Time and Place: 10:30 AM - Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 297

.................................415 Second Street West, Cornwall, Ontario

Present: President - Jules Arbour, Treasurer - Robert Poirier, Secretary - Madeleine Green, Directors - Sheila Bush, Ken Davis, Claude Poitras, Raymond Bertrand, Claire Apthorp, Allan Whorall, Smokey Tomkins, and 71 members and guests.

Absent: VP Administration: Garry Smith

Jules Arbour called the meeting to order at 10:35 AM.

1 - Welcome and Opening Remarks.

Jules welcomed all the members to the Meeting. He then introduced the members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as Regional Director, Don Yeomans. He mentioned that we would be looking for a nomination for the position of VP Administration and Membership to replace Garry Smith, who has resigned. Also he noted that we have initiated a policy of rotating our meetings to different locales to accommodate our membership, and are planning a meeting in Kemptville next spring.

2 - Minutes of the Annual Spring Meeting of May 29, 2003.

Minutes of the May 29, 2003 Annual Spring Meeting were read by Madeleine Green. It was noted that Johnston Insurance in Item #5 should be changed to Johnson Insurance. Moved by Sheila Bush, seconded by Ray Bertrand that the Minutes be as amended. Carried.

3 - Treasurer's Report.

Robert Poirier presented the Profit and Loss Report as of September 30, 2003. The total income was $4,751.65 and expenses totaled $3,077.54, for a net income of $1,674.11. Total assets to date are $10,850.34, which includes a GIC of $5,000.00. NOTE: Francine Nault has agreed to audit our books again this year.

4 - Membership Report.

Jules reported that we have 259 double and 275 single memberships for a total of 793 members.

5 - Regional Director's Report.

Don Yeomans had just attended a three-day National Board of Directors Meeting, representing the Ottawa-St.Lawrence Region. Planning for the Triennial Congress (TC), which will take place in August, 2004. As there have been problems with Resolutions in the past, there will be a screening process beforehand, and resolutions will be grouped by Topic prior to a vote. Also there will be elections in 2004 for the National Board of Directors, and PSHCP-Representatives of Treasury Board (TB), as Union and Pensioners are getting ready for negotiations before the Plan expires in March 31, 2005. As of now, 48% of members are satisfied with the Plan as it presently exists. Some members would prefer a drug card, which would eliminate having to submit a claim, then waiting for reimbursement. There definitely will be an increase in premiums as TB is now funding $70/month for each and every member.

A Budget for the next three years, 2004 - 2007, was approved by the delegates. The Committee will meet in January regarding membership fees. The Computer Web-Based System is not working too well, and as a result, it may be up-and-running in the near future. The Dental Plan is in its second year of existance and functioning well. The Johnson Insurance Home and Auto Plans are getting a 97% renewal rate, which is very good. MEDOC continues to be a desirable Plan. The Congress of Seniors Organization - Jean -Guy Souliere of FSNA is the main thrust of that group. Bill-C78- a status report on this was in the ON GUARD, Fall 2003 issue.

After Ron's talk, the following QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS period took place:

(1) Guy St.Marseille asked if anything was being done regarding the interest rate on RRIFs? Don's Reply - the article in ON GUARD was written to alert members. FSNA will be presenting a Resolution on the subject at the 2004 TC on the subject.

(2) Ken Davis wanted to know how the Long Term Care Insurance was faring. According to Don, there has been a good response now that there is open registration and no longer a deadline.

(3) Smokey Tomkins referred to a CTV News article on Prescription Drugs being purchased by U.S. citizens in Canada and what is FSNA's position? Don answered that Keith Patterson - FSNA's Deputy Executive Director of Research is watching this closely. There is a risk of Canadian prices escalating and/or supplies becoming restricted.

6 - Guest Speaker.

Jules introduced Gloria McBain, Investment Representative with the firm of Gifford Rice Financial. After giving the Company's background, Gloria explained the various investment retirement plans and their pros-and-cons. Such plans included RRIFs (Registered Retirement Income Fund), LIRAs (Locked-In Retirement Arrangement), LIFs (Life Income Fund), LRIFs (Life Retirement Income Fund), and Annuities. This was followed by a Question and Answer peroid. Folders were distributed to everyone and a draw was won by Bill Yakamovich and Mrs. M. Johnson. Jules thanked Gloria for the information.

7 - Elections

Robert Poirier, election chairperson, presented a list of Directors who have volunteered to remain on the Board for the coming year. They are: Jules Arbour, Robert Poirier, Sheila Bush, Ken Davis, Claire Apthorp, Madeleine Green, Ray Bertrand, Claude Poitras, Allan Whorrall, and Smokey Tomkins. Marion Dupuis volunteered to become a Board Member. Moved by Gerry Bisson; seconded by Al Warren to approve the nominations of the foregoing members to the Board of Directors for the year 2004. CARRIED.

8 - General Discussion.

Jules requested that suggestions for a name change of the Cornwall Branch be brought to him by the Board of Directors for consideration and a final vote at the 2004 Spring Meeting.

9 - Adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m. on a motion by Allan Whorrall, seconded by Robert Poirer.

A Light lunch and social followed.