President’s Message Karen Huestis CSA President It is an honour for me to accept the office of president of the Canadian Snowbird Association. For 25 years, the association has actively defended the rights and privileges of travelling Canadians. As your new president, I am re-committing to you today my dedication to carry on with that challenge on behalf of our members, across Canada as well as the United States. We have accomplishedmuch in our past and, at the same time, new challenges lie ahead. We are confident that our new board of directors, together with the CSA staff and our benefit partners – all working as a team – will meet these challenges as we continue to build on what we have achieved. As in all organizations, it is important to increase our membership. A large and dedicatedmembership is essential when lobbying on your behalf to governments in Canada and the United States. We will continue to make this a priority. On behalf of the CSA and its board of directors, I would like to thank Bob Slack and his wife Lois for their dedication and hard work over the past seven years. They have truly been ambassadors for the association. My first stop as president was at the annual Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland, Florida. From there, my husband Bill and I headed to McAllen, Texas for the Winter Texans’ Snowbird Extravaganza and Mesa, Arizona for the annual Canadian Snowbird Celebration. Despite the depressed value of the Canadian dollar, we welcomed big crowds and were again fortunate enough to have sold hundreds of new memberships. From there, we embarked on the annual Winter Information Meeting tour. This year, we made stops in Sahuarita, Arizona before putting on shows in both Indio and Winterhaven, California. We then headed back to Florida with stops in Immokalee, Dania Beach, Bradenton, Dunedin and Punta Gorda. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and all those who attended any of these shows; there is no way we could do any of this year in and year out without your support. Thanks also to our partners at Medipac for all that they do to assist in the organization of these terrific events. The sixth edition of the Canadian Travellers’ Report Card was officially released at Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland. As those of you who are regular readers of our report cards know, we have achieved many victories on the government relations front… particularly over the past few years. Having said that, unfortunately we still have many battles to fight, particularly around the issue of provincial reimbursement rates. To find out what your federal and provincial/territorial governments are doing to help or hinder your right to travel, please visit our website at www.snowbirds.organd download a copy. InMarch, I met withMr. DavidMacNaughton – Canada’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States – in Miami. The reason for the meeting was so that he could get a better appreciation for the depth and breadth of the economic impact which Canadian travellers have on Florida each and every year. In 2016, Florida visits by Canadians topped 4.2million and those visitors spent $5.1 billion. This easily makes Canada Florida’s number-one tourismmarket. Having said that, it’s important to note that Ambassador MacNaughton represents all Canadians travelling, working and investing in/with the United States. Obviously, one of his biggest concerns is ensuring that the border between our two countries remains secure while, at the same time, permitting the speedy passage of both goods and people, a primary concern of all travelling Canadians. I should also mention that Ambassador MacNaughton requested the meeting and it took place only four days after he presented his credentials to the new administration inWashington. It was clear to me that he takes the concerns of the Canadian Snowbird Association seriously. We will be similarly engaged with him in the coming months demonstrating the strong, economic impact which our members in the Western snowbird states have on their local winter economies. Yet again our Snowbird Currency Exchange Program has experienced a significant increase in use, as well as in first-time enrolments. If you have yet to do so, please take a look at this money-saving program. It is without doubt one of the most attractive offerings of the Canadian Snowbird Association. Thanks again to Bob and Lois Slack, our incoming and outgoing board of directors, office staff, members, volunteers and friends at Medipac. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing some hard, effective work on your behalf in the years to come. Bill and I wish all of you a safe journey home to Canada. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
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