ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Beautiful Bahamas ADVANCES IN MEDICINE Health INVESTING IN GOLD Finance OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION | FALL 2025 | ISSUE 136 Publication mail agreement no: 40063603
CSA Wireless Member Benefit NEW www.snowbirds.org/csa-wireless 1-888-516-7669 RogersPreferred@fvwireless.com To get started 1 with Auto-Pay , when you bring your own device. for only /mo. 29 $ Starter Plan Get 10GB of 5G mobile data (CAN. only)* /mo. 100GB HERO Get a CAN/US/MEX mobile plan with 100GB* with Auto-Pay . for only 1 50 $ Introducing Canada’s official snowbird wireless program. Offer subject to change without notice, available for eligible Rogers Preferred Program members new to Rogers mobile. Membership verification is required. Taxes extra. ± Where applicable provincial 9-1-1 fees are billed monthly. Sent/received premium texts (alerts, messages related to content and promotions), sent international text/picture/video messages and sent/received text/picture/video messages (as applicable) while roaming outside the U.S. and Mexico are not included and charged at applicable rates. *Plan includes non-shareable high-speed data up to speeds of 1 Gbps and allotment indicated in your plan on the Rogers network, extended coverage areas within Canada, and Roam Like Home destinations (see rogers.com/roamlikehome). Once you have reached the high-speed data allotment of your plan, you will continue to have access to data services with no overage beyond the high-speed data allotment at a reduced speed of up to 512 kilobits per second (for both upload and download) until the end of your current billing cycle. Applications such as email, web browsing, apps, and audio/video streaming will continue to function at a reduced speed which will likely impact your experience. 5G/5G+network access requires a compatible device and a 5G SIM card in a covered area (see rogers.com/coverage). In all cases, usage is subject to the Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. 1. $10/mo. Auto-Pay Discount available with eligible plans (must be set up on account and remain active to get discount). Discount will end if you move to an ineligible plan or cancel Automatic Payments. If you remove Automatic Payments and re-add it to your account you will get the same discount tied to the wireless plan you subscribed to. Rogers & Design and related brand names and logos are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate used under license. © 2025 Rogers Communications. Designed for the snowbird lifestyle. Designed to keep you connected across North America. Designed to save members money! CSA Wireless Member Benefit NEW www.snowbirds.org/csa-wireless 1-888-516-7669 RogersPreferred@fvwireless.com To get started 1 with Auto-Pay , when you bring your own device. for only /mo. $ Starter Plan Get 10GB of 5G mobile data (CAN. only)* /mo. 100GB HERO Get a CAN/US/MEX mobile plan with 100GB* for only 1 Introducing Canada’s official snowbird wireless program. Offer subject to change without notice, available for eligible Rogers Preferred Program members new to Rogers mobile. Membership verification is required. Taxes extra. ± Where applicable provincial 9-1-1 fees are billed monthly. Sent/received premium texts (alerts, messages related to content and promotions), sent international text/picture/video messages and sent/received text/picture/video messages (as applicable) while roaming outside the U.S. and Mexico are not included and charged at applicable rates. *Plan includes non-shareable high-speed data up to speeds of 1 Gbps and allotment indicated in your plan on the Rogers network, extended coverage areas within Canada, and Roam Like Home destinations (see rogers.com/roamlikehome). Once you have reached the high-speed data allotment of your plan, you will continue to have access to data services with no overage beyond the high-speed data allotment at a reduced speed of up to 512 kilobits per second (for both upload and download) until the end of your current billing cycle. Applications such as email, web browsing, apps, and audio/video streaming will continue to function at a reduced speed which will likely impact your experience. 5G/5G+network access requires a compatible device and a 5G SIM card in a covered area (see rogers.com/coverage). In all cases, usage is subject to the Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. 1. $10/mo. Auto-Pay Discount available with eligible plans (must be set up on account and remain active to get discount). Discount will end if you move to an ineligible plan or cancel Automatic Payments. If you remove Automatic Payments and re-add it to your account you will get the same discount tied to the wireless plan you subscribed to. Rogers & Design and related brand names and logos are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate used under license. © 2025 Rogers Communications. Designed for the snowbird lifestyle. Designed to keep you connected across North America. Designed to save members money!
Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright Fall 2025 by Medipac International Communications Inc., 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5. 416.441.7000. Subscription Price: $9.95 Canada; $20.00 U.S. and foreign. Single copy: $3.95. Prices include tax. Published by Medipac International Communications Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the CSA, Medipac International Communications Inc. or its affiliates, their Directors, Officers, or other employees or agents. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No: 40063603. ISSN No: 1195-2393 Milan Korcok Dr. Robert MacMillan Shari McIntyre David McPherson Robert Wiersema Judith Adam Gabrielle Bauer Donna Carter Michael Coren Jennifer Cox James Dolan Garry McDonald Johanne Blain James Carl Simpson Ted Popel Marjorie Heisler Karen Huestis Bud Conroy Ronald Brown Debra Ann MacLean Kimberley Tetzlaff Michael MacKenzie Wallace Weylie President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Past-President Director Director Director Director Executive Director Legal Counsel CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Editor CSA Editor President Art Director Director of Operations Marketing Coordinator Marketing & Events Specialist J. Ross Quigley Garry McDonald Christopher Davidge Peter Prusa Paula McGovern Stefanye Zee Fran Castricone FALL 2025 | ISSUE 136 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. Merv Magus Cover photo: iStock.com/HenrikLandfors Illustrator A nd the survey says…is back. One of our favourite and fun things to do is our biennial survey of snowbirds. We have detailed the main responses – later in this issue – and hope that you enjoy the results. This is what your friends and fellow snowbirds are thinking right now. It has been a tumultuous year for snowbirds, although things seem to be settling down now. This has been a wonderful summer, except for the many forest fires in every province of Canada. Our thanks go out to all of the firefighters risking their lives to save us and our property. Many people have lost everything and will be forced to start their lives over. Please help them in any and every way possible. As we prepare for our winter sojourns, we should reflect on how lucky we all are – even with our many challenges. I wish you good health and wonderful journeys and, as the saying goes, “until we meet again.” Sincerely, J. Ross Quigley Editor CSANews | FALL 2025 | 3
Snowbird Events Canadian Snowbird Association President Garry McDonald With a special presentation from FREE SNOWBIRD SHOW Sponsored by For additional information or to volunteer, call the CSA at 1.800.265.3200 or visit snowbirdextravaganza.com/canada Join us for a FREE concert to celebrate the snowbird lifestyle! Entertainment includes singersongwriter Amy Sky, comedian Derek Edwards and world music artist Pavlo; this event also includes a special presentation by Canadian Snowbird Association President Garry McDonald. Tickets are required for these FREE* events and are now available through each theatre’s box office. Tickets may be available on the day of the event, but these events have been known to “sell out” in the past, so we recommend that you reserve early! *Service charges may apply to telephone and online orders. Amy Sky Derek Edwards Pavlo 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Snowbird Events • SEP • 22 Mon SARNIA ONTARIO Imperial Theatre 168 Christina St. N. Box Office: (519) 344-7469 imperialtheatre.net • SEP • 23 Tues ORILLIA ONTARIO Orillia Opera House 1 West Street N Box Office: (705) 326-8011 orilliaoperahouse.ca • SEP • 24 Wed PARRY SOUND ONTARIO Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts 2 Bay St. Box Office: (705) 746-4466 or 1-877-746-4466 stockeycentre.com • SEP • 25 Thur OWEN SOUND ONTARIO The Roxy Theatre 251 9th St. E. Box Office: (519) 371-2833 roxytheatre.ca • SEP • 30 Tues MONCTON NEW BRUNSWICK Capitol Theatre 811 Main St. Box Office: (506) 856-4379 capitol.nb.ca • OCT • 1 Wed SUMMERSIDE P.E.I. Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr. Box Office: (902) 888-2500 or 1-800-708-6505 harbourfronttheatre.com • OCT • 2 Thur DARTMOUTH NOVA SCOTIA Alderney Landing Theatre 2 Ochterloney St. Box Office: (902) 461-8401 tixr.com/groups/alderneylanding All events from 7-10 p.m. (doors to lobby open at 6 p.m.) Schedule subject to change. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 5
