a
a
a

About Us

Who we are

  • September 2020

  • September 2019

  • June 2019

  • January 2019

  • March 2018

  • February 2017

  • July 2016

  • January 2016

  • August 2015

  • August 2014

  • May 2014

  • December 2013

  • June 2013

  • April 2013

  • March 2013

  • January 2013

  • November 2012

  • May 2012

  • April 2012

  • March 2011

  • May 2010

  • April 2009

  • January 2008

  • September 2007

  • February 2006

  • May 2005

  • June 2004

  • March 2003

  • June 2002

  • January 2002

  • November 2000

  • January 1999

  • September 1996

  • September 1995

  • July 1993

  • May 1993

News Releases from CSA or other Governmental and non-governmental agencies
  • ETIAS Requirement Update

    Posted date : Oct 23, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – In August 2023, we notified members that Canadian citizens travelling to certain European countries will soon be required to obtain a permit known as a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization. An ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to thirty European countries.

    Read More

    Manitoba Election Handbook

    Posted date : Sep 27, 2023

    On Tuesday October 3, 2023 the residents of Manitoba will choose their next provincial government….

    Read More

    ETIAS Requirement for Travel to Europe

    Posted date : Aug 30, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – Canadian travellers should be aware of upcoming changes to travel requirements for entry into thirty European nations next year. Beginning in 2024, Canadian citizens travelling to certain European countries will be required to obtain a permit known as a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization.

    Read More
  • Canadian Snowbird Visa Act

    Posted date : July 7. 2023

    Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Greg Stanton introduced the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time certain Canadians can visit the US by two months.

    Read More

    New Verified Traveller Program

    Posted date : May 26, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – Earlier this week, the federal government announced the introduction of a new Verified Traveller program to be launched by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

    Read More

    Alberta Election Handbook 2023

    Posted date : May 25, 2023

    On Monday May 29, 2023 the residents of Alberta will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More
  • U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

    Posted date : May 9, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – The Biden administration confirmed that the executive order requiring international air travellers entering the United States to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be officially rescinded on May 12, 2023.

    Read More

    PEI ELECTION HANDBOOK 2023

    Posted date : Mar 20, 2023

    On Monday April 3, 2023 the residents of PEI will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More

    Travel Tips for snowbirds returning to Canada

    Posted date : March 15, 2023

    The Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Snowbird Association are encouraging Canadians who have spent the winter abroad, to plan ahead for a smooth return to Canada this spring.

    Read More
  • Reminder: Vacant Home Tax Declaration

    Posted date : Jan 30, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – In 2023, both the City of Toronto and the City of Ottawa have implemented a vacant home/unit tax on residential properties left unoccupied.

    Read More

    NEXUS Program Update

    Posted date : Jan 13, 2023

    CSA Member Advisory – As the vast majority of Canadian NEXUS offices remain closed due to an ongoing dispute over legal protections, earlier this week Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint statement on the NEXUS program.

    Read More

    Hurricane Ian

    Posted date : Sep 28, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – Hurricane Ian, an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, has the potential to bring deadly storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding to the Florida peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center.

    Read More
  • COVID-19 Border Measures Update

    Posted date : Sep 26, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory -Federal officials announced that as of October 1, 2022, all travellers arriving in Canada will no longer have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada or meet COVID-19 testing, quarantine or isolation requirements. All travellers will also no longer have to submit their public health information through ArriveCAN.

    Read More

    2022 Québec Election Handbook

    Posted date : Sep 14, 2022

    On Monday October 3, 2022 the residents of Québec will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More

    Random Testing Reinstated for Air Travellers

    Posted date : July 15, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – On July 19, 2022, mandatory random COVID-19 testing will be reinstated for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada by air to the four major Canadian airports, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.

    Read More
  • Vaccine Mandate Suspended

    Posted date : June 14, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective June 20, 2022, the federal government will suspend the requirement that domestic and outbound travellers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Read More

    COVID-19 Testing Requirement Changes

    Posted date : June 12, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective 12:01 a.m. ET on June 12, 2022, the U.S. government will no longer require air travellers to obtain a pre-departure COVID-19 test within a day of their departure flights.

    Read More

    Ontario Election Handbook

    Posted date : May 23, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – On Thursday June 2, 2022 the residents of Ontario will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More
  • Pre-Arrival Testing Update

    Posted date : Mar 17, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – The federal government officially announced that they will be removing the pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada at airports and land border crossings effective April 1, 2022.

    Read More

    Updated Border Measures

    Posted date : Feb 16, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory – Earlier this week, the Government of Canada announced that effective February 28, 2022, fully vaccinated Canadian travellers may return to Canada with a pre-arrival COVID-19 rapid antigen test instead of a pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test such as a PCR test.

    Read More

    Free COVID-19 Test Kits

    Posted date : Jan 20, 2022

    CSA Member Advisory : COVIDtests.gov ; The U.S. federal government has officially launched its website to distribute free COVID-19 test kits to households in the United States..

