Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the members of the Alberta Seniors United Now Society will be held as follows: 10:00 AM Monday, April 11, 2005

Ramada Inn: 11830 Kingsway Ave., Edmonton

SUN was formed in 2003 as a result of a groundswell of discontent within the Seniors’ population of Alberta.

In the early 1990’s the provincial government advised that the province was in poor financial condition. A significant part of their corrective strategy was a far reaching reduction in spending. Many Albertans were affected by reductions in benefits or salaries that were largely in the 5% range. Indeed, even our MLA’s saw a 5% pay reduction. The exception was Alberta Seniors. Even the most conservative of calculations indicate that the cuts and reductions in seniors’ benefits amounted to 10% of average income. However, seniors and many other Alberta citizens were prepared to do their part. After all, the government also committed to full restoration of all benefits once the province had its financial house in order.

The good news is that our province has achieved financial success (“the Alberta Advantage”) only dreamed of by the rest of Canada. More good news – our provincial government did live up to its commitment to restore the earlier widespread cuts and reductions in spending. The bad news is that there was at least one exception. Little has been done to restore the numerous cuts and reductions in seniors programs. Only in August 2004, following considerable efforts by SUN and other senior groups, did the provincial government seem to acknowledge their neglect of seniors’ issues.

To date the only seniors program to be fully restored is the elimination of Alberta Health Care premiums for all persons aged 65 and over. An announcement has also been made that there will be partial restoration of the seniors Extended Health Care Program and Property Tax Benefit Program. It is our understanding that the new Property Tax Benefit Program will see the educational component of property taxes frozen for all personal residences of persons aged 65 and over. This would not compare favourably to the previous program that allowed up to a $1,000 credit towards the educational component of property taxes. Our members tell us that the governments proposed program is not acceptable.

People are prepared to make sacrifices as long as they have leadership, as long as the Government clearly shows what they are aiming at, and as long as the people are confident that those who are leading them are doing their best. Seniors do not want, nor do they expect our elected officials to feel that they must have the solution to every problem. However, seniors do expect to be treated fairly.

What should seniors have learned over the past 10 years? We should have learned that as individuals we are perceived as a nagging complaint. It is only together that we will be recognized as a voice.

SUN encourages all Albertans to participate in ensuring compassionate and equitable treatment for all segments of our society. SUN encourages all Albertans to participate in their future and the future of their children and grandchildren.

Seniors United Now is a non-partisan, non-profit society with a large membership of all ages. SUN encourages you to become a member and to attend the SUN Annual General Meeting.

Ron Ellis, SUN President

For further information contact:

S.U.N. Office Tel: 780.449.1816 Fax: 780.449.1475 Email: unitenow@telus.net