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Ontario Central Chapter Newsletter Volume #89

Summer 2019

Ontario Central Chapter — Chair’s Report

Should we have one big recognition event/party? If you know someone who has Event Planning experience and/or might be willing to work with other committee members to help us, please send me the details and I will

call him/her directly. Our pension is in good shape. Excellent shape in fact. Our President’s report seen on page 3 supports this and more. A fully funded pension comes with eyes wide open plus a fulsome and ongoing discussion between BPG and Bell.

I am so proud of our Ontario Central Board. Jim Fikis and Karen Lawson made presentations at both our AGM and membership meeting. For more on the AGM, see page 3. Our Board is shrinking and I need your help in finding

members willing and able to step up. Currently we are seeking a Newsletter Editor and someone to replace one of our Co-Treasurers. If you have these skills

please contact us and if you have other skills and would like to speak with one of us about joining our Board, or being on a committee we need to hear from you. This month we say thank you to a number of our Board

members who are leaving: Bruce Ferguson, Cathey Snary, Phil Thomson, Glen Simpson and Camie Tang-Chang. Further to that in December, we will lose Kathy Stoddart and Kerri Murphy. If you do the math you can understand why I’m saying it’s critical to have your help. We have been successful in recruiting two new Board members but two is not enough. I need you to

step up. As many of you now know, circumstances have changed and I am not leaving your Board. Our Vice-Chair, Natalie Wright, has taken a leave to help her sister navigate the cancer waters she is facing.

We will be in Mississauga again this fall, October

30th, so mark the date and join us. See page 2 for loca-tion information. A final thought about our membership numbers: Only one out of every three pensioners has joined BPG. Many, if not most of you, will remember a song by Meat Loaf called “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.” Let’s use the

slogan to move our membership numbers from one to two out of three. If you’re humming the song right now I need you to translate that to contacting someone you know to join us in our membership numbers. Have a wonderful summer everyone! Carol Ann

In June of last year I arrived with the lofty goal of find-ing ways to increase our BPG membership to 50%. How are we doing so far you ask? Not so good. We really haven’t moved the yardstick much at all.

There is strength in numbers and right now, we do not have the numbers. When the government asks what per-centage of Bell pensioners are represented by BPG, the day we can say “over 50%” we will

be heard far more clearly than we are heard today. We truly need your help. Call a friend or neighbour who is not a member and explain why you feel they need to join BPG. If

they reply with, “Why should I join now? Everything with our pension looks good,” you have to be ready to respond.

When I’m faced with questions like this I begin my reply with, “Yes, and we want to keep it that way…” Make the discussion your own and if you need help putting your thoughts together before approaching a non-member

please contact us. We might be able to help. We took our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to Oshawa this year, and we did that for a number of reasons. Our meeting attendance in Oshawa had been increasing year over year and that was not the case in most of our other locations. Admittedly, our Oshawa attendance slipped a

bit recently on May 28th but we managed to stay above 100. It was wonderful to see many of my former ‘Rouge River I&R’ team in the audience.

We hope to enlist your help in recruiting perhaps in a new way as we lead the way to BPG’s 25th Anniver-

sary next year. We need to reach the older retirees and/or their spouses not currently on social media. Ad-ditionally we must connect with newer retirees to articulate the value of BPG and how important their voice is. In other words, we need everyone and we can’t do this without you!

During our recent meetings, we talked about how we should celebrate the 25th anniversary of BPG next year. I don’t want to wait until 2020 to begin working on this. Should we come to you in smaller groups and bring the birthday cake?

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Upcoming Meeting and Chapter Board Contacts

Date & Location:

Wednesday October 30, 2019—Mississauga

Burnhamthorpe Community Centre 1500 Gulleden Dr, Mississauga ON L4X 2T7

https://www.mapquest.com/canada/ontario/burnhamthorpe-community-centre-359337560 Guest Speaker - Thomas Rothsching, Senior Con-

sultant, Pension & Actuarial Services, Bell

Canada

11am to Noon—Lunch and Social Noon to 2pm—Meeting

Note: AGM Presentations are available on

our website.

