ARTA AGM Report

A total of eighty-four board members and branch delegates gathered at the Holiday Inn Edmonton South on October 1 and 2 for the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association’s (ARTA) annual general meeting. Elections for three officers and six standing committee members were held. 
Representatives from ERTA’s Board of Directors included Ed Butler (President), Joan Harrison (Past President), Janice Aubry and Marlene Kirwin (Secretaries), Cam Colville (Membership Director) and Carol Williamson (Director).    
Reports were accepted for information from staff members, officers, committees, branch presidents and affiliated organizations. Highlights are as follows:

  • ARTA President Deb Gerow reported that ARTA Rxis successful and generates profits to keep ARTA health benefits affordable and sustainable. Calgary ARTA Rx will open in the new year. She thanked staff and delegates for various contributions, including acknowledging the successful Second Wind Conference. She also encouraged branches to notify her if there are members who may be interested in running for a position as school board trustee in the upcoming elections.
  • ARTA Vice President Leo Richer highlighted the incredible challenges facing classroom teachers and the need for further advocacy for active teachers. 
  • ARTA Treasurer Lawrence Hrycan shared that the Branch ARTA Representative Program training will be January 14, 2025.
  • ARTA CEO Daniel Mulloy reported that as of September 1, ARTA has 32,264 members (note: staff confirmed that as of October 2, 2024 there were 32,376 members) and 29,696 members covered by the ARTA benefits plan. He reported a 6.9% net growth in ARTA membership, and a net increase of 5% growth in health benefit plan membership.
  • ARTA Health Benefits Committee Chair Leo Bruseker reported that ARTA’s new travel insurance company is Beneva (changed from Alliance). He also reported that a new online health benefits claim system has been introduced.
  • ARTA Health Benefits Committee Chair Leo Bruseker reported that ARTA’s new travel insurance company is Beneva (changed from Alliance). He also reported that a new online health benefits claim system has been introduced.
  • Governance Committee Chair Ron Thompson highlighted changes to the scholarship program.
  • Wellness Committee Chair Joyce Loucks presented ERTA with the ARTA Wellness Initiative Award this year, as ERTA had the most participants in the ARTA Wellness Walk.

The ARTA election results were as follows:

  • President (1-year term): Deb Gerow
  • Vice President (1-year term): Ray Hoger
  • Treasurer (1-year term): Lawrence Hrycan
  • Communications Committee (4-year term): Cheryl Dawes
  • Governance Committee (4-year term): Laurie Semler
  • Health Benefits Committee (5-year term): Patricia Atkinson
  • Pension and Financial Wellness Committee (4-year term): Alain Levesque
  • Strategic Planning and Advocacy Committee (4 year term): Denis Espetveidt
  • Wellness Committee (4 year term): M. Joyce Loucks
  • Wellness Committee (1 year term): Rod Lowry

The Auditor reported that ARTA’s financial statements were presented fairly, in all material respects and that ARTA’s finances are in good health. 
ATRF reported that for the first time in its history, the Teachers’ Pension Plan is fully funded (101% funded – assets versus liabilities).

Submitted respectfully by 
Janice Aubry 
ERTA Secretary