(from Hogwarts)

B.C. Chapter for ARTA

Many of Alberta's retired teachers settle in the Okanagan. There is an attempt to establish a Chapter of the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association somewhere in the valley. Where regular meetings will be held depends upon the involvement but judging by initial interests Kelowna will likely be the place.

An initial meeting was held in September and plans are proceeding for further meetings. Any Alberta retired teachers in the Okanagan who would like further information or would like to be involved in organizing the Chapter should contact Ron Rhine at (250) 768-8336.

2005 Year of the Veteran

On July 14, 2005, Alberta Economic Development and the Royal Canadian Legion Alberta/Northwest Territories Command launched a program to welcome visitors to Legion halls throughout Alberta.
"Alberta branches are pleased to help celebrate Alberta's centennial by opening the doors to our clubrooms and welcoming visitors. This is an excellent way to continue our long tradition of community involvement, while at the same time giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about our organization," said Rod Stewart,
Alberta-N.W.T. Command Vice President and Chairman of the Public Relations Committee.

ARTA © 2005

 

Work Longer before Receiving Pension

In his latest novel State of Fear, one of Michael Crichton's characters talks about the replacement of the military-industrial complex after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It has been replaced, claims the character, by the politico-legal-media (PLM) complex which is dedicated to promoting fear in the population under the guise of promoting safety.

Perhaps it is this PLM complex that is at work spreading fear about pensions. On July 25, 2005, the BBC News carried the following story "Pensionable age 'ought to be 67'." The story comes from a Report published by the Institute for Public Policy Research. The author states "raising the state pension age is vital if the UK pensions system is to remain sustainable and cope with the pressures of an ageing population."
"Sustainability," and the resulting fear of what might happen if something is not done quickly, is the same cry from Alberta's politicians for our health care system.

Canadian Publication Mailing Agreement number: 4003 3998 Please return undeliverable address blocks to: ARTA, #408 Barnett House, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB. T5N 2R1