed as soon as they are received. There will be no change in office hours over the summer. With the advisor we have included an insert for MPRA members whose email address is incorrect. Please if you would, advise the office of your correct email including your full name and address.

Mary PolakTreasurer Vacancy Regional Director at Large-

Lower Mainland/ Fraser Valley If you would be interested in joining the Provincial Executive by representing the MPRA at District meetings in the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley please send an email to the Provincial Office with information about yourself. The President will contact you.

The ADVISOR Summer 2013Page 4

District 27 Northern BC (Prince George) won the Addie Derby Silver Cup for having the greatest percentage increase in new for 2012. They managed to increase their membership by 17.09%. Great job, District 27.

members

Albert Taylor and Karen McKenzieaccept the Addie Derby Silver Cup from Ken Kerr

The ADVISOR Summer 2013 Page 5

10 Year Anniversary Banquet

Districts 2, 11, 12 & 31contributed to the gift basketswhich were won by delegates

Musician, Artist, & Story Teller Ed Peekeekoot

The ADVISOR Summer 2013Page 6

Pension Statement Information

Ryan Britton, Assistant Director Pension

Services Key points from

presentation

The Pension Services have made changes over the last few months. The annual statement has been revised with more detailed information. In addition to the monthly pension payment, there is more detailed information included.· The annual cost of living increase of

1% with the actual amount of the increase,

Bonnie Pearson cont’d

She said that I don't think I need to tell this group that defined benefit plans are under serious attack across this country. Bonnie continued by saying “And I, for one, do not believe that BC is immune to that attack.”

This is a matter the Board of Trustees and its subsidiary committees have discussed at length. Our organization would like to see a continued strategy to defend defined benefit pension plans and possibly a more aggressive defense of defined benefit plans. This is one area where there continues to be joint agreement between the employer group, the unions and the Plan member re p s . We a l l u n d e rsta n d t h e consequences of the erosion of public support for our pension plans.

An equally problematic area of concern on this issue is that it appears to be gaining traction with younger workers (many in their 30 & 40's) workers who, incorrectly or not, identify with the alleged inter-generational transfer of liability for the retiring plan members (boomers, us) to the next generation. It is this demographic that I believe we need to pay attention to.

The group behind this group (the 20's) even if they see value in pensions, don't see themselves as beneficiaries at all. They are the group with double digit unemployment rates, ballooning post secondary debt from student loans and little prospect of permanent, long-term family supporting jobs- never mind one that offers a defined benefit pension plan.

NB: As retirees we can relate to the concerns by the younger contributors because we shared those concerns when we were their age.

In her presentation Bonnie also outlined the work being done by the MEPC. And once again in closing thanked us for the opportunity to speak.

Laura Nashman,Chief Executive Officer Pension

CorporationKey Points from Presentation

The Pension Corporation offer service for 5 pension plans; 500,000 members and 143,200 retired members. In one month there are 150,000 payments for a total of $211 millions.

In the Municipal Pension Plan there are 67,000 plus retired members for a total of $1 billion dollars (paid in 2011). This is a growing population of retirees of 6 % annual growth since 2002. In April 2013 there were 71,000 payments equal to $81 million.

A n o t h e r s e r v i c e i s o u r p h o n e conversations per year. There were 28,000 phone conversations in 2012. And the survey says for 2012 “very helpful” “very responsive,” “very respectful,” “do everything they can to help you.” These are a few of the comments made during the survey. The Pension Corporation will continue to be the best service with helpful, courteous and prompt replies in our contact with you.

The Pension Corporation is the administrative agent with its primarily role to insure you receive your monthly pension payment.

Ryan Britton cont’d

and· Total extended health premiums for

2012, then · The gross monthly pension amount, · The pension option chosen at the

time of retirement and thebeneficiary of your pension if there is a beneficiary,

· The initial amount of your pension,· The total cost of living adjustments

and · The current gross monthly lifetime

pension amount. Then there is the information for the present Pension Payment for 2013· The Gross monthly pension

payment(s)· Less Deductions ie Extended Health

Premiums and Dental Premiums and Income Tax and

· Total Monthly Pension Amountdeposited directly to the bank account provided.