    Read More
  • Global Travel Advisory

    Posted date : Dec 18, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory : In response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Canadian federal government announced yesterday that they have reinstated the travel advisory against all non-essential international travel effective December 15, 2021.

    Read More

    Updated U.S. Travel Restrictions

    Posted date : Dec 02, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Updated U.S. Travel Restrictions : Yesterday afternoon, U.S. President Joe Biden announced updated travel restrictions in response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

    Read More

    New Arrival Testing Requirements

    Posted date : Dec 01, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – In response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Federal government announced that all air travellers entering Canada, from every country except the United States, will now be required to be tested at the airport in which they land regardless of their vaccination status

    Read More
  • Pre-arrival Testing for Short Trips

    Posted date : Nov 22, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory : On Friday November 19th, the federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos announced that the requirement to obtain a pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test would be eliminated for fully vaccinated Canadian travellers taking short-term trips abroad which are within 72 hours in duration. This new policy will come into effect on November 30, 2021.

    Read More

    Cross-Border Travel Update

    Posted date : Nov 05, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory : The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that non-citizen travellers who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation will be permitted to enter the United States via land ports of entry (POE) and ferry terminals starting on November 8, 2021.

    Read More

    Land Border Reopening

    Posted date : Oct 18, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory : Late last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that fully vaccinated Canadian travellers will be permitted to enter the United States, via the land border, for non-essential purposes effective November 8, 2021.

    Read More
  • Border Update and Travel Requirements

    Posted date : Sept 21, 2021

    The U.S Department of Homeland Security has recently announced that the ongoing restriction on non-essential travel at the U.S./Canada land border will be extended until at least October 21st.

    Read More

    CSA Letter to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

    Posted date : Sept 8, 2021

    I am writing to request that the Government of Canada work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidance to ensure that mixed dosing of COVID-19 vaccines is internationally recognized as full vaccination against COVID-19.

    Read More

    Federal Election Handbook

    Posted date : August 28, 2021

    On Monday, September 20, 2021 the citizens of Canada will choose their next federal government. As a
    member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More
  • Stefanik, Welch Introduce Canadian Snowbird Visa Act

    Posted date : July 29, 2021

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time Canadians who own or lease a home in the United States can visit by two months.

    Read More

    Canada/U.S. Border Update

    Posted date : July 22, 2021

    Earlier this week, the federal government announced that starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.

    Read More

    COVID – Travel Tool Kit

    Posted date : June 28, 2021

    This guide is meant to be a collection of some of the most commonly requested and most useful resources that travellers to Canada will need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Read More
  • Updated Travel Restrictions

    Posted date : June 22, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory : Yesterday, federal government officials announced that effective 11:59 p.m. EST on July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents will not be required to quarantine upon entry into Canada…

    Read More

    Retiree visa bill reintroduction

    Posted date : June 17, 2021

    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) reintroduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act, legislation that would allow some Canadian citizens to spend up to eight months a year vacationing in the United States, two months longer than they are allowed to stay now.

    Read More

    Out of Province Vaccine Registration

    Posted date : June 10, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective June 10, 2021, Ontario residents who received one or both doses of COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario or Canada can contact their local Public Health Unit (PHU) to have their COVID-19 immunization record verified and documented in the province’s COVAX system.

    Read More
  • Mandatory Quarantine Changes

    Posted date : June 10, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Yesterday afternoon, federal government officials announced that fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada by air will no longer be subject to the mandatory hotel quarantine requirement effective early July 2021…..

    Read More

    Snowbirds reiterate call to end mandatory hotel quarantine

    Posted date : June 8, 2021

    The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is, again, calling on the federal government to end the mandatory hotel quarantine program for fully vaccinated Canadian residents returning to Canada.

    Read More

    CSA calls on Trudeau and Biden administrations to develop a cross-border reopening plan for fully vaccinated travellers

    Posted date : June 8, 2021

    The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is calling on the Canadian and U.S. Governments to formalize a plan to safely reopen the land border for fully vaccinated travellers for non-essential purposes.

    Read More
  • CSA Letter to the Minister of Health

    Posted date : June 2, 2021

    As President of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), I am writing to request that your Ministry allow Ontario residents to update their immunization records to register COVID-19 vaccinations which they have received in the United States and abroad.

    Read More

    CSA Open Letter to Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer

    Posted date : May 27, 2021

    As President of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), I am writing to request that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) revises its guidance on quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadian residents returning to Canada from the United States on the basis that these individuals do not pose a risk of significant harm to public health.

    Read More

    Updated Travel Restrictions

    Posted date : Feb 18, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – The Government of Canada has recently provided updated details on the further measures they have and will be implementing in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada.

    Read More
  • New Land Border Requirements

    Posted date : Feb 10, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective February 15, 2021, the Government of Canada is requiring that all travellers returning to Canada by land provide a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their entry into Canada.

    Read More

    CSA Letter to the Minister of Transport

    Posted date : Feb 01, 2021

    While the CSA is supportive of point of entry testing for COVID-19 at all Canadian airports and land crossings, we are firmly opposed to the imminent mandatory hotel quarantine measure to be imposed by the federal government.

