Following our regular October luncheon at the Travelodge Hotel, the By-Town Chapter sponsored an information session on the state of the Canada Post Pension Fund. Approximately 124 members and retirees attended. Canada Post was represented by Julie Joyal, Director, Compliance & Member Services, Pension Services, and Anne-Marie Latulippe, Manager, Member Information, Pension Services. As well, Bill Price and Mary Bishop, retiree representatives on the Pension Advisory Board participated.
The atmosphere within the room and the attitude of the audience varied, but it was clear that most were apprehensive about the future of the Pension Fund, and their pensions There were many questions asked throughout the session. Some were replied to fully. However for some, Canada Post replied with an admission that clear answers were not as yet available; that full and clear assurances were not available.
Participant feedback received by members of the By-Town Executive showed that attending members:
1. were appreciative of the information session,
2. felt that Canada Post had not previously communicated well with CPC retirees, and
3. that there was a strong need for CPC to communicate more openly, more effectively and more often with retirees.
By-Town members are strongly advised to visit the CPC pension website. In particular, members are advised to educate themselves on the new consulative framework which Canada Post has proposed in its most recent mailing to retirees.