Ontario Central Chapter

Board — 2019

Carol Ann Cole Chapter Chair

Natalie Wright Vice-Chair

Titus Ramkhalawansingh Past Chair Kathy Stoddart Co-Treasurer

Jim Fikis Co-Treasurer Dave Milne Database, eBlast

Karen Lawson Communications Dir. Pam Fox Social Media

Barry Zimmerman Webmaster Jim McColl Print, ONWeb

Kerri Murphy Meeting Co-ord. Julie Dupuis Recruiting Lead

Sharon MacIntosh Secretary Camie Tang-Chang Sustainability Marianne Goreki Member Support

Mike Nicoloff BU Database & Web

Glen Simpson Member At Large John Bell Member At Large

Cathey Snary Member At Large ***See Page 5 for OCC vacancies ***

Chapter Chair Report 1

Upcoming Meetings & Contacts 2

President’s Message 3

AGM Highlights 3

BPG Financial Highlights 4

BPG Directors 4

OCC Treasurers’ Report 5

OCC Vacancies and Articles 5

Stay Connected and What’s New 6

Membership Form 7

IN THIS ISSUE

Haven’t attended a meeting before?

Attending the meetings are a great way to keep

informed and updated on our pension and the

challenges facing pension holders as govern-

ments make changes to legislation.

We have some great Guest speakers coming up

that provide insightful information on new initia-

tives Bell has launched and how the Company is

doing from a financial perspective.

Registration and Refreshments are from

11:00 a.m. to Noon. We will even send an email

reminder just prior to the meetings!

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This is my last President’s message to you all as I

have completed 3 years as President and it’s time to look

forward to new leadership. Denis Marquis, who has been our Vice President for Quebec, is taking on the Presi-dent’s role. Over the last 3 years, Denis has been in-volved in all aspects of BPG, has gained the trust of our Board of Directors, and I am sure the changeover will be seamless. I have agreed to stay on the Board as Past

President and I look for-ward to continuing to sup-port BPG. What have I learned from my time at BPG?

Oh so much about

risks associated with DB pensions that I didn't understand be-fore

What a great partner Bell is (under the leadership

of George Cope) in the pursuit of a fully funded DB

Pension plan

The value of a ‘loud voice’ and how to create a

voice so loud that governments have to listen

And that it is possible to influence outcomes –

even when you are dealing with governments

That the Directors on the BPG Board are second to

none! Tireless in their pursuit of better pension

protection and creating Chapters that attract mem-

bership

How necessary it is to have so many amazing vol-

unteers to support an organization and Chapters

the size of ours

And that members, like you, make it all worthwhile

Wishing you all a fond farewell - you are in safe hands,

Patte Seaton

BPG Past President

Note: President’s Video is now on the website.

https://www.bellpensionersgroup.ca/index2.php?

lang=en&chapt=corporate

BPG President’s Message and AGM Highlights

2019 AGM in Oshawa

From left: Penny Gilray, Dave Milne, Donna Smith

Our first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Osh-awa was held on May 28, 2019. Just under 100 mem-bers braved the pouring rain to connect with old friends inside and listen to informative presentations.

Our members voted to approve all three Motions ta-bled: the 2019 – 2020 BPG Corporate Board of Direc-tors, the December 2018 BPG Financial Statement, and retaining BDO as our public accountant in 2019.

The slate of presenters was Carol Ann Cole, Ontario Central Chapter Chair; Diane Holgate, VP Ontario and Robert Marchessault, Director Pension & Actuarial Services in Bell Canada. Carol Ann gave the Chapter

Report highlighting key areas and was joined by two members of the OCC Board - Karen Lawson address-ing Communications & Social Media, and Jim Fikis,

who delivered an exciting Treasurer’s Report. Following this, Diane presented the President’s Report on behalf of Patte Seaton, our President. Our top two priorities are aimed at influencing govern-ment legislation to better protect our pension security - Pension Insurance Program and Su-

per Priority Status. And last but not least, Robert assured us that the pension plan funds were in excellent shape – the Solvency Ratio is an amazing and unprecedented

100%, meaning that if the plan was terminated now,

we would get every penny of our pension dollars. Contrast that with Sears employees who had to swal-low a 20 % shortfall. We have a sound sponsor in Bell, who has taken proactive and conservative steps in de-risking the plan investments. If you were not able to attend the AGM or the mem-

bership meeting in North York on June 4th, please visit our website to view these presentations: https://www.bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3news.php?

lang=en&id=9065&chapt=ontariocentral

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BPG Financial Highlights and BPG Directors

2018 BPG Financial Highlights Our 2018 Financial Statements have been reviewed by our

Accountants at BDO Canada. BPG finished the year with positive net income of just over $6,000. This will help maintain our expense reserves as required in our by-laws. We closed out 2018 with 10,977 members, which included the over 500 members we welcomed to our organization from Aliant Atlantic. Income grew slightly year over year and our expenses were higher in 2018 by just over 4%.

Our strong financial results soundly position your BPG Board to execute on our 2019 agenda and continue to grow our membership. Getting to Know Your BPG Board of Directors

The 2019-2020 BPG Board of Directors has twenty mem-bers, including seven Chapter Chairs representing mem-bers in Ontario, Québec and Aliant Atlantic. You will find a mini-CV for each Board Member on the BPG website under the Organization tab - Board of Directors.

