President’s Message Garry McDonald CSA President On April 29, the bipartisan Canadian Snowbird Visa Act was reintroduced in the United States House of Representatives by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ). This bill, if enacted, will extend the duration for which retired Canadian citizens aged 50 and older may stay in the U.S. from 182 to 240 days annually. To qualify for the extended stay under this act, Canadians must be at least 50 years old, own or lease a U.S. residence and maintain a permanent residence in Canada. Importantly, the act prohibits participants from working for U.S. employers and from accessing American public assistance programs. Backed by 17 bipartisan co-sponsors, this legislation includes key safeguards such as a clause ensuring that Canadian retirees using this proposed visa classification maintain their non-resident tax status. Although the bill is still under committee review, a companion bill is expected to be introduced in the U.S. Senate soon. This September, we’ll launch the 2025 Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations tour, beginning in Ontario with stops in Sarnia, Orillia, Parry Sound and Owen Sound. The tour will then continue through Atlantic Canada, featuring events in Moncton, N.B., Summerside, P.E.I. and Dartmouth, N.S. This year, we have a new lineup of entertainers including singer-songwriter Amy Sky, comedian Derek Edwards and world music artist Pavlo. As CSA president, I will also be presenting an update regarding the association’s ongoing advocacy efforts and offering insights into the current state of snowbird travel. Please note that tickets are required for these free events and are now available through each theatre’s box office. As these events are known to “sell out,” I would recommend reserving your tickets early. The full schedule, including contact information for each box office, can be found on page 5 of this issue of CSANews. We hope to see you there! By now, you have likely received your CSA renewal package. I would like to remind members that, if they haven’t already renewed their membership, they can easily and quickly do so online at www.snowbirds.org/join-csa. To those who have already renewed, thank you. Your continued support is what makes our work possible – from advocating for the rights and interests of travelling Canadians to delivering valuable services and up-to-date travel information. Recent changes – such as the introduction of the new registration requirement in the United States – are a reminder that travel regulations can shift rapidly. During times such as these, it’s essential to have a trusted organization that advocates on your behalf and keeps you informed with timely updates. Rescinding this new requirement remains a top priority for the CSA. To support these advocacy efforts, please consider contributing to our Special Action Fund, which directly funds our work in Canada and abroad. Alongside our advocacy and informational updates, the CSA offers important member benefits, including a currency exchange program that delivers competitive rates for converting Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars while travelling. We also provide customized auto and home insurance plans designed specifically for snowbirds, ensuring that you have appropriate coverage during your extended time away from Canada. For more details about these and other member benefits, please visit our official website. I would also like to remind you that CSA board members are available to speak at community events, club meetings or social gatherings in Canada throughout the summer. These sessions provide an overview of the latest developments in global travel regulations and updates about CSA advocacy work that protects your rights worldwide. They also include a question-and-answer session tailored to your concerns as travellers. Whether you’re heading to the U.S., Mexico, Europe or beyond, our board members can help ensure that you travel with confidence and clarity. We ask that a minimum of 25 attendees be present, along with access to a suitable presentation space and either a projection screen or a blank wall for displaying visuals. If you are interested in booking a CSA board member to speak at your event, please contact us at csastaff@snowbirds.org. Wishing you a safe and wonderful summer. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
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