Search Results

PEI Council (A3) Council Executive President John Stewart ​ Secretary-Treasurer Sally Jay ​ Recording Secretary Margaret Bell ​ Past President Myron Matheson ​ Director John Stewart ​

Frequently Asked Questions I need to change my address and/or my phone number. What do I do? You need to advise CN Pension & Benefits Administration of any change of address. The CNPA cannot process any requests for address or phone number changes. CN Pensions & Benefits Administration will forward address changes to the CNPA so that any of our mailings will continue to reach you. Contact information for CN Pension & Benefits Administration is found on our Members Reference page. I need to change my banking information so that I continue to receive my monthly pension payment. What do I do? You need to advise CN Pension & Benefits Administration of any change of banking information. The CNPA cannot process any requests for this type of change. Contact information for CN Pension & Benefits Administration is found on our Members Reference page. A CN pensioner (or surviving spouse receiving a CN pension) has died? What should I do? There are a number of steps to be taken depending on the situation. The CNPA has put together a list of activities to help you in such circumstances. This information is found on the "Death of a Pensioner" page Is every CN pensioner a member of the CN Pensioners Association? ​No, not every CN pensioner or surviving spouse is currently a contributing member of the CNPA. Membership is optional; however, the CNPA is the only association that you have at your disposal to protect your interests, financial and otherwise regarding your pensions and/or benefits. Although the CNPA is a volunteer directed association, like any service organization it does require operating funds in which to conduct the business necessary for it to function successfully. Do I have to complete a membership application or renew my membership every year? ​The membership fee required to be a contributing member of the CNPA is $12 annually, which can be paid by (a) authorization of any CN pensioner or surviving spouse to have $1.00 per month deducted from their monthly pension cheque (payroll deduction) or (b) completion of a membership application accompanied by a cheque or money order in the amount of $12. By electing option (a) you never have to fill in any more applications and never have to worry about your membership dues as the $1.00 monthly deduction will continue each and every month unless you tell us to discontinue. So, the quick answer to the question is: If you elect payroll deduction, the answer is NO. If you wish to continue membership by paying annually, the answer is YES. More than 72% of contributing members have chosen payroll deduction and more are switching to PRD as they get to understand the benefits and convenience. We ask that you consider this method of paying membership dues so that we can keep our annual fee at the current low level of $12. We have unavoidable administrative costs and PRD helps us keep these costs at a minimum. How do I cancel my CNPA membership if I no longer wish to be a member? You may cancel your membership by sending an email to cnpamembership@gmail.com and requesting you be removed from the membership. How do I know if I am on pension payroll deduction (PPD)? For those pensioners who receive their monthly pension payments via direct deposit, periodically (at least once per year) you will receive a "Statement of CN Pension Benefits and Deductions" slip from the CN Pension Trust Fund. This information slip will show your "Total Amount Before Deductions" along with a "Description of Deduction", i.e. Federal Tax, Blue Cross Monthly Premium and CN Pensioners" Association deductions. For those pensioners who still receive their monthly pension payment by cheque, the $1.00 deduction for CN Pensioners' Association is shown on your cheque stub. On the membership application form, what do you mean by "To which local/council do you wish to belong"? ​​We have over 35 Local Councils strategically located throughout Canada. When we receive an application for membership we are obliged to assign the candidate to a Local Council. Our obligation is to associate the applicant to either (a) the closest local council to their geographical location or (b) a specific local council as chosen by the applicant. The choice is the prerogative of the applicant and you can be associated with any local council of your choice regardless of your current place of residence. What are the locations of the Local Councils? The CNPA is a tri-level association. The "parent" level is the National Council whose main objective is to be the liaison between the association and the company. The second level is comprised of 5 regions - Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and Mountain. The third level comprises the Local Councils within each of these regions. The full list is found on the Regional and Local Councils page. If a surviving spouse receiving a CN pension remarries, does he/she still receive the pension as the surviving spouse? ​​Yes. I am a surviving spouse of a CN pensioner. Can I also become a contributing member of the CNPA? YES, as a surviving spouse you are an important part of the CN pensioner population and we welcome your application to become a contributing member. The CNPA is there to protect the interests of both pensioners and survivors. If a CN pensioner marries after his/her date of retirement, is his/her spouse entitled to any portion of his pension in the event of his/her death? ​​No. To be entitled of a pension payment as a surviving spouse, the pensioner and spouse must be married at the date of retirement or living in a conjugal relationship at least one year prior to retirement. Are spouses of CN pensioners who are members of the CNPA automatically members of the CNPA as well? No. Spouses are NOT considered members unless the Dues Fee has been paid for them. If anyone wants their spouse to be a member, we can increase their Payroll Deduction to $2.00. When a pensioner passes away, the spouse will be sent an application for membership so she/he will have the option to become a contributing member. Nothing is automatic.