Watch for the announcement for the new service called My Account for Retired Members. This will be safe, secure and reliable information about your pension, pension benefits and detailed information on your pension statement. A retired member will be able to access their pension information at any time. It will be simple to use. Signing up is fast and easy. There will be a comprehensive view of your personal information, your pension, your pension p ay m e nt s , g ro u p b e n ef i t s , tax information and update profile.

The pension corporation will assist any retiree to register for My Account for Retired Members. It is anticipated that the program will be ready for July 1, 2013.

· The total dental premiums for 2012

Bonnie Pearson, Secretary Business Manager

Hospital Employees UnionExcerpts from Presentation

Bonnie Pearson addressed the delegates at the 2013 Convention. Bonnie thanked the delegates for the opportunity to address our convention. The Hospital Employees Union is appreciative of the work that our organization does.

Board of Trustees AGM is Thursday October 17, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 AM. This is an opportunity for retirees to ask questions of the Board of Trustees. The Municipal Pension Plan is the only plan that offers a reporting meeting to the members. There will no longer be a Web Cast because of the lack of interest and the cost involved. If possible please mark your calendar and make arrangement to attend.

The ADVISOR Summer 2013 Page 7

From the Queen's Diamond Jubilee – Medal Presentation Ceremony Booklet, these words were written & read aloud by the Premier:

CLYDE GRIFFITH – Clyde Griffith was born in Trinidad, West Indies, and after coming to Canada, he graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1964 with a Bachelors degree in Education & Recreation Management. From University, Mr. Griffith became a pioneer in public sector recreation and established Recreation Departments in Surrey, Delta and Port Coquitlam. He then spent 22 years as a Recreation Consultant for the Provincial Government and was recognized for this service in 1993. After retirement, Mr. Griffith worked as a Manager of International House, UBC, where he sat on the board. He was recognized for his service to International House by UBC with their Voluntary Service Award. Mr. Griffith's community service has been extensive. He was the President of the Black History Awareness Society from 1997 – 1999.He has been involved with many Caribbean Cultural Associations, as well as with the BC/Yukon Red Cross Water Safety Branch as an executive member for 25 years. He was recognized by the Red Cross for his service. He is currently the President of the Vancouver District Branch of the Municipal Pensioners Retirees Association, and the Branch Vice President of the Royal Commonwealth Society, an international organization dedicated to promoting education and fellowship between the p e o p l e a n d n a t i o n s o f t h e Commonwealth. Mr. Griffith has been a trailblazer and an innovator; he has done much for many, and his spectrum of Community Service has been wide and diverse.

Johnson Inc. On behalf of the MPRA, Steven Polak

presented a plague to Lisa Hansen and

Mark Costales, Johnson Inc. Consultants,

i n re co g n i t i o n o f o u r wo r k i n g

relationship. Johnson Inc. has offered

Travel Insurance and Home Insurance to

our members since 2004. This is a

benefit to MPRA members at preferred

rates for groups.

Recently a letter was sent to MPRA

members who access travel insurance

advising that they must have a current

membership in the MPRA with their

annual dues paid.

If you like to travel, watch for a new

alternate travel insurance to be

introduced in the future.

Wallace Driving School

Steve Wallace of Wallace Driving School made a presentation on driving exams for seniors. Seniors over 80 will receive a letter from the Superintendent of Motor Vehicle requesting them to see their Doctor and determine a person's ability to retain a driver's license. He explained that before a person goes to see the doctor, they should acquire the following documents; a Driver's abstract, Road Star Insurance, a written assessment from a Driving School and a Lifelong Driver Certificate. There are many pitfalls around the driving exam. Website www.wallacedrivingschool.com

Clyde Griffith, MPRA member District 36 Vancouver

The ADVISOR

REWARD PROGRAM UPDATECloverdale Paint offers our members 25% discount on regular paint products and wallpaper. 15% on regularly price tools and supplies. Last year our members purchased around $3800 worth of products. Reminder to say you are with the Municipal Pension Retirees' Association. A gift certificate donated from Cloverdale paint was won by District 13, who will raffle at their District Meeting.