    Read More

    Additional Travel Restrictions

    Posted date : Jan 31, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – On Friday January 29th, the federal government announced increased restrictions on international travel in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

    Read More
  • COVID Test Requirement for U.S. Entry

    Posted date : Jan 18, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Beginning on January 26th, all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country are
    required to get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.

    Read More

    Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement

    Posted date : Jan 4, 2021

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective January 7, 2021 all passengers five years of age or older, are required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling by air from another country to Canada.

    Read More

    Border and COVID-19 Vaccine Update

    Posted date : Dec 21, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – Earlier this month, Canada and the United States agreed to extend the restriction on non-essential travel at the land border until at least January 21, 2021.

    Read More
  • Canada / U.S. Land Border Restriction Update

    Posted date : Nov 23, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – Late last week, Canada and the United States officially extended the restrictions on non-essential travel at the land border until December 21, 2020. With surging COVID-19 case numbers in both countries, the land border closure will likely extend well into next year.

    Read More

    Ontario Legal Challenge Update

    Posted date : Nov 16, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – On September 23rd, we notified members of our legal challenge victory against the Ontario Government and the illegal termination of OHIP’s Out-of-Country Travellers Program, which provided emergency out-of-country nsurance coverage for Ontario residents.

    Read More

    COVID-19 and the Canada/U.S. Border

    Posted date : Oct 26, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – As was reported last week, the Canada/U.S. land border will remain closed to all non-essential travel until at least November 21, 2020. CSA representatives continue to discuss the issue of the border closure with government officials and agencies on both sides of the border.

    Read More
  • National Post – Letter to the Editor

    Posted date : Oct 9, 2020

    Re: Snowbirds should fly away on their own dime, not the taxpayers’……One of the fundamental issues with Chris Selley’s piece is his mischaracterization of emergency out-of-country health coverage as a subsidy. To be clear, this coverage is not a government handout.

    Read More

    BC Election Handbook

    Posted date : Oct 8, 2020

    On Saturday October 24, 2020, the residents of British Columbia will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More

    SK Election Handbook

    Posted date : Oct 8, 2020

    On Monday October 26, 2020, the residents of Saskatchewan will choose their next provincial government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More
  • CSA WINS LEGAL CHALLENGE

    Posted date : Sep 23, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is pleased to announce that we have won our legal challenge against the Ontario Government and their illegal termination of emergency out-of-country insurance coverage for Ontario residents.

    Read More

    Canada/US Border Update

    Posted date : Sep 23, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – Recently, Canada and the United States agreed to extend the land border restriction on all non-essential travel until October 21, 2020. This means that travel for tourism purposes will not be permitted at any land border crossing until at least October 21, 2020, but we anticipate this closure may well extend into 2021.

    Read More

    Ontario Campgrounds During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Posted date : 4/17/2020

    After discussions with the office of the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the CSA is pleased to announce that an exemption has been formally put in place for snowbirds who reside at seasonal campgrounds.

    Read More
  • Updated Quarantine Requirements

    Posted date : Apr 15, 2020

    CSA Member Advisory – Effective April 16th, the Government of Canada is requiring all travellers returning to Canada from abroad to provide Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with a “credible quarantine plan.”

    Read More

    Updated Guidelines for Returning Canadians

    Posted date : Mar 30, 2020

    The Government of Canada has recently provided clearer guidelines for Canadian travellers returning home from abroad. If you have recently returned to Canada and you have no symptoms , you must QUARANTINE (self-isolate) yourself. This is mandatory. You are at risk of developing symptoms and infecting others.

    Read More

    Self-isolating Upon Return to Canada

    Posted date : Mar 25, 2020

    On March 26th at midnight, the Government of Canada will be invoking the Quarantine Act in order to impose a mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all travellers returning to Canada.

    Read More
  • How to Self-isolate

    Posted date : Mar 25, 2020

    People with COVID-19 do not always recognize their early symptoms. Even though you do not have symptoms now, you need to self-isolate if in the last 14 days, you…

    Read More

    Canada/U.S. Border Restrictions

    Posted date : Mar 21, 2020

    On March 21st, Canada and the United States will temporarily restrict all non-essential travel between our two countries for 30 days in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Read More

    Newfoundland Picnic Cancelled

    Posted date : Mar 18, 2020

    In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nova Scotia provincial picnic, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday March 24, 2020, has been cancelled.

    Read More
  • COVID-19 — March 16th Update

    Posted date : Mar 16, 2020

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that entry into Canada will be denied to individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

    Read More

    UPDATE : COVID-19

    Posted date : Mar 15, 2020

    The Government of Canada is now officially recommending that Canadian travellers abroad return to Canada. Further, the Government of Canada has also issued an official global travel advisory that all non-essential travel outside of Canada be avoided.

    Read More

    Travel Advice for Returning Travellers

    Posted date : Mar 11, 2020

    As snowbirds make their preparations to return home to Canada, it is important that they heed the advice of public health officials regarding Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    Read More
  • Nova Scotia Picnic Cancelled

    Posted date : Mar 11, 2020

    In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nova Scotia provincial picnic, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday March 24, 2020, has been cancelled.

