As chair of the CSA Government Relations Committee, it is my pleasure to present this year in review of our advocacy in 2004. The year was one of intense political debate over health care in Canada, and the duty of the federal government to reaffirm its commitment to the Canada Health Act. The CSA responded by publishing the Federal Election Handbook to inform and advocate on behalf of our members, and engaged in a succession of strategic letter-writing campaigns.

Letters to politicians at many levels of government were written during the federal election, the Alberta election, the Council of the Federation meeting, and the federal-provincial Health Summit. These letters successfully accomplished a dual purpose: to determine the political positions of our politicians, and to ensure that the concerns of our members were on the nation's political agenda.

Not surprisingly, the issue of out-of-country emergency reimbursement rates was foremost on the advocacy agenda of the CSA, specifically in relation to the refusal of the western provinces to comply with the Canada Health Act.

In British Columbia, Seniors Services Minister Ida Chong agreed to bring the concerns of the CSA to the attention of Health Minister Colin Hansen. The B.C. reimbursement rate of $75 is the lowest in Canada. Following our meeting, the CSA began a letter-writing campaign on behalf of our B.C. members, demanding that the Government of British Columbia increase its reimbursement rate. A provincial election will be called in 2005, and consequently the CSA expects that the B.C. government will be more attentive to the needs of snowbirds.

In Alberta, assistant deputy minister Janet Skinner listened to the concerns of the CSA, and promised to bring our concerns to long-time incumbent Premier Ralph Klein. Travelling Albertans are treated in some respects to terms that are the envy of other Canadian travellers, yet its $100 reimbursement rate remains reprehensible.

In Saskatchewan, despite the persistence of our executive director and our strong support staff in Toronto, Health Minister John T. Nilson was unable to meet with the CSA. The minister was also unable to provide us with a meeting with his government or civil service representatives. The CSA expressed its disappointment that, in the birthplace of the Canada Health Act, Saskatchewan is unable to provide an explanation as to why its reimbursement rate is in violation of the longstanding tradition of medicare.

In Manitoba the advocacy of the CSA resulted in a great victory for travelling Manitobans. At the Snowbird Lifestyle Presentation in Winnipeg, Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced a new government policy, allowing Manitobans an extra thirty days to travel anywhere in the world without losing their health-care coverage. The CSA commends the Government of Manitoba for its foresight and understanding of the needs of its travelling constituency.

In Ontario, the CSA met with Minister Responsible for Seniors John Gerretsen. Minister Gerretsen recently completed his first year in this cabinet post, and expressed his gratitude to the CSA that our association had provided him with our concerns. We have been in contact with the minister's office, and expect further involvement, as well as a meeting with the minister of health in 2005.

On behalf of the association, I thank you for your continued support. The CSA asks everyone in B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan to write to their local M.L.A., and express their anger over reprehensible reimbursement rates, and non-compliance with the Canada Health Act.

Together, we can effect change.

Lewis Kehoe, First Vice-President
Chair, Government Relations Committee