Subject: "Fast Facts" item, CSA News (Summer 2001 issue)
The item: "Canada Trust MasterCard (travel medical insurance) Bites The Dust," based on the information I have, is only partly true. The CTMasterCard operation is now owned and operated by Citibank. Their current "Gold Plus" Cardholder Agreement reads, "Insured Person also includes an eligible Cardmember 66 years of age or older, his or her spouse 66 years of age, and their eligible dependent children when travelling with either, and one travelling companion 66 years of age or older if your account was opened on or before November 29th 1998".
For your info & to satisfy CSANews' penchant for accuracy!
Yours Truly,
Ken Powell
P.S. This confirmation by Citibank, now (for us) makes CSA's Medipac single-trip insurance a likely choice.
We have had several similar messages from members and, after checking with Citibank, you are all absolutely correct. A "Grandfather Clause" was included in the sale from Canada Trust. Unfortunately Citibank is not accepting applications for new cards.
Dear Bird Talk,
Your Spring Issue 38 makes reference to voting problems experienced by our CSA members in November 2000.
I have a degree of understanding for Elections Canada, due to the snap decision made by our government to have an election in November 2000.
It is my opinion (I imagine you have heard it before) that, through legislation, we adopt standard election dates covering the future calling of general elections. "Every four years on the third Monday in November."
Changing to a fixed date would allow Elections Canada to be prepared and avoid the problem that was experienced in November 2000, which is not acceptable to the Canadian population in general.
Thank you.
H. Steeves
Moncton, NB
A similar letter was received from Walt Huber of St. Albert, AB. He recommended June 15th as a standard election date, every four years, and calculated that millions of dollars would be saved as a result. Harriet McMorran of Spring Bay, ON suggested that Elections Canada change their phone system to provide English and French service on separate lines. Sounds like two great ideas to us.
Dear Bird Talk,
I just had to write to express my deep disappointment with the C.S.A.
Every year we look forward to attending the Snowbird Extravaganza North show. Imagine our surprise to find out it was by "Activated Ticket" only basis. Because we live 90 minutes from the Centre instead of 45, we were not invited.
This "innovated change" discriminated against a lot of the members. We usually go with two other couples (who by the way, as concerned as us). SHAME!
Concerned member
Yvonne Condon
P.S. I hope the sponsors realize just how many people they did not reach this year.
Renee Boncardo of Midland, ON wrote five pages on behalf of his friends and the message was the same "discrimination", anger and our "slap in the face" to dedicated members. Our humble apologies. The 45 minute driving distance decision was based solely on the cost of mailing to members. We were wrong very wrong. Our plans for next year include expansion to two more cities, at a minimum, and next year everyone in Ontario will be invited to at least one event. We are still working on days in other provinces and will advise you as plans unfold. SHAME, indeed.
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Bird Talk, c/o CSA News
180 Lesmill Road
North York ON M3B 2T5
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