    Read More

    Ontario Picnic Cancelled

    Posted date : Mar 11, 2020

    In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ontario provincial picnic, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday March 17, 2020, has been cancelled.

    Read More

    SNOWBIRDS LAUNCH LEGAL CHALLENGE AGAINST OHIP CUTS

    Posted date : Jan 02, 2020

    The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) on behalf of its members, and all Ontario travellers has filed a legal challenge against the Ontario Government’s cuts to out-of-country emergency insurance coverage.

    Read More
  • The Language Barrier

    Posted date : Dec 14, 2019

    A recent, very-large study has shown that many heart procedures such as stent insertion, angioplasty and heart bypass surgery are unnecessary and can actually cause harm.

    Read More

    CSA Director Presentations

    Posted date : Nov 15, 2019

    Dear Snowbirds, Canadian Snowbird Association Directors are available for presentations in your local communities.

    Read More

    CSA REMINDS TRAVELLERS OF LOOMING CUTS TO ONTARIO HEALTH COVERAGE

    Posted date : Oct 18, 2019

    CSA is reminding Ontario travellers that OHIP’s Out-of-Country (OOC) Travellers Program is scheduled to be terminated on January 1, 2020.

    Read More
  • Federal Election Handbook

    Posted date : Oct 3, 2019

    On Monday, October 21, 2019 the citizens of Canada will choose their next federal government. As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), now is the time to ensure your voice is heard!

    Read More

    Rubio and Scott Introduce the Canadian Snowbirds Act

    Posted date : Sep 20, 2019

    On Sept 19, 2019, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott introduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act, S. 2507 in the U.S. Senate.

    Read More

    Canadian Snowbirds Act

    Posted date : Sep 19, 2019

    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott introduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act, legislation that would allow some Canadian citizens to spend up to eight months a year vacationing in the United States, two months longer than they are allowed to stay now.

    Read More
  • Entry/Exit Initiative – 8840 Form Update

    Posted date : Jul 16, 2019

    As of July 11, 2019, the entry/exit initiative has been expanded to include the sharing of information of all travellers including Canadian and American citizens at land ports of entry.

    Read More

    NOTICE FOR QUEBEC SNOWBIRDS!

    Posted date : May 24, 2019

    It has come to our attention that there is a discrepancy between the residency rules of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

    Read More

    ONTARIO CANCELS OUT-OF-COUNTRY HEALTH COVERAGE

    Posted date : May 03, 2019

    OHIP’s Out-of-Country (OOC) Travellers Program , which provides reimbursement for Ontario residents who face unexpected medical emergencies while abroad, will officially be scrapped on October 1, 2019.

    Read More
  • ONTARIO PLANS TO ELIMINATE OUT-OF-COUNTRY MEDICAL COVERAGE

    Posted date : Apr 24, 2019

    Toronto – The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) announced Wednesday their opposition to the Ontario government’s proposal to terminate OHIP’s Out-of-Country (OOC) Travellers Program.

    Read More

    SNOWBIRD REPORT CARD REVEALS MOST PROVINCES BREACHING THE CANADA HEALTH ACT

    Posted date : Mar 14, 2019

    Toronto – Before embarking on their trips, Canadian travellers should be mindful that, in most cases, their health coverage does not follow them abroad. Only the Canadian territories and the province of Prince Edward Island are obeying the requirement of the Canada Health Act to provide portable universal health care for the more than 55 […]

    Read More

    BC’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax

    Posted date : Mar 07, 2019

    Dear Snowbirds, The speculation and vacancy tax is an annual tax paid by some owners of residential properties in designated taxable regions of B.C.

    Read More
  • Canadian Snowbird Visa Update

    Posted date : Dec 03, 2018

    The United States mid-term elections were held on Tuesday November 6, 2018. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats made a net gain of at least 40 seats

    Read More

    Drug Recall – Valsartan

    Posted date : Jul 23, 2018

    Several drugs containing the ingredient Valsartan are being recalled by their manufacturers. A potential carcinogenic impurity was found in the Valsartan used in these products which could cause health problems as a result of long-term exposure.

    Read More

    Saskatchewan PST on Travel Insurance

    Posted date : Mar 13, 2018

    As part of the 2017 budget, the government of Saskatchewan both raised the rate of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) from five per cent to six per cent and applied PST to an increased number of goods and services including travel medical insurance premiums.

    Read More
  • Canadian Snowbirds and Hurricane Irma

    Posted date : Sep 20, 2017

    Toronto – Hurricane Irma, a dangerous Category 5 storm containing the most powerful winds ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, has already hit the Caribbean and may well be headed for Florida. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a statewide state of emergency to ensure local officials have enough time, resources and flexibility to get […]

    Read More

    PST SK Travel Insurance Premiums

    Posted date : Jun 01, 2017

    In the recent 2017 budget, the government of Saskatchewan announced that it was raising the rate of the provincial sales tax (PST) from five per cent to six per cent

    Read More

    Manitoba Term Certificate Requirement

    Posted date : Feb 08, 2017

    The CSA is pleased to announce that the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has now clarified their position on the term certificate, indicating to the CSA in writing that it is only a recommendation and not a requirement for Manitoba travellers.

