ONTARIO CENTRAL

Ontario Central History

BPG’s 25th Anniversary – Ontario Central Chapter

BPG’s 25th Anniversary Chapter Chairs – In Their Own Words

Some Additional History

BPG’s 25th Anniversary – Ontario Central Chapter

On May 11^th 1995 the inaugural meeting of the Bell Pension Recovery Group was held at the Royal Canadian Legion at 11 Irwin Street in Rexdale. This initial meeting established the organization and was a precursor to subsequent meetings with Bell Canada and the pension plan trustees. The situation and events that led to this founding meeting led to the creation of what is now the Bell Pensioners Group and are documented in the first hand account by Dan Braniff which can be accessed in Section A above. This article is intended to document key players and the evolution of the Toronto Chapter, now the Ontario Central Chapter, since the formation of the group and builds on the initial article to look at our leadership teams over the years and also examines how the group has adopted new ideas and technology to evolve the organization into an efficient and modern operation thanks to a talented and dedicated group of volunteers who have volunteered their time, skills and knowledge in continually improving our processes. The memories of the past chapter chairs tell the story of the chapter since it’s birth. The board members listed served with that chair for various periods of time not necessarily the entire period. A more accurate and comprehensive listing can be found on the chapter website.

BPG Ontario Central Chapter Operations Evolution

The behind the scenes look at out operations and evolution

Communication

The Toronto Chapter Board continued to meet regularly at the Royal Canadian Legion at 11 Irwin 4 times a year to fold newsletters and stuff envelopes and mail them.  This was prior to the widespread adoption of the internet and proliferation of email and it constituted the main expense of the chapter.  Over time the newsletter our primary communication tool has evolved and computer programs such as Word and Publisher have enabled the newsletter to evolve into a professional and polished document distributed primarily by email.  This evolution along with our use of a professional printing house has enabled us to use publication mail rates for mailing and have enabled the chapter to trim costs considerably and so the annual dues have remained at $20 for 25 years which has been sufficient to run the chapter and even generate a surplus.  This has been greatly helped by an advertising arrangement with The Personal insurance company that provides a significant contribution in return for ad’s in our newsletter and a once a year special mailing that they pay for and includes a promotion from the Personal.  This also helps to facilitate membership renewal.  In recent years the chapter has started exploiting social media primarily Facebook in an attempt to reach current employees as well as existing members.  This medium has taken on a life of it’s own and while there is some sharing of pensioner related material most attention is paid to amusing news stories. Other platforms such as Linkedin have failed to draw an audience.  Our chapter has been learning how best to reach members and potential members via this medium since it is how the new generation of potential members communicate and quite a departure from the start of BPG when various teams were established to contact potential members by telephone.

During the period up to 2011 our general meetings at Pavilion Royale regularly attracted 400-500 members with the largest attendance topping 600 spurred by concerns discussed earlier by the chapter chairs.  At the volunteer level, our team managed to cope very well with these large numbers using procedures not designed to deal with these kinds of loads.  Our Treasurer, membership and newsletter mailing procedures in particular needed major overhaul.  At our chapter board meetings (then referred to as “stuffing meetings), held at the Legion.  The mornings were used by our chapter executive to manually fold, stuff and seal newsletters in manila envelopes, which were then delivered to the Post office by the chapter chair, who was also the author of the newsletters and responsible for having them printed.  The afternoons were then taken up with chapter business.  The whole process began a few weeks earlier, when the membership coordinator would print name and address labels which were distributed to a small committee of volunteers who would apply the labels and affix postage.   Today the entire process is handled by a commercial printing house which prints folds and inserts the newsletter into envelopes and delivers to Canada Post.  We have since introduced our online newsletter and online payment facility, greatly reducing the number of printed newsletters to be mailed.  We have also negotiated a “publications” mail rate for our newsletters – less than half the regular first class mail rate.

Our “in house” web site has been replaced by the integrated commercially provided web site we have today.  This web site uses a CMS or customer managed approach which allows individual chapters to update their sites using an approach that requires no specialized training or expertise.

Most recently the chapter in partnership with the other Ontario chapters has initiated a Facebook page which is open to our members to share while humorous stories are most popular the page is also used to share more serious articles relevant to retirees and pensioners. It was important to establish this medium to better reach current active employees.

So in summary, as technology and capabilities have evolved, we have recruited volunteers with the necessary skills to keep pace with the world around us.

