Our friends got a U.S. Social Security number. When I asked them what the advantages of having a U.S. number were, they simply said they thought it was a good idea. Are there advantages of a Snowbird having a U.S. Social Security number? Do you recommend it?

Thanks,
Dave Michael

Canadians can no longer obtain Social Security Numbers. If they have a reason, such as the sale of property they own in the United States, they can obtain a TIN (Tax Identification Number) – Wallace Weylie, CSA Legal Counsel

Dear Bird Talk,

I have written to my MPP and voiced my objection to the health care premium recently announced in Ontario and I wanted to pass this along to the CSA.

Seniors on fixed incomes who have been fortunate enough to be able to afford the health care costs while wintering south of the border may have a tougher time this winter with the new Ontario Health Care Premium now in place.

I believe that seniors and all Canadians who look after themselves and rarely use the health care system should be rewarded, not taxed, for doing so. I keep reading articles that 70% of all cancer and heart disease can be prevented through a lifestyle change, and I personally resent having to pay a health care tax for the obese and those who use tobacco and abuse alcohol, who traditionally end up being the biggest users of the health care system. I also believe that all revenues from lotteries and casinos should be solely dedicated to health care costs. If this were done, the new health care tax could likely be discontinued.

Wayne Kloske

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject, Mr. Kloske. We totally agree. It has been the position of the CSA since its inception that snowbirds are healthier Canadians whose lifestyles reduce the burden on our medicare system. Unfortunately, we as snowbirds have had our medicare benefits inside and outside of Canada compromised by the deeds of a few that have elected to take advantage of our system.

Dear Bird Talk,

We are members of the CSA and read with interest your publication.

One new point of interest to members may be regarding car/van tire rotation. Owners should check the nuts/bolts before leaving the garage. One member of our family did stop in time—three bolts were not tightened properly, a near fatal accident. We have also heard that sometimes the bolts are tightened too much and the bolts are completely severed.

Another good reminder to all crossing the border - BUY Something at Duty Free.

We had unexpected health problems this past winter in Florida and have had some problems proving to the insurance company when we did cross the border. You have mentioned it in the past...time to remind forgetful seniors!!!

Keep the info coming.

Anne Bronson

Excellent advice! What better way to prove the date and time of your border crossing than with a receipt from Duty Free.

Dear Bird Talk,

Now that the "new" government is in place, I trust that the CSA will lobby strongly to have the provisions requiring a Canadian to spend six months in his home province to qualify for Medicare coverage.

Current rules are a form of discrimination and a sort of two tier medicine. Canadians who have worked till age 65 or more are allowed 182 days in the foreign warmer climes. Only those who have much wealth can ignore the 182 day requirement and visit family in other provinces of Canada. Here in New Brunswick, a Canadian New Brunswicker can apply for an exemption once every three years. When you are in your seventies, you don't expect to have many three year periods. The whole thing is so ludicrous. What difference would it make to the government coffers to permit Canadian seniors to travel Canada at will after they are past 65? The new government might well put that change requirement to the provinces to make health care truly universal. Good luck.

Frank Ervin

As you may have read in the Government Relations Report in issue #51, summer 2004, the CSA is working towards a harmonization of provincial health insurance programs across Canada. This, of course, includes unlimited and unrestricted travel within Canada, along with 182 days of out-of-country travel in any 12 month period. Canadian Snowbirds should not be held hostage by their provincial residential status. Thanks for the support!