    Read More
  • Preparation is Key for a Rewarding Snowbird Travel Season

    Posted date : Jul 21, 2016

    Spending the winter in the sunny south sure beats contending with the ice and snow of our Canadian winters. If you are truly going to enjoy the fruits of the snowbird lifestyle experience, preparation is key.

    Read More

    Georgia rescinds international driving premit requirement

    Posted date : Jul 20, 2016

    Toronto – The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) announced Thursday, that after multiple discussions between the CSA and representatives from the state of Georgia, the requirement of non-English driver’s licence holders to possess an International Driving Permit (IDP), while operating a vehicle in the state, will be rescinded.

    Read More

    Entry/Exit initiative – Bill C-21 Canada Border Services Agency

    Posted date : Jun 24, 2016

    As many of you are aware, the cross-border information sharing program, known as the Entry/Exit Initiative, was scheduled to be expanded to include Canadian and American citizens on June 30, 2014.

    Read More
  • Sask. Health Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Nov 23, 2015

    The CSA is pleased to announce that the Saskatchewan Government has, effective January 1, 2016, formally increased the amount of time residents may be absent from Saskatchewan, from six to seven months (over any 12-month period), while still retaining continuous provincial health coverage.

    Read More

    NWT Health Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Aug 31, 2015

    As most of you are aware, the Canadian Snowbird Association has successfully worked with a number of provinces in Canada on the issue of residency requirements and eligibility for continuous health coverage.

    Read More

    CSA Clarifies U.S. Travel Rules

    Posted date : Jan 21, 2015

    In a recent article which appeared on CBC News’ British Columbia website, it was suggested that Canadian citizens are only allowed to spend 120 days in the United States each year. For clarification purposes, the Canadian Snowbird Association would like to remind travellers to the U.S. that this information is incorrect.

    Read More
  • UPDATE Beyond the Border

    Posted date : Aug 26, 2014

    In our Member Advisory issued on March 28, 2014, we discussed the joint Canada/U.S. declaration titled Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. The purpose of the program is to “to enhance our security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods and services.”

    Read More

    Nova Scotia Health Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Jul 28, 2014

    Effective August 1, 2014, residents of Nova Scotia will be able to spend up to seven months outside of the province, each calendar year, and still retain their Medical Services Insurance (MSI) coverage.

    Read More

    Beyond the Border

    Posted date : Jun 18, 2014

    On February 4, 2011 the Canadian and U.S. governments issued a declaration known as Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. The purpose of the program is to enhance security and increase the legitimate traffic of people, goods and services.

    Read More
  • NB Health Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Jun 18, 2014

    The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is pleased to report that effective May 16, 2014, eligible residents of New Brunswick may now be absent from their home province for up to 212 days, for vacation and visiting purposes, and still retain their Medicare coverage.

    Read More

    Seven Months for Alberta Snowbirds

    Posted date : Dec 17, 2013

    In late 2012, the Canadian Snowbird Association distributed a survey to our Alberta members asking whether they would like us to work with the Alberta Government to increase out-of-country health coverage from six to seven months.

    Read More

    UPDATE: MB Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Jul 03, 2013

    We requested the Manitoba government extend the time Manitoba residents could spend outside the country from 6 to 7 months and still retain their provincial health coverage.

    Read More
  • Canadian Retiree Visa Progress

    Posted date : Jun 28, 2013

    Toronto – The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) applauds the passage of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act in the U.S. Senate.

    Read More

    Guidelines to Writing Government Representatives

    Posted date : May 27, 2013

    Guidelines to Writing Government Representatives – If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office toll-free at 1-800-265-3200 (English) or 1-800-265-5132 (French).

    Read More

    Alberta Coverage Extension

    Posted date : May 27, 2013

    Dear Alberta Snowbirds, As you may have heard, the CSA has been successful in our most recent campaign in British Columbia related to increasing out-of-country stays.

    Read More
  • Proposed Border Fee

    Posted date : Apr 22, 2013

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget requests a study to determine the feasibility of collecting a fee from pedestrians and passenger vehicles crossing between the United States and Canada by land.

    Read More

    Canadian Retiree Visa Update

    Posted date : Apr 19, 2013

    The Canadian Snowbird Association applauds the inclusion of the JOLT (Jobs Originated through Launching Travel) Act in the comprehensive immigration reform legislation filed April 17th in the United States Senate

    Read More

    FAQs – BC Seven Month Absence

    Posted date : Apr 18, 2013

    FAQs – Seven Month Absence in a Calendar Year for Longer Term Vacationers – Amendments have been made to the maximum period of time a resident can stay out of the province and continue to maintain Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.

    Read More
  • Florida IDP Repealed

    Posted date : Apr 01, 2013

    Florida’s legislation requiring foreign drivers to possess an International Driving Permit to legally operate a motor vehicle has been officially repealed.