Database and Bulk Emailing

Perhaps the most important tool used by the chapter is our membership Database.  The use of Microsoft Access as the chapter database was introduce by Dave Grieve and has proven to be a powerful tool in the management of the chapter.  Subsequent database/membership managers have continued to enhance the capabilities of this tool.  After Dave Grieve, Jim McColl, the late Dave Barrett and currently Dave Milne have managed our membership records.  This tool enables us to collect and generate member statistics and to generate distribution lists that can be directed to geographic areas across our immense geography.  The efforts of each of the successive database primes have yielded an application that would be unrecognized by the initial adopters as each brought their own ideas to enhance reports and applications.  The Database coordinator also utilizes a program “Groupmail” to enable us to efficiently send out messages to our membership either newsletters or newsblasts to alert members to important information.  The database coordinator can manipulate the data extracted to prepare customized mailing lists directed to specific geography as well as to various categories such as paid and unpaid members. In so doing we are able to match the capabilities of much wealthier organizations.  Members will never be 100% satisfied and as the world changes there will be calls to develop other forms of membership renewal and payment which will be researched and adopted if within the financial and technical capabilities of our volunteers.

Financial Evolution and Tools

Our financial records have gone from relatively primitive bookkeeping tools at the start to what we have today.  Gerry Moss our Treasurer introduced Quicken as an accounting tool to record member payments and chapter financial records. This enabled the generation of all manner of reports and statistics to help better manage the chapter.  In 2018 the chapter transitioned from Quicken to Quickbooks under the leadership of Kathy Stoddart and Jim Fikis.  While this was not necessarily an improvement in tools it streamlined the accounting process and tools used by all chapters to enable the efficient compilation of individual chapter financial records into a consolidated financial record at the National level.  This eliminated considerable duplication of effort by the chapter and National Treasurer.  We have come a long way from the era when hundreds of payments were received at member meetings at the Pavillion Royale and had to be manually recorded counted and deposited to a more streamlined process of online payments directly deposited into our accounts.  More and more members are opting for this method of payment rather than cash and cheques helping to simplify the effort required by our treasurers.

Recruiting

Membership recruiting and retention has also made use of these tools with the aid of the primes and with the cooperation of the Bell Human resources department.  Bell has enabled us to reach potential members by the inclusion of information in our annual PIC report as well as the personalized statements about our pension.  In 2019 they permitted retiring employees to indicate their willingness to share contact information with BPG.  They have also helped to facilitate visits to several of the main worksites to help recruit members as many current employees will tell us they never heard of the Bell Pensioners Group.  Bell’s willingness to work with us has been invaluable not only in recruitment but in enabling us to escalate the relatively small number of pensions and benefit issues that surface.  The biggest challenge has been getting our members to help recruit former friends and colleagues and getting members to renew membership each year instead of leaving it all to a small team of volunteers.

Chapter Management

The chapter board continues to meet monthly primarily by conference call except to plan and organize activities and to help generate and introduce new ideas to help the chapter run efficiently and better help our members.  However, one constant source of frustration is the diminishing membership and the constant need to convince people to renew membership.  The excellent state of our pension plan and the shift from the Defined Benefit pension plan to the Defined Contribution plan means that our potential membership will continue to shrink and without a crisis as existed back in 1995, it will be a challenge unless we evolve to include members of the Defined Contribution cohort of retirees.

BPG’s 25th Anniversary Chapter Chairs – In Their Own Words

Ken Beach … Chair 1995

Ken was the initial leader of the Toronto chapter at the organizing meeting working with chair Ron Buckner.  Ron was not able to obtain a first hand account of Ken’s work.

Ron Buckner … Chair 1995-1997

Ron was the second chair of the Toronto Chapter and as such had to work with a team to create the operations of BPG and spread the word at a time in which there were no tools such as email and the internet in wide spread use.  Ron’s team created telephone calling pyramids to reach the members and potential members.  At some of the meetings they ran out of food as there was no good way to forecast attendance but everyone pitched in to help make sandwiches led by Russ Donaldson for an unexpected busload from London.

It was also a difficult time as many people were desperate and some looking at financial ruin and so asking for advice we could not provide.  There were many calls to politicians, the press and anyone who it was felt could help the situation.  The details on how it was all resolved is in the 20^th Anniversary article penned by Dan Braniff the prime leader is linked at the start of this article.

Ron’s founding team included Martin Murphy, Gerry Moss, Fred Kempster, Dave Grieve, Russ Donaldson, Brian Fitzgerald, Alice Gould, Dave Kerr, George Payne, Anne Barwell, Ken Murchison, Carol Reid and Alex Robinson.  

Carolyn Reid … Chair 1997-2001

We had a 12-member committee & we used to meet at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 286 at 11 Irwin Rd. in Etobicoke.   It was our prime objective to increase the membership and retain those we had.  We contacted former work mates & encouraged them to join BPG.  We sent out newsletters.  We stuffed envelopes & addressed them ourselves.  We arranged for annual General meetings which were held at the Pavillion Royale banquet hall on Dixie Road in Mississauga.  It was a good team & we had great co-operation from all.  Mostly word of mouth/telephone was used to reach potential members and we scanned the Bell retirees list in the Company newsletter to fund potential members.

