Annual General Meeting
October 22, 2003

Executive Secretary Report to the AGM

ARTA Database
We have updated our data base and program, and the extra "fields" now enable us to file and retrieve data according to Branches, Benefits, Privacy Act Provisions, etc. Our membership stands at 8,066. Between now and June 30, 2004, some 4,000 people will have to renew memberships. We trust members will understand that these will take time to process.

Retirement Seminars
By the end of March, 2004, I will have attended Retirement Seminars, ATA Workshops, and Branches in the following areas: Bonnyville, Calgary Separate (twice), Edmonton Public (twice), Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, as well as the North Central and GETCA Conventions. Also we attended Elk Island and will be visiting Vermilion (CERTA) and St. Paul (NEARTA).

Display Boards
ARTA spent over $4,000.00 on display boards that will be available for Branches and Conventions in the future.

Correspondence
We have corresponded with the Ministers of Seniors Affairs (Hon. Stan Wolosyhn) and the Minister of Education (Hon. Lyle Oberg) and the Minister of Health (Hon. Gary Marr). These letters were on issues relating to removal of Health Care Premiums, and reaction to the Mackenzie Report.

Ad Hoc Committee on Pensions
An Ad hoc committee on pensions met on February 26th for the first time. Its composition is both geographic and gender "politically correct". More of this later.

Fee Increase
As of January 1st, 2004, the regular members fee (not Affiliate) was changed to $15.00 as a result of an October AGM Resolution.

Thoughts
"In the end, if we have lived well, and if we have surrounded ourselves with good people, we have nothing to fear". I attribute this quote to Todd Babiuk of the Edmonton Journal, December 19th, 2003.