    Read More

    UPDATE BC Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Mar 15, 2013

    The Canadian Snowbird Association has been working tirelessly on your behalf to extend the time that snowbirds from British Columbia can spend outside of the country from 6 to 7 months and still maintain their provincial health coverage.

    Read More

    Elections BC

    Posted date : Mar 05, 2013

    Dear Snowbirds, Elections BC has fulfilled its commitment to the CSA by improving access to voting rights and availability of government information

    Read More
  • BC Coverage Extension

    Posted date : Feb 21, 2013

    VICTORIA – Amendments introduced today to the Medicare Protection Act will create authority to set regulations that would allow British Columbians who take longer-term vacations out of the province, such as “snowbirds”, to stay on holidays for an extra period of time.

    Read More

    International Driving Permit

    Posted date : Feb 19, 2013

    Despite recent legislative amendments made in Florida, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is NOT REQUIRED in order for a visitor to legally operate a vehicle in the state.

    Read More

    Tax Change

    Posted date : Feb 11, 2013

    OTTAWA – The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), represented by Executive Director Michael MacKenzie were pleased to meet with National Revenue Minister Gail Shea this week to discuss changes at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

    Read More
  • New Medication Process Assists Snowbirds Travellers

    Posted date : Nov 06, 2012

    Travellers leaving Saskatchewan for an extended period are now able to get up to six months of prescription drugs processed online through the Saskatchewan Drug Plan, saving them upfront out-of-pocket costs and the inconvenience of seeking reimbursement afterwards.

    Read More

Special Action Fund

The advocacy work of the association is funded entirely through member donations which are held in a separate account, independent of the daily operation budget of the association, known as the Special Action Fund (SAF). The SAF is utilized when the CSA does not have the time to seek donations, and must engage immediately in government lobbying and consultation.

Recently, the Ontario Government announced that it is moving forward with plans to cancel the Out-of-Country (OOC) Travellers Program effective January 1, 2020. This program provides reimbursement to Ontario travellers for certain medical emergencies which transpire while residents are outside of Canada. The move is unprecedented and will make Ontario the only province in the country to terminate all funding for emergency medical services obtained while abroad.

In response, the CSA has used the resource of the SAF to mount a legal challenge against the Ontario Government for this blatant violation of the Canada Health Act.

It is paramount that we take a stand and put an end to the Ontario Government’s illegal actions, not only for Ontario travellers, but for travellers in jurisdictions across Canada which may attempt to implement similar policies.

The CSA has also employed the Special Action Fund for advocacy work south of the border. The association is currently working on extending the length of time eligible Canadian retirees can spend in the U.S. annually. This “Canadian Retiree Visa” or “Snowbird Visa” would permit Canadian snowbirds to spend up to eight months in the United States every year – a two month increase from the current six month limit. At the time of printing, this proposal can be found in multiple bills introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Previously, the SAF was utilized to overturn Florida’s requirement that all foreign visitors operating a motor vehicle in the state obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 9/11, it was also used to oppose a bill that would have limited Canadians to a 30 day visit to the United States.

CSA Board of Directors

KAREN HUESTIS Director for Ontario

President

View Bio
KAREN HUESTIS

President
Director for Ontario

Until her retirement in 2004, Karen Huestis was the co-owner and operator of Crestwood Golf Club in Manilla, Ontario. Ms. Huestis has had an extensive and varied career, holding positions at Bell Canada, Air Canada, and the Lindsay Golf Club. Ms. Huestis has been a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association board of directors since 2012 and has volunteered at the annual Snowbird Extravaganza since 1995. Prior to being elected president of the CSA, she served as association secretary from 2012 to 2014 and served as CSA treasurer from 2014 to 2017. A lifetime member of the CSA, Ms. Huestis brings a wealth of non-profit experience to the association. She has previously served as president, vice-president, and secretary of the Woodville Country Chords. In addition, Ms. Huestis has also served as the treasurer of the Seagrave United Church. Ms. Huestis’ snowbird-related interests include the Canada Health Act and the ownership of U.S. property. In her free time, Ms. Huestis enjoys barbershop singing, clogging, golfing, and reading. Karen Huestis and her husband Bill reside in Warkworth, Ontario and winter in Spring Hill, Florida.

RONALD (RON) STEEVES Director for Atlantic Canada

First Vice-President

View Bio
RONALD (RON) STEEVES

First Vice-President
Director for Atlantic Canada

Mr. Steeves recently retired following a distinguished career in municipal government serving as Director of Administrative Services, and Director of Transit & Parking Services with the City of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The highlight of Mr. Steeves' years of volunteering was recognized being recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award; and by Rotary International with the presentation of the esteemed Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Volunteerism includes serving as Director and 1st Vice President of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA); firefighter with Riverview Fire-Rescue, Auxiliary-Constable with New Brunswick Highway Patrol; Past-President of Big Brothers/Big Sisters; board of directors with Jobs Unlimited - an employment agency for physically and mentally challenged adults; chair of the United Way campaign; and a provincially licensed and bonded auctioneer for 28 years conducting dozens of fund-raising auctions annually raising several hundred thousand dollars for local charities and service clubs. For eleven years, he also served as the annual voluntary coordinator of the very successful New Brunswick Picnic in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ron and his wife Judy are life-time members of the CSA, and reside in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Clearwater, Florida.