Atlantic Region Council (A1) The Atlantic Region is comprised of 7 Local Councils in the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. There are also 2 Local Councils in the province of Newfoundland who operate independently with 1 Director elected to the National Council ​ There are 3 Directors elected to the National Council to represent this geographical area. The Atlantic Region also has (1) Pension Committee Representative and (1) Health Care Representative. These representatives meet regularly in Montreal to ensure that all information regarding pensions and benefits are as good as we can expect. ​ The Atlantic Region Council is the "umbrella" group that assists the various local councils. It consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer and (1) Director from each of the Local Councils in the Maritime Provinces. All Executive position are elected on an annual basis. Council Executive President Robert Chiasson Vice-President John Bailey Secretary - Treasurer Bruce Peacock Past President Edgar Godin Regional Council Representatives Campbellton Council (A2) Edgar Godin PEI Council (A3) John Stewart Edmunston Council #3 (Mens) (A4) Jean-Marc Morneault Moncton Council #1 (A7) Walter Agnew South West (Port aux Basques) (A8) tbc St. John's Branch (A9) tbc Sydney Council #6 (A10) Donald McKenna Saint John Council #2 (A11) Jimmy Flynn National Council Representatives Vice-President/National Director (Atlantic) Earl Garland National Director (Atlantic) Bruce Peacock National Director (Atlantic) John Bailey National Director (Newfoundland & Labrador) Wayne Greenland National Director - Alternate (Atlantic) Vacant National Director - Alternate (Nfld. & Labrador) Graham Hill Pension Committee Wayne Greenland Pension Committee - Alternate Reg Hebert Health Care Committee Earl Garland Health Care Committee - Alternate Royce Girvan Other Council Positions National Newsletter - Atlantic Bruce Peacock Government Liaison - Atlantic John Bailey Government Liaison - Nfld. & Labrador Graham Hill Atlantic Region Constitution & By-Laws

CNPA National Newsletters Greetings From Your Editor ​ As editor for the national newsletter, our focus is to strive for continuous improvement in delivering an informative and interesting newsletter to you. Our newsletter is issued and mailed to you three times per year (Spring, Summer and Winter) as well as posted to our website. However, we do require your assistance. We are always on the lookout for stories of interest - and that's where you come in. If you have a story you would like to share, please email your story to your respective regional representative. Contact information for the regional newsletter reps can be found in our national newsletters. ​We ask that all submissions be sent in electronically as a Word document. If you have a photo to go with it, please attach it separately to your email and list the names of all those in the photo. It is important that the photo be of high quality for printing purposes. Occasionally we will be sending out a survey looking for your feedback as well - what kind of articles would you like to see? E.g. personal stories, issues affecting pensioners such as health care and pensions, historical photos and stories, etc. Your feedback is important to us and will help us to serve you better. ​ Steve Mihell Editor newsletters@cnpensioners.org Deadline for Articles : Spring Edition - January 31 Summer Edition - June 30 Winter Edition - September 30 National Newsletters Spring 2024 Winter 2023 Summer 2023 Spring 2023 Winter 2022 Summer 2022 Spring 2022 Winter 2021 Summer 2021 Regional & Local Newsletters ​​ Regional & Local Newsletters are available for some councils. If so, they are found and can be viewed by visiting the Regional or Local Council page.