We strive for a balance of Directors across provinces that is reflective of our membership distribution and depend solely on volunteers to fulfill all Director Positions. We welcome your involvement.

Currently, we are seeking a Communications Backup to work closely with the Communications Chair. If interested

in hearing more about this opportunity specifically or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Donna Smith at donnajsmith@hotmail.com. BPG Board – 2019-2020 Denis Marquis (President)

Antonio (Tony) Lepine (Vice President - Ontario)

Christian Roy (Vice President - Québec)

Lee Anne Mackey (Treasurer)

Pat Bossence (Secretary)

Patte Seaton (Past President)

Directors at Large

Carol Lacroix

Donna Smith

Dave Palmer

Denis Henry

Marg Eades

Peter Dilworth

Raynald Wilson

Chapter Chairs Bob Noseworthy (Aliant Atlantic)

Carol Ann Cole (Ontario Central)

Lucie St-Arneault (Montréal)

Marjolaine Gilbert Poulin (Québec)

Marlyn Easterbrook (Ottawa, Ontario East, North and

Outaouais)

Roger Gauthier (Télébec)

Steve Longeway (Southwestern Ontario)

Want to be an Ambassador for BPG? We are seeking members who belong to various retiree groups in our area such as the Pioneers and Telephone Com-munity Volunteers who would be willing to serve as ambassadors for our Chapter. We would provide brochures, etc. to give to potential members. If you are willing to help us, please contact us at: Ontcentral@bellpensionersgroup.ca or

905-695-9230 or 1-855-691-2073

Welcome To Our New Members!

Welcome to the 81 new members to our

Chapter and thank you for making our voice stronger.

This brings our Chapter membership level to over 3,200 members.

However, we still need to represent more to strengthen our voice. Please talk to

your friends and peers to join!

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OCC Treasurers’ Report and OCC Vacancies

Help Wanted - BPG Board Volunteers

Stay Engaged --- Stay Connected --- Protect Your Pension

The Ontario Central Chapter (OCC) Board of BPG

is seeking interested volunteers to join our team.

With 3,200 members, we are focused on all aspects

of membership - specifically advocacy, recruiting

and communications.

The Board hosts 3-4 meetings a year that includes

an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2-3 general

membership meetings. The Board meets monthly

about 8-10 times a year, mostly via conference call

with one or two of these as face to face meetings.

Articles of Interest: 1. Pension Glossary

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/pensions/pension-plan-

guide/Pages/Glossary.html

2. Staying Connected in Retirement good for the Soul

http://links.e.cibcinfo.ca/servlet/MailView?

ms=MTUzNzc1NTAS1&r=MTE4NDkyMTczNDA2S0&j=

MTYwMjE5MjM5NgS2&mt=1&rt=0

3. Pretty good summary of the pension protection

provisions in C97 - Positive changes to legislation. In

addition, CFP/NPF provided a written submission

to the Senate Committee review of Bill C97 in

May

http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?

articleid=808198&email_access=on

OCC Treasurers’ Report—Jim Fikis

BPG Review Engagement:

BDO Canada performed a review engagement of

BPG’s 2018 financial statements concluding that

“nothing has come to our attention that causes us

to believe that the financial statements do not pre-

sent fairly, in all material respects, the financial

position of BPG as at December 31, 2018”.

OCC Operating Activities:

Revenue for our Chapter, which is almost entirely

from membership fees, increased by $2.4K (4%)

in 2018 to $71.8K however this was more than

offset by expenses which increased by a very sig-

nificant $5.7K (22%) to $31.7K.

The main drivers for this increase in expenses

were printing costs ($2.2k; 19% increase) due to

additional pages per newsletter, meeting expenses

due to venue rental costs ($1.4k; 27% increase)

and teleconferencing and travel fees due to Board

members living outside the GTA ($1.3k; 81% in-

crease).

OCC Assets & Liabilities:

The Chapter’s assets increased by $10.0K (6%) to

$177.1K from $167.1K in 2017. The main reasons

for this increase were an increase of $7.8k (14%

increase) in bank balance and an increase in GIC

investments of $2.2k (2% increase).

Offsetting these assets, liabilities increased by

$1.4K to $62.9K from $61.5K in 2017. These lia-

bilities are entirely for pre-paid membership fees.

Comments:

1. The Chapter is currently in a very healthy

financial position. We have over $110K in

GIC’s which can be used on short notice, if

needed, to fund Corporate initiatives.

