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Join Your Retired Colleagues

Promoting and protecting the interests of retired members of
the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan


This document in PDF format here (~320kb)

Membership Application Form

For 40 years, The Retired Teachers of Ontario/Les enseignantes et enseignants retraités de
l'Ontario (RTO/ERO) has provided excellent programs and services for teachers, School and
Board administrators, and other members of the educational community in retirement.

A bilingual and voluntary organization, The Retired Teachers of Ontario provides a full range of programs and services for its members. These include: excellent health care coverage; pension support; advocacy on social, political and economic issues; group travel programs; community involvement; and regular communication from both Provincial and District levels. While providing outstanding service to its members for 40 years, RTO/ERO is committed to continuous quality improvement.

RTO/ERO provides a strong and active voice for a membership of over 60,000. Members range in age from 50 to over 100 and include 5,000 associate members, most of whom receive spousal pension as widows or widowers of retired members.

Most RTO/ERO members live in Ontario and are affiliated with one of 47 Districts into which the organization is divided. There are also two Districts in British Columbia with approximately 600 members.

RTO/ERO is the only organization with representation from Elementary, Secondary, Public, Catholic, French, and English schools and also welcomes college and university faculty, and non-teaching educational support staff.

Many members are actively involved at both the District and Provincial levels. Within each District, members participate in social, travel and leisure opportunities, become involved in political activities and some assume leadership roles on District Executives. At the Provincial level, members are actively involved through the work of the Senate, the governing body of RTO/ERO. Two representatives from each District serve as Senators. deciding upon financial and policy issues and electing a Provincial Executive, which meets monthly. Several committees, including Audit, Communications, Health Services & Insurance, Member Services, Pension & Retirement Concerns, and Political Action, meet at least quarterly.

Since 1968, RTO/ERO has been the official voice and sole organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of retired members of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

PENSION PROTECTION

  • RTO/ERO monitors pension legislation, comments on proposed changes and recommends improvements for retired teachers, when appropriate
     
  • Since 1968, RTO/ERO has been the official voice and sole organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of retired members of The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and other educators.
     
  • Senior staff members participate in regular discussions with OTF – the Ontario Teachers' Federation
     
  • RTO/ERO is a voting member on the OTF Pension and Pension Negotiations Committees, representing members in pension negotiations with the Provincial Government

POLITICAL ADVOCACY

  • RTO/ERO lobbies all levels of government on issues of concern to educators and retirees, including health care, support for active teachers and publicly-funded education, seniors' issues, and the environment
     
  • As appropriate, members organize petitions and meetings and lobby local MPs and MPPs

HEALTH INSURANCE

  • RTO/ERO provides health insurance that is comprehensive, competitive and affordable, operating the largest Canadian retired educator health plan covering over 60,000 members and their dependents
     
  • The Plan is owned and managed by RTO/ERO members and available only to members
     
  • Health Plan members choose from Extended Health, Semi-Private Hospital and Dental Plans, all offered independently, with single, couple or family coverage
     
  • Highlights of the Plan include: direct payment to pharmacies; electronic submission of dental claims; direct deposit of claim payments; paramedical practitioner services; vision care; home care; and travel coverage while outside of province and country

COMMUNICATION

  • RTO/ERO publishes a national award-winning quarterly magazine, Renaissance, for all members, and monthly newsletters for Provincial and District leaders
     
  • Over 50 Fact Sheets on social, health, legal and financial matters of interest to retirees are available to members
     
  • Tax Tips and Pocket Calendars are produced annually
     
  • RTO/ERO maintains a professionally-designed website, operates a members-only website, and provides technical assistance to District webmasters

SERVICE TO OTHERS

  • RTO/ERO operates "Project–Service to Others", a fully-funded grant program of $100,000 for Districts to participate in worthwhile community projects
     
  • Districts can apply annually for up to $4,000 to support local projects such as help for the homeless, school day care for children of single teenage mothers, programs for disadvantaged students, and social programs for those less fortunate

SOCIAL NETWORKING

  • Through its District structure, RTO/ERO provides social and networking opportunities for its members. These include: meetings; luncheons and dinners; recreational activities such as golf and bridge tournaments; and travel to special functions such as the theatre and sporting events.

CONNECTIONS

  • RTO/ERO shares resources and expertise with several provincial and national organizations to improve the quality of life for retirees

    These include: The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER/CART), the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA), the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA); provincial teacher affiliates, and trustee, supervisory officer and principals' organizations

ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT

  • RTO/ERO provides assistance and support to members in need, through Provincial and District Assistance and Goodwill Committees
     
  • This includes: help with banking; rides to medical appointments; travel to RTO/ERO social events, financial assistance; and compassionate support

TRAVEL

  • RTO/ERO members can travel the world with specially designed cruises and tours at discounted rates
     
  • RTO/ERO works with professionals who design exclusive travel packages for our members
     

RTO/ERO's strength is in its numbers. As a member you have influence. Our size enables us to advocate on your behalf on a wide spectrum of issues of interest to retirees and seniors.

Your RTO/ERO full membership fee is only $1.20 per $1,000 of gross pension, and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan will conveniently deduct it each January from your annual pension. In addition, there is a variety of Associate Membership Categories available as well, including those for educational support staff, and college and university faculty. For further information, contact RTO/ERO.

Join Your Retired Colleagues

Make RTO/ERO Your NewAffiliate!

Suite 300, 18 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
416.962.9463 - 1.800.361.9888
www.rto-ero.org

Here for you now ...            
            Here for your future.