The Alberta Teachers’ Association

The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) held its 47th annual general assembly at Barnett House, in Edmonton, October 6 and 7. Seventy delegates from the association’s 17 provincial branches attended.

ARTA’s new executive officers are President Marlene Reddekopp, Grande Prairie; Vice-President Gordon Cumming and Treasurer Paul Demers, both of Calgary; and Past President Paul Boisvert, St. Paul-Cold Lake.

Irl Miller and Dorothy Ungstad, trustees of ARTA’s Benefit Trust, updated delegates on ARTA’s financial investments that support health and wellness benefit plans for education and public sector retirees.

Emilian Groch, executive director of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund, reported on the challenges facing the retirement fund. Despite economic uncertainties facing North America, Groch assured teachers that their pensions were secure.

Mark Ramsankar brought greetings from the Alberta Teachers’ Association and updated participants on active teachers’ initiatives and concerns. ARTA continues to collaborate with the ATA on education and other issues, and appreciates the support ARTA receives from the ATA in the form of office space and meeting rooms in Barnett House.

It was encouraging to see many participants willing to serve in voluntary roles on committees that carry out ARTA’s work. A new ad hoc committee on wellness was established to expand the association’s wellness workshop programs across Alberta.

A highlight of the AGM was the formation of a membership/marketing committee to ensure that all retirees receive information about joining ARTA. The association offers new retirees a free membership in their first year of retirement. ARTA members receive access to diverse services as well as opportunities to learn about their important role as advocates for all retirees.