2. The Chapter was cash flow positive in 2018

(+$7.8K) and this is expected to continue in

2019, absent any increase in the current

50% levy sent to Corporate.

3. The Chapter is currently at the point where

the inflow of membership fees balances the sum of the outflows for the Corporate levy

and for Chapter expenses. Given this, our

positive cash flow is largely due to the ad-vertising revenue that we receive from The

Personal and from Comtech.

Please step up and help us,

if you can!!

BPG Ontario Central Chapter Board needs:

Newsletter Editor

Co-Treasurer

Non-Board Volunteers

Apply by email to:

colemind@sympatico.ca

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Stay Connected with BPG

What’s New

If you haven’t already, check out the Ontario Chapters’ Facebook Page! It’s a great way to connect with friends and peers. Share your stories, find valuable information

and keep in touch. Check out the great videos of Board volunteers and members sharing their thoughts on the importance of BPG at:https://www.facebook.com/BPGONT/

NEW: We have just launched an Ontario Linked In profile with associated news . Check it out and follow us….

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bell-canada-pensioners-group-ontario

* Send articles and photos for posting to: pamela.m.fox@hotmail.com

Many thanks to our loyal followers of the BPG Ontario Facebook page. We appreciate your likes, comments and your contributions. Stay tuned for more ads in the future.

1.The In Touch Spring issue outlines the

latest offers from Bell in a handy booklet

and all upcoming Spring and Summer

events

2. Bell Mobility has a new Mobile Newsletter

at: http://bell.ca/bmobile1

Visited our website yet? If not, please take a few minutes to see what has been posted. The videos

on the Facebook page are also posted here. Check them out as you will hear members who talk about the importance of protecting our pensions. We value your membership and your com-ments!

See the Link below on why your friends and colleagues should become members.

https://www.bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3news.php?lang=en&id=1711&chapt=ontariocentral

Contact Us:

Telephone:

905-695-9230 or 1-855-691-2073 Email:

Ontcentral@bellpensionersgroup.ca

Postal Address:

Bell Pensioners’ Group Ontario Central Chapter

PO Box 5 Station “D” Etobicoke ON M9A 4X1

News Release Issued: Mar 29, 2019

Bell to complete shutdown of CDMA wire-

less network on April 30

Customers transitioning to Bell's national 4G LTE

network, which now reaches more than 99% of

the Canadian population

MONTRÉAL, March 29, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - With

Bell's 4G LTE network now covering more than

99% of the national population, Bell today con-

firmed it will complete the previously announced

shutdown of its legacy CDMA wireless network

on April 30. For more information about Bell's

CDMA network transition, please visit Bell.ca/

CDMAnetwork.

Welcome BPG Members, join CARP today. CARP

is offering BPG members a 2 year free

membership to new CARP members or a 2

year extension for those who are already

members. In addition, as a CARP member,

you will be able to save everyday at Rexall and

Rexall Pharma Plus stores and more. You also

have the option of subscribing to Zoomer maga-

zine at $10/year.

http://www.carp.ca/welcome-cfp

REMINDER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP… IT’S EASY!

1. Online, by visiting our website > Membership

tab > Application/Renewals. Pay by credit card or

PayPal account.

2. Cheque, payable to BPG and mailed.

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BPG Membership Form

WE NEED

YOUR HELP !

Just a Reminder:

BPG Membership is open to both active employees and retirees of the Defined Benefit (DB) plan.

Let your friends know so they can take advantage of the information and the support we provide

our members. There is strength in numbers which gives us a stronger voice. Please promote

BPG!

Mail this Application Form to Bell Pensioners’ Group, Ontario Central Chapter, PO Box 5, Station D, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1. Or you may join online or renew your membership online at the following link:

http://www.bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3.php?chapt=OntarioCentral&lang=en&section=39

Volume #89 Membership Form To become a member, please fill out this form and mail it to the Chapter of your choice with your payment. You can also register online at http://www.bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3.php?chapt=OntarioCentral&lang=en&section=39. You can pay for up to 5 years ($20/yr) by cheque or credit card or PayPal. [Please make cheque payable to Bell

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Subscribe to Bell In Touch

Newsletter:

On https://intouch.bell.ca, click on the In

Touch by email section in the bottom left cor-

ner to register your email address

By email at intouch@bell.ca

By telephone at 1-877-666-7474

For any questions related to your Pension or Ben-efits, contact Bell Employee Services:

By email at employeeservices@bell.ca

By telephone at 1-888-400-0661

By mail at 1, Carrefour Alexander-Graham-Bell,

A-4, Verdun, Quebec H3E 3B3

Bell Benefits Website:

https://www.benefits-avantages.hroffice.com/

Useful Bell Information