As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to take time to reflect on the past 12 months and to learn what we can from our experiences, so that we can prepare for the year ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.
To our amazing Federal Retirees community, we hope you know how much you mean to us. You have chosen to support this Association, so that we can continue our work to protect federal pensions and benefits, end the long-term care crisis and improve retirement for all Canadians.
Our president, Jean-Guy Soulière, and our CEO, Anthony Pizzino, have written their own holiday messages for you — to reflect on our shared successes this past year and express how much your support means.
A holiday message from the president
In my holiday season message last year, I wrote that the 2020 holiday season would be one that you would never forget, with almost all activities and gatherings being held virtually. This year’s holiday season will be one to remember as well, as there will be more reunions with family and friends and more in-person gatherings as we progress slowly towards a more “normal” way of life. Please be careful when participating in all these activities. For the great majority of us, being fully vaccinated helps ensure that we are protecting ourselves, our families and our friends. COVID-19 is still very much with us, and we have to learn how to live safely with it.
For me, the joy of the season will be somewhat tempered by the realisation that this will be my last holiday message to you as president of the Federal Retirees. To have been given the gift of serving as the Association’s president for six years was a most pleasant and rewarding one. The opportunity to collaborate with so many committed and engaged volunteers is something that I will always hold dear as an important time in my life. We have worked to make a difference for federal retirees and for all Canadian seniors. The gift of giving is far more precious than that of receiving. So, thank you to all of you.
COVID-19 has shown us how fragile our lives are. We have become more conscious of environmental issues and the very serious state of our health-care system, especially in long-term care institutions. We’ve also learned just how precious in-person meetings and gatherings are and the very important need to ensure inclusivity in Canadian society. The pandemic has shown us the importance of being there for each other. This is the real meaning of this holiday season, regardless of our individual religions, beliefs and values.
Let’s make a special effort to thank our front-line workers, who have demonstrated the “spirit of Christmas” from the very beginning of the pandemic. They have served the public selflessly, as we did during our career as public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP and federally appointed judges.
I wish you, your families and your close ones the very best. I celebrate Christmas, so Merry Christmas to you all, and may 2022 bring a complete victory against COVID-19.
Jean-Guy Soulière
A holiday message from the CEO
As 2021 comes to a close, I want to offer my sincerest holiday wishes, reflect on the past year and celebrate what we have achieved together over another unprecedented year.
I had the privilege of joining Federal Retirees in May. In this short time, I have witnessed the commitment of the Federal Retirees family, who help to make a difference in the lives of our members — from volunteers at all levels who commit their time to help deliver member services and advocate on behalf of the Association, to our dedicated national board of directors, to staff who are part of a remarkable professional team ensuring our operations run smoothly and our strategic and operational priorities remain on track. You all have my sincerest thanks!
I am sure we will all admit that 2021 has been another difficult year as the global pandemic continues to present challenges in our personal and professional lives. It’s safe to say that 2021 has proven to be just as difficult as 2020 but, even so, Association staff have continued to serve members remotely and without interruption. At the same time, Federal Retirees has maintained a strong membership and volunteer base, and, for that, we are all grateful. The value provided to our members is clear as we continue to advocate for the protection of hard-earned pensions and benefits. We have already met with the newly elected members of Parliament to ensure Federal Retirees’ voice is heard during this government’s mandate. We will carry this work into 2022 with renewed energy and focus.
The coming year promises to be exciting as we build on our advocacy and lobbying efforts with all levels of government, strengthen our core work and services to members, explore new affinity offers and plan for further growth and influence. We are also looking forward to our June AMM and starting our planning for the Association’s 60th anniversary in 2023.
I would like to wish you and your families good health, peace and prosperity for the holiday season and for the coming year. At Federal Retirees, we will remain committed to strong member services, advocacy, communications and volunteers support to make Federal Retirees the strongest voice in improving the lives of all Canadians in retirement.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing holiday season.
With warmest wishes,
Anthony Pizzino
CEO