Table of Contents FALL 2025 | ISSUE 136 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION As Mega Ships Expand Cruisers want more than sun and fun. by Milan Korcok The Beautiful Bahamas An idyllic sun spot brimming with endless attractions by Donna Carter Features 22 16 26 As Good as Gold What does gold’s recent outperformance mean for your portfolio? by James Dolan Travel Finance 6 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 44 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 45 CSA Update 46 Golf by David McPherson 48 CSA Online by James Dolan 50 Gardening by Judith Adam 52 Food & Drink by Shari McIntyre 54 Fun & Games 55 Grins & Giggles 56 CSA Application 57 CSA Benefits 58 Fast Facts 3 Editor’s Message 4 Snowbird Events 8 Bird Talk 10 Snowbird Alert 12 President’s Message 13 Government Relations Report 14 Insurance by J. Ross Quigley 15 Opinion by Michael Coren 40 Health Pulse 42 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 43 Fitness by Jennifer Cox And the Survey Said… Findings from our 2025 reader survey 32 38 Recent Advances in Medicine How drugs, technology and public health initiatives are moving us forward. by Dr. Robert MacMillan Health Departments CSANews | FALL 2025 | 7
Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, We checked our travel history on the U.S. internet site and it shows that our latest trip was on Jan 11, 2025. So, we do not have to complete an I-94 when we drive down in October, correct? Since we are staying at our U.S. home for longer than 30 days, do we still have to fill out any other registration forms when we arrive at our destination? Kenneth Walker Fort Saskatchewan, AB Ed.: For all trips of 30 days or longer, you need to be registered with the U.S. Federal Government by either having a valid Form I-94 or filing the general registration form (G325-R) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Therefore, request the I-94 when you cross the border and get a printed copy within the first 30 days of your visit, to keep with your passport. Alternatively, if you are not issued an I-94, file USCIS Form G325-R and keep a printed copy of your receipt with your passport. Dear Bird Talk, Good day. You mention when crossing the land border to ask the agent to submit a I-94 document. I was under the impression that this now was issued automatically? Gary Jardine Collingwood, ON Ed.: It is often issued automatically when you cross the land border into the United States. However, sometimes it is not. We recommend that you check your registration online within the first 30 days of your visit, so that you can print a copy and carry it with your passport. If your I-94 registration hasn’t been completed automatically, you can complete the G-325R registration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Dear Bird Talk, I just renewed my licence plates at Service Ontario, but my permit was not updated. It still says that my plates will expire next month. What proof can I give a Florida police officer that my licence plate has not expired. Yes, there is a licence plate expiry checker online, but it does not show the plate, registration and expiry date on one page for printing. I guess that I have to hope that the Florida police officer has internet and wants to check my registration before writing me up for an expired licence plate or, even worse, putting me in front of a judge. Arthur Crandell Thornhill, ON Ed.: Mr. Crandell’s followup: I asked a question about expiring licence plates. I have an answer from Service Ontario with a response. I set up an account and I could print the expiry date, along with my licence plate number. “If you require physical proof of renewal beyond the information provided through the licence plate checker, that reflects your licence plate number and the updated expiry date, you have a few options: Visit a Service Ontario Centre: You may request a replacement vehicle permit showing the updated expiry date. This is free if you bring your current permit. If the original permit is not presented, a replacement fee of $32 will apply. Create or log in to your My Ontario Account: From the home page of your account, you can view and print your licence plate information, including the plate number and expiry date. This printout can be attached to your vehicle permit as proof that your details are current.” Ed.: Thank you for this helpful information, Arthur. We also recommend removing the expired stickers from your licence plate to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Dear Bird Talk, I have been reading about the new visa requirements that the U.S. has put in place where we will now have to pay $250. for a visitors’ visa. We spend five to six months in Arizona each year. Will this affect us? Marc Leclair Stanley Bridge, PE Ed.: The Visa Integrity Fee does not apply to Canadian citizens. If you have a Canadian passport, you are good to go. It applies to persons who are not citizens of countries designated under the United States Visa Waiver Program. Persons who are citizens of countries designated under the United States Visa Waiver Program may be permitted to enter the U.S. for visits of 90 days or fewer without applying for a non-immigrant visa and without paying the $250. fee. Dear Bird Talk, We are snowbirds who drive to Florida annually and stay for close to six months. We submitted our online registration forms on April 10. Confirmation of our registration was received more than four months later. The actual document that we are supposed to carry with us does not contain any expiration date. It just says that we have registered. We are now less than four months from our next planned trip south and the question is, do we need to resubmit a registration request for our amended dates, or was it a one-time process? Can the CSA get to the bottom of this, as Homeland Security was unable or unwilling to answer this question? Raymond Nichols Huntsville, ON Ed.: Repeat this process. Check online to see if an I-94 was issued after you cross the border. If an I-94 was not issued, file a new G325-R. You must do this for every visit to the United States that is 30 days or longer. 8 | www.snowbirds.org