GARRY MCDONALD Director for Ontario

Second Vice-President

View Bio
GARRY MCDONALD

Second Vice-President
Director for Ontario

Mr. Garry McDonald was, until his retirement in 2012, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce where, under his leadership, the chamber increased business membership by 60% to over 1,000 businesses. In this role, Mr. McDonald liaised directly with government representatives from all three levels of government on border, transportation, trade and energy matters. Prior to his time at the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Mr. McDonald worked as the Senior Director, Revenue Facilities at the St. Clair Parkway Commission overseeing the successful operations of the revenue generating facilities division.

In addition to serving on the Canadian Snowbird Association board as President, Mr. McDonald is Board of Director Chairman of the Bluewater Power Group of Companies in Sarnia-Lambton Ontario. Further, he is a director with Rail Advocacy in Lambton.

Mr. McDonald’s previous board experience includes serving on the Sarnia Hospital Commission Board and the South West Ontario Travel Association (SWOTA). He was a founding director and vice-chair of Tourism Sarnia Lambton and a director with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ontario and Canada and the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board. He also served as a director and vice-chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Garry and his wife Mary Ellen, a retired healthcare professional, business owner and author, reside in Camlachie, Ontario and spend their winters in North Fort Myers, Florida.

TED POPEL Director for Ontario

Treasurer

View Bio
TED POPEL

Treasurer
Director for Ontario

Ted Popel has a long and distinguished career as an Insurance Professional with expertise in the Special Risk and Travel Medical Field, including risk evaluation, client/broker contact and product design. Ted has earned a reputation for being an effective negotiator, innovator and marketer and is experienced in all aspects of risk management. Ted has designed and executed special risk marketing plans, targeting specific niches such as universities, associations, and financial institutions. He also has a proven track record for design and implementation of administrative systems and procedures. Ted’s experience in the insurance industry has seen him hold senior positions in several respected life and property/casualty insurance companies including Confederation Life, Retirement Plan Services, Continental Insurance, Insurance Company of North America and Seaboard Life. Ted has volunteered with the CSA for 20 years and has been a lead team member at CSA’s Extravaganzas and Winter Information Meetings. Ted and his wife Quina reside in Scarborough, Ontario and spend their winters in Port Charlotte, Florida.

WENDY CABAN Director for Western Canada

Secretary

View Bio
WENDY CABAN

Secretary
Director for Western Canada

Ms. Wendy Caban, prior to retiring in June 2015, was most recently the Corporate Services Manager and Deputy Clerk at the District of Lake Country, British Columbia. She brings an array of board experience to the Canadian Snowbird Association, participating in board and committee meetings throughout her professional career and was a member of the Interior Savings Credit Union Board of Directors from 2006 to 2015. In addition, Ms. Caban was an instructor at Okanagan College for fifteen years teaching courses for the Legal Secretarial Program as well as courses on business office training. Complementing her professional experience, Ms. Caban has been actively involved in volunteer community service. In 2004, she was named a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her substantial contributions to the Rotary Club of Lake Country. Ms. Caban was also the chair of the Municipal Administrative Training Institute as well as the chair of KidSport Lake Country, her local chapter of the national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Wendy and her husband Geoffrey reside in Lake Country, British Columbia and spend their winters in Mesa, Arizona.

ROBERT (BOB) SLACK Director for Ontario

Immediate Past-President

View Bio
ROBERT (BOB) SLACK

Immediate Past-President
Director for Ontario

Mr. Slack has had a long and distinguished career in education. As a teacher, principal and later supervisor of student teachers, he began his teaching career at the Galt Roman Catholic School Board, continued with the Carleton Roman Catholic School Board, and later the State University of New York. During his career in education he was actively involved in the establishment of classes and programs for dependently handicapped students. For over ten years Bob was a presenter of retirement planning workshops for the Ontario Teachers' Federation. He also served as an educational consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to a regular teaching career, he was employed as a part-time lecturer at the University of Ottawa as well as served as a municipal councillor for the Township of Goulbourn. A member of the Canadian Snowbird Association, Mr. Slack has been a volunteer with several organizations. He has served in numerous capacities with the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario, including two terms as president. A past-president of the Richmond District Lions Club and Richmond Snowrovers Snowmobile Club, he has also been active in minor hockey. Bob Slack and his wife Lois reside in Athens, Ontario.

JOHN FOSTER Director for Central Canada

View Bio
JOHN FOSTER

Director for Central Canada

Mr. Foster has had a long and distinguished career in education, as a teacher, guidance counsellor and vice-principal. He began and ended his teaching career with the same school board, the Swift Current Public School Division. During his thirty-four years he participated on all the committees of the division. He also served as the director of the golf and curling clubs and past member of the Kiwanis Club. He also served as Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (1986 – 1994). John and his wife Joan reside in Swift Current, Saskatchewan in the summer and Mesa, Arizona in the winter.

