As a national organization, the Canadian Snowbird Association has, as one of its primary objectives and responsibilities, the mandate to pursue fair and just legislation on behalf of its members, from coast to coast.

Over the past seven years, we have evolved from an association responding to cutbacks in out of country medicare benefits into one of Canada's leading advocacy organizations - the clear, true voice of mature Canadians. Whether at home or abroad, there are a number of issues facing travellers, and we have endeavoured in this report to outline the areas we feel are of greatest interest and concern.

* Each province has set its own definition of "residency" in reference to provincial/territorial health-care benefits. The CSA believes that snowbirds in every Canadian jurisdiction should be allowed to remain out of province for a minimum six-month period within a calendar year and, in addition, have an unlimited number of short-term trips anywhere in the world.

* As Canadians, it is our constitutional right to vote. The Canadian Snowbird Association was instrumental in securing that right in federal elections. Currently, nine provinces have made provisions for voting out of province. Nova Scotia continues to contravene Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by denying snowbirds the right to vote while outside of Nova Scotia. In Ontario, special voting is done by proxy, which we feel is not proper and must be addressed.

* Each province has its own distinct policy on prescription drugs. Some have user fees per prescription, others have annual deductible amounts, while still others have co-payments and dispensing fees. The CSA is in favour of a national drug policy that is fair and comprehensible to all. We have provided you with a benefit outline to identify how your province fares in comparison with your neighbours.

* Every day, Canadians face new challenges at the U.S. border. American officials have been given increased power ­ and the ability to deny entry to any visitor with absolutely no recourse. While many believe that Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act calling for a check-in/check-out at the border has been derailed it has, in fact, only been deferred until March 30, 2001. The American government is determined to curtail the onslaught of those who overstay or enter the U.S. illegally and, unfortunately, Canada has become a favourite point of entry. The CSA is attempting to influence American lawmakers on this issue and we strongly recommend that members carry passports to facilitate easier entry into the United States.

* Many Canadians have expressed great interest in the proposed U.S. Retiree Visa Act of 1999, which would allow Canadian citizens or their spouses, meeting specific criteria, to obtain a four-year visa, renewable indefinitely. The Canadian Snowbird Association appeared before the U.S. Subcommittee on Immigration to make a presentation in favour of this act, and will continue to lobby for passage of this legislation.

* Where insured Health Services are provided outside Canada, the Canada Health Act requires that "payment is made on the basis of the amount that would have been paid by the province for similar services rendered in the province, with due regard, in the case of hospital services, to the size of the hospital, standards and other relevant factors." Despite the fact that provinces are required by the Canada Health Act to pay equally for medical services out of province as they would at home, some provincial governments and territories are currently in violation of this act.

Finally, we have provided you with a contact list of health ministries. Make your voice heard. We encourage you all to get in touch with your health ministers responsible for shaping legislation and tell them what you think ­ good and bad. Without your input, change of your choice will not be made.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Canadian Snowbird Association's Board of Directors (and their spouses) for their untiring work on behalf of all Canadians. Our board members are volunteers, and each and every one of them has given unquestioningly of their time and energy. We are very fortunate to count these very talented men and women as our compatriots, and it has been my pleasure to serve with them on your Board of Directors.

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