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Welcome to the BCGREA

Our Association presently has approximately 10,000 members across the Province. We encourage you to read this information and to consider becoming a member. We are a valuable social and volunteer group. Luncheon meetings are arranged and interesting guest speakers attend the Branch meetings. Members of BCGREA Branches visit members who may be in the hospital; and they get together for sports and social activities.

BCGREA Mission Statement

Purpose

The primary goal of the BCGREA is to obtain benefits for our members and strive to prevent erosion of these benefits. Our participation has been successful in obtaining many benefits for pensioners such as:

• Extended Health and Dental coverage
• Cost of Living Increases
• Subsidized Bus Passes
• Discount Hotel Rates
• Group Insurance Rates
  • Travel - Out of Province Insurance
  • House (Residential) Insurance
  • Life Insurance

Our strength of 10,000 members in the BCGREA is important and because of this support, ensures members' views and concerns are made known to the Pension Corporation. The greater our numbers, the louder our voice. We urge all qualified persons to become a member of the BCGREA and to encourage other fellow government retirees to do the same.

Provincial Executive

This body is elected annually and consists of a President, two Vice-Presidents, and a Treasurer and Secretary who are appointed. The Board of Directors of the Association is comprised of the Chairs of each local Branch. The BCGREA Executive holds several meetings throughout the year and there is an Annual General Meeting held In October and it is well attended by representatives from all of the Branches. A Directors' Meeting is held in March and each Branch sends one delegate (usually the Branch Chairperson).

Observers are also welcome at these meetings. These annual meetings are held on the Lower Mainland and arrangements are made to have guest speakers attend who are well versed on current topics of interest to retired persons.

Government Liaison

The Provincial Executive provides a liaison between the Association and the Pension Corporation, and keeps the Branches notified of current issues and changes that may impact on the membership. The Association President, Lawrence Johnson, is a Trustee on the B.C. Public Service Pension Board and is the representative for all retirees receiving a Provincial Pension in the Province. He is well positioned to speak on your behalf.

Local Branches

There are 26 local Branches of the BCGREA located in most major centers of British Columbia. Branch members and Officers are qualified to provide new retirees with assistance in the complexities of applying for pension benefits, and may also introduce them to appropriate local services.

Eligibility for Membership

In order to be eligible for membership in the BCGREA, you must qualify as either an 'Active' member or an 'Associate' member. 'Active' members are all those who receive Public Service Pensions. 'Associate' members include all those who receive a Government Pension OTHER THAN Public Service.

Membership Dues

Members have the option of paying membership dues by authorizing the Pension Corporation to deduct the dues automatically from their February pension payment. This method is encouraged and alleviates having to remember to submit your membership dues on an annual basis. The other option of payment of membership dues is to pay by cheque or money order. Membership dues are $20.00 annually, payable by January 2nd of each year.

Annual Meetings

All General Meetings convene on the Lower Mainland, usually in the Tsawwassen area, close to the BC Ferry Terminal. The costs of the Annual General Meeting and the Directors' Meeting (and any special meetings that are necessary) are borne by the Provincial Body. These meetings enable the Branches to share knowledge, experiences and advise the Provincial Executive about matters that are of concern.

Addresses

How to contact the BCGREA:

Extended Health and Dental Benefits for Pensioners

• Pension Corporation
  Pensioner Services
  PO Box 9463, Stn. Prov. Govt
  Victoria, BC V8W 9V8
  Toll-Free: 1-866-876-6777

Extended Health and Dental Claims

• Pacific Blue Cross
  PO Box 7000
  Vancouver, BC V6B 4E1
  Toll Free: 1-888-275-4672

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Information

• Canada Pension Plan
  Box 5400
  Postal Station D
  Scarborough ON M1R 5E8
  Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914

Or

• In the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory -
  • GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
  • Human Resources Development Canada
  • Human Resources Centres of Canada (your region)
  • Canada Pension Plan Enquiries

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