South West (Port aux Basque) (A8) Council Executive President Charlie Matthews ​ 1st Vice President Manuel Baker ​ 2nd Vice President Vacant ​ Secretary Marie Dominie ​ Treasurer Nancy Osmond ​

London Council (C7) Council Executive President Ron Hewson ​ Vice President Ken Roberts ​ Secretary/Treasurer Rick Dixon ​ Membership Louise Bayer ​ Past President Vacant ​ OPC Delegate (1) Ron Hewson ​ OPC Delegate (2) Bob Gallant ​ OPC Alternate Delegate (1) Gerry Flavin ​ OPC Alternate Delegate (2) Ken Gosnell ​ Newsletter Editor Ken Roberts ​ Council Meetings ​ When: To be announced Where: To be announced Newsletters January 2024 January 2023 October 2021 September 2023 May 2022 May 2021 May 2023 January 2022

St. John's Branch (A9) Council Executive President Wayne Greenland ​ Vice President Hubert Butt ​ Treasurer William J. Penney ​ Secretary Wayne Greenland ​ Past President Graham Hill ​ Alt National Director Graham Hill ​ National Council Rep Wayne Greenland ​ Director June Churchill King ​ Director Bill Penny ​ Director Harold Piercey ​ Director Vic Wiseman ​ Director Bob Grouchy ​ Director Wayne Greenland ​ Director Graham Hill ​ Director Anne Peddle ​ Auditor Art King ​

CNPA Quebec Luc Grenier Trade Bursary Purpose To assist financially in the educational pursuit and career development of the families of CNPA contributing members residing in the Province of Québec. Objective One $1,500 trade bursary to be awarded to students registered in a Québec recognized School to have a trade, commencing with the fall 2024 school year. ​ Eligibility Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren (includes legally adopted and step children) of supporting members of the CN Pensioners’ Association who are in good standing for at least one year prior to date of bursary application and residing in the Province of Québec at the time of the application.* ​ * Definition of supporting members as per Article IV Membership Item 4.02(e) of the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Council of CN Pensioners Association Inc. Key Dates Program Opens - April 15, 2024 Application Deadline - August 15, 2024 Winner Contacted - By the end of the first week of September 2024 ​The 2024 Luc Grenier Trade Bursary, sponsored by the Quebec Council of the CN Pensioners, will be open online to Applicants effective April 15, 2024. Applications will once again be accepted by email only and must include all scanned or electronic supporting documentation as one complete PDF file. The application package must be received no later than August 15, 2024. Please read all the instructions, terms and conditions and submission requirements carefully before emailing your submissions, as incomplete submissions will be rejected. Please ensure you use the current application form below as the form has changed from previous years. Winners of the annual program are announced in the annual Winter edition of the National Newsletter. 2023 Bursary Winners NOTE: This bursary is subject to approval on a yearly basis at the Annual General Meeting of the Executives of the Québec Region. Bursary Documents Application Terms & Conditions / Completion Instructions

Increased Pension to Age 65 Option If you retire before age 65, you may elect the increased pension to age 65 option (IPO). Under this option, you receive more from the CN Pension Plan before age 65 and less after age 65. If you choose this option, your increased CN pension will be reduced for life once you reach age 65. Your decision to elect or decline this option is personal and irrevocable. ​ The following example illustrates how the IPO affects an employee retiring early at age 56 and 6 months on December 31, 2004: With IPO : ​​ Monthly Pension before Age 65 CN Basic Pension $2500 IPO Allowance $ 183 Total Monthly Pension $2683 ​ Monthly Pension after Age 65* CN Basic Pension $2283 Without IPO : ​​ Monthly Pension before Age 65 CN Basic Pension $2500 IPO Allowance $ 0 Total Monthly Pension $2500 ​ Monthly Pension after Age 65 CN Basic Pension $2500 ​ * In this example, at age 65, the total CN monthly pension of $2,683 being paid is reduced for life by the fixed amount of $400 a month ($2,683 - $400 = $2,283). ​ The increased pension to age 65 option is calculated so that the value of both options is, on average, the same. The amount of the IPO allowance reflects the age of the member at retirement, the applicable reduction of $400 at age 65, interest rates and whether the member retired early or on disability pension. Because survivor benefits are calculated using the CN basic pension amount, your decision to elect or decline the IPO will have no bearing on pension benefits which may become payable to your survivors.