Bird Talk Featuring the letters & concerns of our members SEND YOUR LETTERS TO Bird Talk, c/o CSANews 180 Lesmill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5 Online at www.snowbirds.org/bird-talk or by e-mail: csawriteus@snowbirds.org Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, Will Canadian citizens have to pay a “Visa Integrity Fee” to winter in Florida? Arthur Leader Ottawa, ON Ed.: Canadian citizens with Canadian passports do not have to pay the Visa Integrity Fee. Permanent residents of Canada who are citizens or nationals of other countries that are included in the United States Visa Waiver Program can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without paying the Visa Integrity Fee. If they plan to stay for longer than 90 days, they have to apply for a visa and pay the fee. Citizens of countries that are not designated under the Visa Waiver Program have to apply for a visa and pay the fee. Here is a list of the countries that are designated under the Visa Waiver Program: Dear Bird Talk, I renewed my passport in May 2024 and travelled to the U.S. in November 2024. Upon reviewing my I-94, I noted there is no travel history showing a record of my return to Canada in April 2025. Should I contact the deferred inspection site before I return to the U.S. this coming November, or should I wait to see if the travel history appears after I reach my destination in the U.S.? Larry Funfer Calgary, AB Ed.: If the I-94 website does not show the date of your last return to Canada, be prepared for your next border crossing by carrying evidence of your return to Canada, such as a receipt from a gasoline purchase, a restaurant meal or shopping trip in Canada on the day of your last return. Dear Bird Talk, Does anyone know if and how much (in $) we can bring into the United States without paying a tariff? We want to bring down some foodstuffs such as soups, Melba toast, Clamato juice, etc. and we don’t want to be hit with a 25% duty/tariff when we cross the border to go to Florida in October. Ted Karas Toronto, ON Ed.: Commercially packaged and unopened food products being brought into the United States for personal consumption are generally not subject to tariffs. Just remember to declare it and don’t import meat products. Dear Bird Talk, We are longtime CSA members and Canadian citizens who winter in the Palm Springs area and have done so for the last 13 years. We usually go down around the middle of October and come back at the end of March. That is 5.5 months, which adds up to 168 calendar days, which is under the B-2 Visa 182-day limit. We complete and file 8840s every year. However, when we use your “Substantial Presence Test” calculator which, as you know, prorates the days over a three-year period, we come out in excess of 182 days and technically are non-compliant with IRS policy. Is it your advice that we should base our calculations on the “Substantial Presence Test” and basically forget the 182-day limits as detailed in the B-2 Visa Immigration policy? If so, then to be compliant, we really can only be in the U.S. for four months per year. It almost seems like we have a test for the IRS and one for Customs and Immigration and they don’t coincide very well. Ray Renaud Osoyoos, BC Ed.: You are filing the 8840 Closer Connection Form because you meet the substantial presence test calculation that deems you as taxable on your worldwide income as a resident alien of the United States. By filing the form, you are opting to be treated as a non-resident alien of the United States, despite meeting the substantial presence test. Filing the form deems you as compliant. Visiting the United States for no longer than 182 days in a 12-month period deems you as compliant with U.S. immigration policy. Two different sets of rules for two different branches of government. Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Chile Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom CSANews | FALL 2025 | 9
