Announcements

Volunteers Needed

In the spring of 2021, the Huronia Branch was fortunate to attract three new volunteers. Since then, the Branch has attempted to recruit more volunteers but has been unsuccessful.Three positions will become vacant as of May 1, 2024 which need to be filled: a Treasurer, Secretary, and Director-at-large. The first two positions (Treasurer and Secretary) are necessary for us to meet our Branch requirements and cannot be left vacant.

If you have skills in accounting and finance (but not necessary) or have experience in taking minutes (again not necessary), can operate a computer, like team work and have a little bit of fun, you are the person we need. Remember, the more volunteers we have the less work everyone has to do.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Rupnow, Director of Membership and Recruitment, Huronia Branch, by phone at 705 717 9307 or via email at on35.recruitment@gmail.com or huronia@federalretirees.ca.

Thank you for considering volunteering for your branch!

 

Chris Auger
President
Huronia Branch


New Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan transition date — Nov. 1, 2024

In June 2023, the government announced the contract for the Pensioners’ Dental Service Plan (PDSP) and the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) was awarded to Canada Life. At the time of the announcement, the PDSP transition date was July 1, 2024. However, in the fall, references to the July 1 transition were quietly removed. Instead, the announcement referred to an unspecified transition period.

In a recent update, the government has extended the PDSP transition date to Nov. 1, 2024. The statement now reads, “[f]ollowing a transition period, Canada Life will begin administering the plans under the new ASO contract Nov. 1, 2024.” 

Until Canada Life’s administration begins on Nov. 1, 2024, members must continue to send all claims to Sun Life. 

Plan members can prepare for the new contract with Canada Life by ensuring their contact information is accurate with the current plan administrator, Sun Life. 

Many members faced problems with positive enrolment and transition of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) to Canada Life. It was not seamless as was promised.

The Association has shared what we have heard from members about the PSHCP transition with government representatives and the president of the Treasury Board. Federal Retirees expects the government and Canada Life to leverage lessons learned to ensure this transition goes smoothly for all members. 

The government has committed to this longer transition period, and the Association expects sufficient call centre capacity and resourcing for paper-based communications by Canada Life to support members with this transition.