The “team” included the following members Sandra Vella, Russ Donaldson, George Payne. Gerry Moss, Ken Harris, Anne Barwell, Dave Grieve, Barb Price, Alice Gould, Martin Murphy, Fred Kempster and Alex Robinson.

Russ Donaldson … Chair 2001-2005

I can’t believe it was that long ago.  The things that stick in my mind the most are the incredible volunteers that assisted in running our chapter.  The steady growth in membership that we enjoyed.  The meetings at the Legion to stuff the newsletters into their envelopes and mail them off. keeping in mind that those were the days before we were able to capitalize as much on the use of the internet as BPG is today.  Assisting in solving Pensioner problems.  But more than anything else, I remember with great fondness all the wonderful meetings that we held at the banquet facility on Dixie Road.  The turnout of pensioners (often standing room only), were incredible. Seeing and hearing from so many friends and former colleagues is an experience I will never forget! I truly did enjoy my time as chair of the Toronto Chapter of BPG.  I wish OCC continued good success in the future!

Russ’s team included  Sandra Vella, Dorothy Paudler, Ed Bulgin, Gerry Moss, Dorothy Dunbar, Joan Lynen, Dave Grieve, Carole Robbins, Ralph Iceton,  Fred Kempster, Ken Harris, Martin Murphy, Sheila Noble, George Payne, Anne Barwell, Jim McColl, Alex Robinson, Titus Ramkhalawansingh.

Jim McColl … Chair 2005-2008,  Membership Coordinator  2001-2005 

In 2006 our pension plan which had been running with a large valuation surplus for many years, suddenly reported a steep drop due mainly to declining interest rates, poor stock performance and a change in valuation methods mandated by the government.  This in turn created anxiety amongst pensioners and led to a rapid growth of our membership to an all time high of over 4000 members.  This was the situation when Jim McColl became chapter chair, after serving for 5 years as membership coordinator. The deficit situation continued despite large contributions from Bell when the world-wide financial crisis struck in 2008.  Our pension plan experienced a meltdown of nearly 20%.  Additionally, during this period, a consortium lead by Ontario Teachers Pension plan was gearing up to take control of Bell Canada.  Also, the Federal Government introduced Pension Income splitting due in no small part to lobbying efforts by former BPG president Dan Braniff.

Jim’s Team included Dave Barrett, Sheila Ylipelkola, Dorothy Paudler, Carole Robbins, Ed Bulgin, Alice Gould, Ralph Iceton, Sandra Vella, Fred Kempster, Ken Harris, Dave Grieve, Martin Murphy, Janet Clarke-Armstrong, Dorothy Dunbar, Joan Lynen, Barb Prive, Anne Barwell, Don Smith, Don Crone, Phil Thomson, Russ Donaldson and Titus Ramkhalawansingh.

Al Bowcott … Chair 2008–2011

At the beginning of my tenure as chair of the Toronto Chapter the economic downturn was having a significant negative impact on BPG’s solvency ratio.  This combined with the pending takeover of Bell by the Teachers’ Pension Group and the uncertainty regarding the future funding of our pension deficit, caused significant concern among pensioners.  As result we enjoyed a significant increase in BPG membership.

In the latter half of 2009 financial markets began to return to normal, due to financing difficulties the Teachers Pension Group withdrew its bid to take Bell private and Bell had demonstrated its intention to continue funding the pension deficit.

Unfortunately, in 2010, membership renewal defaults increased and attendance to chapter meetings started to decrease.  Regarding the latter, a survey taken at the time, members located in the eastern portion of the GTA complained about the time and inconvenience of traveling to chapter meetings in Mississauga.  In response we scheduled our first chapter “satellite” meeting in the CAW Union Hall, Oshawa on October 23, 2009. Both meetings were very successful and well attended with about 250 showing up in Mississauga and another 250 in Oshawa.  In response to the decline in membership renewals we initiated a vigorous Telephone calling campaign to convince defaulting members to maintain their membership.

All in all, it was an extremely busy time for your Chapter Board of Directors and they did a terrific job responding to the challenge.

Al’s team included  Titus Ramkhalawawansingh, Dave Barrett, Jim McColl, Dorothy Paudler, Carole Robbins, Ed Bulgin, Alice Gould, Glen Simpson, Sandra Vella, Phil Thomson, Ken Harris, Martin Murphy, Janet Clarke-Armstrong, Dorothy Dunbar, Joan Lynen, Barb Price-Wallace, Anne Barwell, Don Smith, Don Crone.

Titus Ramkhalawansungh … Chair 2011-2018,  Treasurer 2004-2010 

The two periods of service were considerably different.  As treasurer it was a time of rapid and tremendous growth and payments were all cash or cheque. It was very frightening to leave these meetings with thousands of dollars in $20 bills until they could be safely deposited which was an unusual experience as bank tellers eyed one with suspicion until properly identified.  So meetings were large and hectic with huge amount of cash to be processed after meetings and we prepared and issued new membership cards each year.

As chair from 2011 to 2017 we experienced our first slow down and even decline in membership.  It was also the time when we started to make use of the internet to distribute newsletters and other communication electronically and we also started to have meetings in Oshawa, North Yotk and Barrie.  Many remember the large meetings in Mississauga with fondness but there is no going backwards.

Titus’s Team included Cathy Vendramin, Dave Barrett, Al Bowcott, Judy Buckley, Carole Robbins, Ed Bulgin, Alice Gould, Marianne Goreki, Sandra Vella, Clara, Fabrizi, Ken Harris,, Camie Tang-Chang, Bruce Armstrong, Janet Clarke-Armstrong, Dorothy Dunbar, Jim Doherty, Barb Price, Anne Barwell, Don Smith, Phil Thomson, Glen Simpson, Kathy Stoddart, Kerri Murphy, Karen Lawson, Pam Fox, John Bell, Dave Milne and Mike Nicoloff

Carol Ann Cole … Chair 2018-2020,  Corporate Board 2000-2008

Replacing Titus has not been easy.  He knows so much more than I will ever know about Ontario Central Chapter.  However, I’ve learned to be okay with that.

Above all else we are here to ensure our pensions are protected.  Currently Bell is an excellent partner for us.  Our pensions are fully funded.

My main area of concern today is our declining membership.  We need to address a number of things:  Some of our members are no longer able to come to our meetings.  The younger pensioners see no need to drive to and from meetings when they can get all the information they need on line.  Social media is ‘all things’ to many of our members.  Our goal now is to figure out the best way to reach and keep our members.  We have improved our social media reach significantly and are looking for new and alternative ways for you to reach us.  Any ideas?

Carol Ann’s team included Titus Ramkhalawansingh, Jim Fikis, Kathy Stoddart, John Bell, Sharon MacIntosh, Karen Lawson, Marianne Goreki, Barry Zimmermann, Julie Dupuis, Kerri Murphy, Camie Tang-Chang, Rahana Khan, Pam Fox, Jim McColl, Dave Milne, Mike Nicoloff, Glen Simpson, Mike Nicoloff, Phil Thomson and Natalie Wright.

Some Additional History

1. BPG was originally called the Bell Pension Recovery Group (BPRG).
2. The first newsletter (bulletin) was issued on Thursday, May 11, 1995.
3. The Toronto Chapter Leader was Ken Beach.
4. The membership was 285.
5. The original members of the Toronto Chapter Advisory council were:

• •     Ron Buckner – Chairperson
  •     Martin Murphy – Treasurer
  •     Gerry Moss – Assistant Treasurer
  •     Fred Kempster – Assistant Treasurer
  •     Dave Grieve – Membership
  •     Russ Donaldson – Security
  •     Brian Fitzgerald – Collections – Passed away July 30, 1998 (age 60)
  •     Alice Gould – Bulletin Coordinator
  •     Dave Kerr – Radio Contact
  •     George Payne – Telephone Network Coordinator
  •     Anne Barwell – Telephone Network Coordinator – Toronto
  •     Ken Murchison – Telephone Network Coordinator – Hamilton
  •     Carol Reid – Telephone Network Coordinator – St. Catharines
  •     Alex Robinson –  Telephone Network Coordinator – Oshawa

*¹  Russ “retired” effective December 31, 2006 after many years of dedicated service to BPG.
*²  Members who have now retired from the committee – Thanks from all of us for many years of excellent service provided by these volunteers

During the time frames shown above, some of the “volunteers” will have left the chapter committee as others came on board. Chapter responsibilities have also changed throughout the years.

*¹   Martin Resigned 2010
*²   Don Resigned 2010
*³   Dorothy Resigned 2008

⁺  April 1 2014 Chapter name changed to Ontario Central

*1  Cathy became Secretary October 2013
*2 Camie joined November 2014
*3 Ed resigned 2012
*4 Carole resigned 2010
*5  Clara joined November
*6  Ken resigned 2012
*7  Janet resigned 2014
*8  Anne resigned 2011
*9  Barb resigned 2011
*10 Sandra deceased Sept 2011
*11 James deceased 2014