Mountain Region Regional Council (E1) More details on the Mountain Region Regional Council can be found by visiting their website ​ Council Executive Chairperson Dennis Jensen Vice Chairperson Gordon Wheatley Secretary Blake Olson Treasurer Al Vodden Regional Council Representatives Calgary - CN RailVets (E2) Judy Woods Edmonton - CN RailVets (E3) Cliff Gervais Kamloops/Okanagan (E4) Myron Wizniak Nanaimo (E6) Mike Englehart Victoria (E7) Gordon Wheatley Vancouver (E8) Judy Pearson Fraser Valley (E9) Barry Jones Central & Northern BC (E10) Jeff Mohr National Council Representatives Vice-President/National Director (Mountain) Blake Olson National Director (Mountain) Dennis Jensen National Director (Mountain) Al Vodden National Director - Alternate (Mountain) Gordon Wheatley Pension Committee Blake Olson Pension Committee - Alternate Mike Englehart Health Care Committee Blake Olson Health Care Committee - Alternate MIchael Petrescu Other Council Positions National Newsletter - Mountain Alex Hui Government Liaison - Mountain Steve Mihell

Sydney Council #6 (A10) Council Executive President Donald McKenna ​ Vice President Vacant ​ Secretary/Treasurer Alexander (Sandy) Jackson ​ Social Committee John Morrison ​

Coverage for Quebec Pensioners Under 65 Effective January 1, 2022, the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners no longer offered health care coverage for Quebec pensioners under the age of 65. However, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) has advised that CN Quebec Pensioners under the age of 65 are eligible to join RAMQ's Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (RAMQ's Plan) as of January 1, 2022, which may provide significant premium savings to you. ​ ​ Why This Change ​ In 2019, RAMQ reviewed the participation terms for the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners and thereafter revised the eligibility requirements to join RAMQ's Plan. Understanding the potential for premium savings under RAMQ's Plan, the CNPA decided to cancel access to the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners to allow unrestricted potential access to RAMQ's Plan. Of course, under provincial regulations, Quebec pensioners under age 65 cannot opt for RAMQ's Plan if they are eligible for another private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs. About RAMQ's Plan and Rules In Quebec, all residents are required to have prescription drug coverage. Coverage is available through RAMQ's Plan or through private group benefits plans provided by an employer or association. If you have access to a private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs, you must be covered by that plan. Your spouse and dependent children must also be covered by that plan if they are under 65. At age 65, all Quebecers are automatically registered for RAMQ's Plan, and you have the choice to be covered by that plan only, by a private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs or a combination of both. RAMQ provides Comprehensive Drug Coverage - Lower Premiums - Premiums paid directly through income taxes Joining RAMQ is easy. Registration can be completed by: Telephone at 1-800-561-9749, or Online: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/prescription-drug-insurance What happens if I am over 65 when I retire or will be turning 65 ​ The Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners has been maintained and is available for those who are over age 65 where different rules apply. Eligible CN Pensioners and their spouses will have the option to join the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners (or stay in the RAMQ's Plan at that time or both). This would be a one-time choice you will have to make when you reach age 65, and you should receive communication from CN Pension & Benefits Administration (1-800-361-0739) in advance of your 65th birthday or with your retirement package after 65. To see the CNPA Health Care Plan coverage and Premium rates in advance, please see the information found elsewhere in the Health Care section. ​ Optional Extended Health Care Coverage ​ As RAMQ's Plan only covers prescription drugs that are listed on the RAMQ formulary, you may choose to buy an optional individual extended health care coverage available from various National or Quebec insurance providers to meet your additional needs. You may also click on these links to see examples of available optional coverage, but you may choose any insurance provider that meets your needs. ​ Blue Cross Health insurance for retirees and those planning retirement Mercer Retiree Solution and to apply click here ​ ​