BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, I would like our president and the board of directors to get a suggestion to Mr. Trump’s negotiators that the easiest way to level the playing field between Canada and the U.S. on trade would be to peg the CDN $ and the US $ at even par. This would make for fair trade and stop the big banks from charging huge fees to exchange our $. Bryan McDougall Thessalon, ON Ed.: I loved this note. Totally impossible, I think, but why not send that note anyway. It will be good to get on their radar regardless. Dear Bird Talk, I am in the U.S. for approximately 80 days each year so do not need to file the form, but is there any downside to filing in any case, just for peace of mind? Paul Rosenberg Vancouver, BC Ed.: CSA recommends filing if you stay for longer than three months in the U.S. There is certainly no downside if you decide to file the 8840 when you spend less time. We believe in “peace of mind.” Dear Bird Talk, If a person requires routine tests, for example blood work or an ECG that is not an emergency while they are in the U.S., how is that arranged and paid for? Laurel Pettigrew Cochrane, AB Ed.: No travel insurance policy covers non-emergency treatment or routine care for a chronic condition that requires monitoring. You would have to pay for it yourself and then get reimbursement from the Alberta Health Plan. They might pay 5-10% of the cost. Dear Bird Talk, Does any travel health insurance company offer a policy for travel exclusively in Canada? If not, why not? It should be relatively inexpensive and cover those situations that your home province does not cover. Can you advocate on our behalf? Victor Wall Lac du Bonnet, MB Ed.: The Medipac Annual plan covers unlimited 23-day trips anywhere in the world and also covers you for up to six months in Canada, when outside your province of residence. This was an amazing deal at a par dollar, but it needs to be updated now. We will have one for you later this year. Dear Bird Talk, In a previous Bird Talk forum, it was mentioned that P.E.I. is the only province that doesn’t allow sevenmonths’ absence to retain their health plan. In checking online with the Quebec Health Plan, I see nothing that says that and it appears they are saying six months. I know this seems true as I was recently asked to provide proof that I was in Quebec for at least six months. I had to provide six months of credit card statements proving I spent money in Quebec – we spend six months less about 10 days every year in Phoenix, Arizona. Can you confirmwhat the rule really is? Richard Lefebvre Longueuil, QC Ed.: Currently, Québec has one of the most travel-friendly policies on health coverage for absent residents. In order to maintain coverage under the Québec Health Insurance Plan, residents must be present in Québec for more than half of the year. Specifically, the total number of days of absence in a given calendar year must be fewer than 183. What differentiates Québec is that, in addition, an unlimited number of short-term trips, each no longer than 21 consecutive days, can be taken without counting toward the total number of days of absence. CSA is working to amend that to 23 days, which would be even more convenient for members. Dear Bird Talk, I ordered a supply of placemats a week ago and they have already arrived. Thank you so much. Please let me know if there will be any special supplies available to help celebrate our 150th birthday. Diana McNiven St. Catharines, ON Ed.: If you want some CSA 25th Anniversary Pins, call the CSA and I am sure we can send you a bunch. For free Canada Day items you can Google 'free Canada day items' or go directly tohttp://canada. pch.gc.ca/eng/1449243830064. There is a form you can complete and submit to the Department of Canadian Heritage for a limited supply of complimentary items for your Canada Day Party. Deadline is May 12, 2017 - so hurry! Oh, say canyou see by thedawn'searly light What soproudlywehailedat the twilight's lastgleaming? Whosebroad stripesandbright stars thru theperilous fight, O'er the rampartswewatchedwere sogallantly streaming? And the rocket's redglare, thebombsbursting inair, Gaveproof thru thenight thatour flagwas still there. Oh, saydoes that star-spangled banneryetwave O'er the landof the freeand thehomeof thebrave? STARSPANGLEDBANNER OCanada! Ourhomeandnative land! Truepatriot love inall thy sons command. Withglowinghearts we see thee rise, TheTrueNorth strongand free! From farandwide, OCanada, we standonguard for thee. Godkeepour land gloriousand free! OCanada, we standonguard for thee. OCanada, we standonguard for thee. OCANADA! Arizona California Florida LakelandCenter Lakeland Florida McAllenConventionCenter McAllen Texas Toorderplacemats foryour social function,call theCSA/Medipacplacemat lineat 1-877-888-2505orvisit www.snowbirds.org. HaveaGreatTimeToday! SeeyouatanExtravaganzanearyou! MesaConventionCenter Mesa Arizona TheVoiceofTravellingCanadians. Ifyou'renotamember,becomeone! 1-800-265-3200 www.snowbirds.org Yourworld isunique. We insure it. 1-800-267-8000 Enjoy the freedomof the snowbird lifestyle. Callus…beforeyou travelagain! 1-888-MEDIPAC www.medipac.com Securecross-borderbanking. Preferred rates.$0-5 transfer fees. 1-800-265-3200 www.SnowbirdExchange.com 8 | www.snowbirds.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx