SMU Retirees

SMU Retirees Association

Welcome

Welcome to the web site of the Saint Mary's University Retirees' Association. Our group was formed in 2005 to respond to the needs of those near retirement, or those who have already retired. Membership is open to faculty and other staff at Saint Mary's University. We are affiliated with C.U.R.A.C., the College and University Retirees' Association of Canada, a body representing (directly or though provincial federations) 46 different member associations at institutions of higher education across Canada.

It is a critical time for retirees, both at Saint Mary's and in the larger Canadian context. More and more Canadians are retiring, as the age structure of the population changes. The viability and adequacy of pensions has been a focus of debate and concern. Health care and health insurance are obviously also issues, as we face shortfalls in funding and facilities for care and treatment of illnesses that impact particularly on seniors. Mandatory retirement laws and practices have been challenged in Canada and are under review in most jurisdictions, as an aging and healthier population feels itself able to make a continuing contribution to their communities.

At Saint Mary's these national issues are mirrored in our current discussions. We have held several very successful meetings on post-retirement investment and estate planning with the help of TD Waterhouse. Since we have not been successful at gaining recognition of our need for health insurance through the University or the Faculty Union, we have been active in working with CURAC (College and University Retirees' Association of Canada) to obtain national access to a favourably structured health and travel insurance plan, as well as individual travel insurance.  The status of "retiree" at the University is in transition, and it is important that we have an input into future policies. Your association has also had discussions with the University administration over several issues of concern to members. We are generally concerned that the University recognize that retirees have an on-going need for participation in the academic life of the university, and for the kinds of arrangements and support that will facilitate this participation.

We also recognize that an academic community, like other communities, rests on social ties and relationships. The Quarter Century Club at Saint Mary's had played the role of maintaining contact with older faculty and retirees and in having a program of stimulating intellectual and cultural events, and we look forward to encouraging these sorts of activities, as well.  We continue to hold talks and presentations, generally on Sunday afternoons of topics of general interest ranging from history and science to travel and geography. The annual September picnic was held this year at the home of Colin Howell and Sandy Galwayl  at Grand Lake, which turned out to be a great success.

Most important, though, is your own involvement in the association. This is the only way we can respond to the needs and concerns of faculty and staff at the University, and improve our prospects for retirement. 

Ronald Cosper, Past President, SMURA

Membership Renewal

If you would like to renew your membership in the Saint Mary’s University Retirees’ Association for 2024, please remit your dues in the amount of $20.00, still at the special reduced rate of $10.00, payable to SMURA, to our Treasurer, Nicola Young, c/o SMURA, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3C3. Dues are for the calendar year. Payment can also be made by E-transfer.  To pay by E-transfer, payments can be sent directly to SMURA at:  smura20@yahoo.com.  Alternatively, if you prefer, we will accept cash in person at any SMURA function.  It would be of considerable help to Nickie if you could include both your mailing address and your e-mail address in your mailing to him.

Health Insurance for Retirees from Saint Mary's

SMU Retirees' Association, together with its parent organization CURAC (College and University Retirees' Association of Canada) has initiated a program of supplemental health insurance.  This is for all members of SMURA regardless of position at the university, the plan applies to faculty and staff retired or retiring from Saint Mary's University.  The plan  offered is the same plan offered to the Retired Teachers of Ontario through Johnson Insurance.  Full information is available from SMURA, as well as RTO or Johnson Insurance.  This is an excellent plan providing Extended Health Care, including drugs, travel for trips of up to 3 months, and vision care.  Dental care is also available as an option for an additional premium.

Permanent office for retirees

Members of SMURA can use our office in the Burke Building, room 308, while they are on campus. There are tables, chairs, a telephone, and a computer for Email, Novanet, and web searches.  You will not even need a computer account to access this computer, as it is already set up for retiree use.

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