As a result of the CSA's meeting the Manitoba Government issued the following statement confirming Manitoba's position on residential status as it relates to its provincial health insurance program:

...this is to confirm that residents who spend 183 days outside of Canada each year, and who upon their return to Manitoba, may be absent from the province for up to an additional 30 days in the remaining 6 months without any loss in their health coverage.

This is a Manitoba Health policy and is not an extension to the 183 days absence referred to under the Health Services Insurance Act. (please see www.snowbirds.org for the whole letter)

The Canadian Snowbird Association Staff, Executive and Directors send their best wishes to all snowbirds and pledge their commitment to an enjoyable, warm and safe winter for all.

Directors Back Row (L to R): Lawrence Barker (Executive Director), Jack Kiuru (Second Vice-President), Jim Sherb (Director), Harley Sundbo (Director), Gerry Brissenden (President), Don Gardiner (Treasurer), Lewis Kehoe (First Vice-President), Roland Bélanger (Director), Ellen White (Immediate Past President), Nancy Hopcraft (Secretary).

Spouses Front Row (L to R): Joan Kiuru, Alayne Sherb, Joan Brissenden, Alice Gardiner, Colette Kehoe, Carmelle Bélanger, Bruce White, Gordon Hopcraft. Absent: Bernice Sundbo.