Lordco Auto Supply offers 30% of their regular retail price only. Since October of last year until March of this year we purchased $3500 worth of products and they are grateful. We are registered as MPRA.

Reel-Fin-atic Fishing Charters offers our members discounts on fishing charters. The 2013 fishing season is definitely underway. The first of the migratory Chinooks are arriving which means not only is there a great chance of success on any given day but the size of the fish are increasing. There have been a few fish into the 30lb range caught off South Bowen Island and over at Gabriola Island.

For more information and rates go to www.fin-atic.com or call Todd Sweet at 1-604-376-9011 or email tsweet@fin-atic.com . We will keep trying to bring new business's on board so you our members can save some hard earned pension dollars.

2475 Dobbin Road, Unit 22, Suite 525

West Kelowna, B.C. V4T 2E9

Office: #4 - 2525 Dobbin Road

West Kelowna, B.C. V4T 2G1Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday

9:30 am to 3:00 pm

E-mail: Web:

Phone: 1-250-768-1519Letters to editor:

mpra@shawbiz.ca www.mpra.ca

mpra@shawbiz.ca

Name: ______________________________________________________

Old Address: _________________________________________________

City __________________________ Postal Code ____________________

Please change my contact information to:

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Address______________________________________________________

City __________________________Postal Code ____________________Telephone _____________________ Fax ______________________

Email Address:________________________________________________

Please mail or email to the address on the contact listing on this page.

Contact Change of Information

Summer 2013Page 8

Introducing Your Newest Reward

The MPRA is pleased to a n n o u n c e t o y o u a s members of the MPRA our newest partner in our Rewards Program. Best Western Internat ional . Jackie Cherewyk, Worldwide Sales Manager, Business Travel made the announcement at our recent convention in Abbottsford. Members can easily access Best Western by using the link on our MPRAw e b s i t e o r o n t h e w e b a t www.bestwestern.com/mpra, or by calling 1-800-780-7234 and quote our C o r p o r a t e I D : 0 1 5 5 5 4 9 0 . Members receive 10% off the regular room rate. It may not sound like much, but one night's savings may equal a year's MPRA dues. This discount is available to Best Western Hotels Worldwide. If enough members participate, Best Western will increase the discounts in the future to 20% so get out there and enjoy your retirement and travel the world.

ndEd Pakos, 2 Vice President and Rewards Committee Chair.

Rewards Programs

TravelI would like to introduce myself. My name is Lee Massey and I am a member of the MPRA D i s t r i c t 3 6 Va n c o u v e r. I n t h e interests of soc ia l i z ing , hav ing fun and generally getting out of t o w n - p l u s a t t r a c t i n g n e wmembers --I thought it would be a good idea to offer members opportunities to get out of town. Contact: Lee Massey 604-736-6949 I will return local calls onlyUpcoming trips:MPRA OKTour. Sidney-by-the-Sea. The ferry is free for those with Gold Cards.On Wednesday July 17, 2013, I will be g o i n g t o S i d n e y b y p u b l i c transportation. If you would like to join me and the group and see just how easy and inexpensive it is to take buses and ferries, meet me at the Bridgeport Bus stop in time for the 9 :00am bus or at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in time t o c a t c h t h e 1 0 : 0 0 a m f e r r y. We will travel to Sidney where you will have free time to shop, eat, walk the seawall and enjoy this interesting little village. We will meet up again at the bus stop in Sidney to make the return trip together. Call me if you're coming – I'll keep an eye o u t f o r y o u a n d I ' l l g i v e yo u s o m e t i p s o n b u s t rav e l . Bring your gold card.

Please Note:A l t h o u g h t h e M P R A h a s included this information to the Districts and in the Advisor, the M P R A d o e s n o t f i n a n c i a l l y support these social events and is not liable for any outcome.

MPRAOKTour. A 3-day get-away to Penticton, September 15 to 17, 2013. Full details on the back page of the Winter 2012 The Advisor ; and www.mpra.ca. This bus trip has been arranged for us by Ageless Adventures, an established and respected, locally-owned tour company. Full payment is due July 5, 2013.Double or Twin: $726.00; Single: $956.00