76th Atlantic Regional Council - Retired Members Guild
May 2019
The year 2018 was my first as the RMG representative for the Atlantic Region. Membership in the region as of December 2018 was 234 with Chapters in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
Avalon Chapter: I was able to visit the Newfoundland Chapter for their first AGM in the spring of 2018 and encouraged them to become active in their region. In that effort I was able to secure additional funding so that they could contribute to a social event with the regular PIPSC members in St. John’s. This is a first year for the Chapter and they are just finding their place in the PIPSC family but I believe they will be able to be of value in their area.
Fredericton Chapter: While attending the ARC in New Brunswick I met with several retired members in the Fredericton area and this led to the formation of a new Chapter there. They have yet to have their first AGM but as with the Avalon Chapter secured additional funding to take part in PIPSC activities. The members of this Chapter seem to be keenly interested in ways they can work with the local Groups and Branches in their location.
Nova Scotia Chapter: This Chapter has the largest membership of the Atlantic Region and include in their ranks several PIPSC life members. Throughout 2018 they have participated with the Halifax and DND Chapters in cost sharing on a social event and plan on participating in future events. They recently appointed a new president and have held a productive strategy session on how they can be of service to the PIPSC family.
It’s my hope that in the future a Chapter can be established in Prince Edward Island so that the retired members there can be better served.
All the Chapters and their members are encourage to take part in labour related rallies and also to exert pressure on the government on matters of interest to the union. This includes direct contact with federal politicians and letter campaigns on issues such as PHOENIX, pension reform, and Pharmacare. One great advantage the RMG has is that they are able to pressure the government without fear of reprisal and since they have all been around for many years are quite willing to speak their minds.
For my own part my duties consist mainly of keeping in contact with the membership, visiting as often as I can the Chapters and aiding them in their planning. I also travel to Ottawa several times a year to meet with the National executive. The members of the RMG have through their collective service in PIPSC an extensive repository of knowledge and I encourage all Groups and Branches to make use of their expertise. Many members already serve on local executives in capacities such as event planning, secretarial duties, and areas that free up the regular members to be more effective in their workplace.
Don Eldershaw
Atlantic Representative
Retired Members Guild