JOHANNE BLAIN Director for Québec

View Bio
JOHANNE BLAIN

Director for Québec

Ms. Johanne Blain, prior to retiring in January, 2016, worked for 28 years as legal counsel for the Montreal Transit Corporation in the province of Québec, the second largest public urban mass transit system in Canada. Before that, she worked for 5 years as legal counsel for Domtar inc., after having been in private practice as a notary for 3 years. She obtained her law degree from the Université de Montréal in 1978, as well as her diploma of Notarial Law (DDN) in 1979. She brings an extensive experience touching several aspects of law, where she is recognized for her thoroughness, critical thinking, curiosity, and versatility. She also sat on several boards of directors of non for profit organizations, including a private college in the Montreal area for 5 years as one of the parents’ representative. Johanne hopes to help French Canadians on the West Coast of Florida to be more aware of their rights and obligations when spending time in the United States, as well as to provide a unique perspective of French Canadians to the CSA. Johanne and her husband Gilles reside in Longueuil, Québec and spend their winters in Pinellas Park, Florida.

CARL SIMPSON Director for Ontario

View Bio
CARL SIMPSON

Director for Ontario

Retired in 1994, Mr. James Carl Simpson had a distinguished career serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. For 29 years, Mr. Simpson worked in many aspects of the armed forces including combat and strategical combat positions. He served in Germany, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, and Northwest Territories among other NATO excursions. In addition to his work in the armed services, Mr. Simpson has been significantly involved in the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) since 1973. He worked in various positions at the RCL, which included membership-at-large, district poppy chair, zone commander, and president. Mr. Simpson is an active volunteer. He is involved in the Heroes Mending on the Fly program which is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans. In addition, he is also an active member of the Timmins Senior Centre and for the past three years has been organizing the Annual Canadian Snowbirds Canada Day in Panama City Beach, Florida. Mr. Simpson is also the recipient of two Queen’s commendations – the Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee as well as the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration (Service) CD2. Mr. Simpson received his Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University in 1983. He is looking forward to participating and working alongside the executive members of the CSA and Medipac International. Carl and his friend Judy Cecconi reside in Timmins, Ontario and spend their winters in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Contact CSA

Office Address

Canadian Snowbird Association

180 Lesmill Road,

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3B 2T5


Office Hours

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (EST)

Tel : 1-800-265-3200

Local : 416-391-9000

Fax : 416-441-7007

General Inquiries

1-800-265-3200 (Toll Free)
416-391-9000 (Local)
csastaff@snowbirds.org

Member Services

csastaff@snowbirds.org

Insurance Inquiries

1-800-563-5104
csawriteus@snowbirds.org

Currency Exchange Program

exchange@snowbirds.org

Finance Manager

Gabriel Ponikowski
csastaff@snowbirds.org

Executive Director

Michael MacKenzie
Michael.MacKenzie@snowbirds.org

Director of Research and Communications

Evan Rachkovsky
Evan.rachkovsky@snowbirds.org

CSA Member Benefits

Travel Insurance

Medical Professionals for Travel Medical Insurance!

$2-5 Million USD overage

Including COVID-19

Save with Medipac's Claim-Free and Loyalty discounts. NEW clients, too!

READ MORE +

Events

Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations coming this September, across Canada!

Snowbird Extravaganza and the CSA Winter Information Meetings will return in 2024.

READ MORE +

Currency Exchange

Ultra LOW transfer fees.
PREFERRED exchange rates.
SAVE hundreds of dollars every year.

READ MORE +

CSANews

The OFFICIAL news magazine of the CSA.

The Snowbird Lifestyle is unique.
Stay informed.

READ MORE +

Travel Insurance

Medical Professionals for Travel Medical Insurance!

$2-5 Million USD overage

Including COVID-19

Save with Medipac's Claim-Free and Loyalty discounts. NEW clients, too!

READ MORE +

CSA Auto Club

Most affordable and comprehensive roadside assistance programs for all your emergency roadside needs.

Only $54.00! *CDN - Apply/Renew Online

READ MORE +

CSA Auto Home

Your world is unique - we insure it!
Insurance designed for the Snowbird Lifestyle.
Specifically designed and implemented for the CSA members.

READ MORE +

Publications

A collection of CSA checklists, fact sheets and guides important to the Snowbird Lifestyle.

READ MORE +

US Tax forms

8840 and W8-BEN

Important IRS forms for long-term visitors from Canada.

READ MORE +

Health Record

An important document for any traveller.

In the event of a medical emergency while travelling, a Personal Health Record can help unfamiliar medical professionals to quickly assess your health condition.

READ MORE +

Canada Clubs

Canada Club! listings are to promote and enhance the snowbird lifestyle by acting as the facilitator of communications between Canadian snowbirds while temporarily resident in foreign countries.

READ MORE +

Bird Talk

The Snowbird lifestyle is unique.

Have questions?
We might have the answers.

READ MORE +

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions