CSA TRAVELLER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
The CSA is proud to announce our new policy platform called the "CSA Traveller's Bill of Rights" ("CSA TBR"), soon to be a reality.
Simply, the CSA TBR is a document that identifies and describes various rights of all travelling Canadians, including snowbirds, and seeks to provide an annual report card on each government's adherence to these principles.
The CSA TBR organizes within a single document, various CSA issues, including: (a) the enforcement of the portability section of the Canada Heath Act; (b) reasonable and uniform residency requirements in each of the provinces; (c) supply of prescription drugs equal to residency requirements within each province; (d) retiree visa and (e) Canada/U.S. cross border entry/exit control systems. The CSA is also in the process of identifying other issues affecting all traveling Canadians, to add to our "Report Card."
The CSA intends to build on the CSA Special Report (a yearly CSA publication which describes various issues affecting CSA members), by hiring professionals to provide us with the necessary background reports and analysis to present our positions effectively to government and others.
We will use the CSA TBR to lobby for change and to hold governments publicly accountable for their success or failure in upholding the fundamental rights of all travelling Canadians. Our report cards, which shall be graded by an independent and objective body, will be widely publicized as part of our campaign to effect change.
We anticipate providing you with full details in our next issue of the CSA NEWS in the Spring of 2001.
CANADA HEALTH ACT UPDATE
On October 31, a letter was sent from President Bob Jackson requesting all five national parties to respond to the CSA by November 13 with their positions regarding what action their candidates and their party would take to ensure compliance to the Enforcement Section 11(b)(ii) of the Canada Health Act (CHA).
On November 14, we released a media advisory outlining the responses received from the parties. On the whole, we were not pleased with the overall attitude of the letters or the lack of commitment to the CHA. As of that date, The Progressive Conservative party and the Bloc had not responded. The Alliance Party invited the CSA to "come to the table", but did not appear to understand the act as it pertains to the CSA. Neither the Liberals nor the NDP answered our questions. The advisory underlined the political power we Snowbirds actually possess during this election and alluded to the issues that evolved during the recent U.S. presidential elections with out-of-country voters. We have subsequently received a response from the Bloc Quebecois outlining their general support of the CHA.
MANITOBA GRANTS 200 DAYS SUPPLY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The CSA and our Manitoba Director, Malcolm Joyce were instrumental in lobbying the Manitoba Government to allow snowbirds to seek reimbursement for a 200 day supply of prescription drugs in any six month period.
Section 8(2) of the Manitoba Prescription Drugs Payment of Benefits Regulation was amended by order-in-counsel and became effective as of November 1, 2000, which changed the former policy of limiting re-imbursement in any 90 day period to a maximum of a 100 day supply of prescription drugs.
The extra 100 day supply of prescription drugs will allow Manitoba snowbirds to purchase enough eligible prescription drugs before they leave the country. However, this benefit is not automatic and Manitoba snowbirds must make an application for this benefit in person or in writing to Manitoba Health, Registration Department, 300 Carlton St. Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 3M9 or by sending a letter request by fax at (204) 783-2171.
Although no formal application is required, your letter request should include the following minimum information: (a) name(s); (b) current address; (c) telephone number; (d) Manitoba Health Number; (e) reason for absence; (f) date of departure; (g) date of return; (h) out-of-country address; and (i) signature and date (the "Application Letter").
Manitoba Health will review your application and issue you (1) Temporary Out-Of-Country Province Certificate ("Certificate") and (2) an Authorization Letter.