The National Pensioners' and Senior Citizens' Federation 63rd Convention was held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from October 24-27th. We had 55 resolutions concerning seniors and there were 62 voting members who attended and they were made up of: Executive, 6; Delegates, 56.

At the election, Art Field (ON) was acclaimed President; Art Kube (BC), first Vice President; Sheila Righi (SK), 2nd Vice President; John Gotens (ON), 3rd Vice President; Fern Haight (SK), Secretary, acclaimed; Joyce Mitchell (ON), Treasurer, acclaimed.

We wish them success in all their deliberations and when they present their Brief to the federal government. I would also like to thank Fern Haight and her committee for an enjoyable convention. They had everything so organized and planned that we were able to enjoy ourselves and keep on schedule. A good time was had by all.

Saskatoon is certainly a friendly city that goes all out to make you welcome and so did our Travelodge staff. We got to see Gordie Howe's statue with his elbow in the air and then we visited the Diefenbaker Museum at the University of Saskatchewan. A very interesting history lesson. We also visited the new casino that just opened in August.

I hope each club joins the National Pensioners as they do our federal resolutions each year.

Great news! Chief actuary Jean-Claude Menard said that the Canada Pension Plan is on a financially sustainable footing for at least the next 75 years according to the 23rd Actuarial Report on the Canada Pension Plan, which Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty tabled in Parliament on October 29, 2007.

The regional contact for the New Horizons for Seniors Program is:

Michael Lepstein
New Horizons for Seniors Program
4900 Yonge St.
Suite 200
North York, ON
M2N 6A8
Tel: 416.954.7309

In the November issue of The Voice on page 10, titled Good News for Seniors, I've told you about this New Horizons for Seniors Program. I hope you will take advantage of this $10 million to combat elder abuse and fraud and upgrade community buildings and equipment used by seniors.

Our new Minister Responsible for Seniors is Aileen Carroll from Barrie, Ontario. She is also Minister of Culture. The Parliamentary Assistant to the Minster Responsible for Seniors is Amrit Mangat from Peel Region. We are looking forward to working with these two MPP's for the betterment of all seniors.

Our efficient and dedicated office staff has your fall mailing nearly ready to go out. Be sure to read all the memos. We are asking you to decorate for our 50th Anniversary at all your functions; take pictures for our album; use our colours blue and gold and make your banner to display at next year's convention. We plan to give each club a DVD of the history of the USCO and, oh yes, we want your favourite music for a DVD. Read the memo as there are more great suggestions in it.

In early November I will be going to Vancouver to an Elder Abuse working forum. This forum includes federal/provincial/territorial (f/p/t) members from across Canada working to eliminate elder abuse. This will be very educational and I'm looking forward to being there. I will let you know in the January Voice about the forum.

Do you realize that with the new income splitting rules just what is not allowed? OAS, CPP (which can already be split under CPP rules), death benefits, retiring allowance, RRSP withdrawals and employee benefit plans can not be split.

As you rush around getting ready for Christmas, take time to rest, exercise and eat properly so that you can enjoy the blessed festivities without getting ill.

We are looking forward to 2008 and our big 50th celebration!