Snowbird Alert Please note that this form cannot be completed in advance; it can only be completed when you are already in the United States. Canadian citizens are exempt from the additional requirement to provide biometrics. At this time, an exemption has not been made for NEXUS cardholders. Form I-94 and the USCIS Registration Requirement As of April 11, 2025, some Canadian snowbirds will be required to file a general registration form (G-325R) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they will be in the United States for 30 days or longer. Canadian snowbirds who are issued an electronic Form I-94, which is an official record of admission, are considered registered and therefore will not be required to file Form G-325R with USCIS. Generally, whether a Form I-94 was issued depends on how you entered the United States. ▶ If you entered the United States through the air, generally you would have been issued an electronic Form I-94. ▶ If you entered the United States through a land port of entry, as most snowbirds do, you may not have been issued an electronic Form I-94. To verify if an I-94 was issued for your latest entry, go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Select “Get most recent I-94” and enter your first and last name, date of birth, country of citizenship and your document (passport) number. If an I-94 was issued for your latest entry, you should print it and carry it with you as proof of your legal entry into the United States. No further action is required. If an I-94 was NOT issued for your latest entry, you will need to complete the general registration form (G-325R) with USCIS: 1. Create a USCIS account by visiting my.uscis.gov and selecting “Sign up.” 2. From the USCIS dashboard, select “File a form online.” 3. Select “G-325R Biographic Information (Registration)” then click “Start form.” 4. Complete the form, which will include: I. Your full legal name, your contact information, citizenship, when and where you were born, your address history (only U.S. addresses are currently accepted) and criminal record (if applicable). II. Your current marital status, your spouse’s and your parents’ full names, date of birth, place of birth and place of residence. 5. Once submitted, you will receive proof of registration which can be accessed through your USCIS account. USCIS will issue a receipt once your information is reviewed. Print a copy of your receipt and carry it with you when travelling throughout the United States. 10 | www.snowbirds.org
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President’s Message Garry McDonald CSA President As we prepare for another snowbird travel season, we are well aware that many Canadians are feeling cautious, and even angry about travelling to the United States. Tariffs and rapidly evolving border policies under the current administration have raised legitimate and understandable concerns. These issues can make cross-border travel feel more complicated than in the past. Political rhetoric can at times feel unsettling, and changes to long-standing government policy can create uncertainty. While these are serious issues that warrant our attention, they should not overshadow the broader reality – political policies are mostly temporary, while the relationship between Canadians and Americans has endured for more than 150 years. Despite these challenges, there remain many reasons for optimism. Canadian snowbirds are some of the most resilient travellers in the world, weathering economic shifts, hurricanes and even a global pandemic. Snowbirds have always adapted and thrived and I believe that this upcoming season will prove to be no exception. Our early membership renewals are strong as members continue to count on us to provide them with the most accurate, factual and timely information. It is the reason why 115,000 CSA members maintain their trust in this association. Despite headlines, most Canadians still experience smooth border crossings. With proper documentation and preparation, whether travelling by air, car or RV, snowbird journeys remain straightforward. For most, the practical reality of travel is far less complicated than the political noise might suggest. Local chambers of commerce, small-business owners and state tourism boards are making their voices heard. They know better than anyone the importance of the billions of dollars which we contribute annually to local economies. Restaurants, RV parks, condo associations and health-care providers all benefit from our seasonal migration. This financial contribution ensures that Canadians remain highly valued guests, regardless of political rhetoric. If travelling to the United States is not on your radar this winter, you obviously have other options. Many of our past accomplishments will still benefit you wherever you decide to travel, and our information and resources remain available to you as well. A reminder that our 2025 Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations kick off on September 22 in Sarnia, Ontario. We will follow that up with Ontario shows in Orillia, Parry Sound and Owen Sound. The tour will continue in Atlantic Canada with shows 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 Canadian guitar virtuoso Pavlo. There will also be some brief welcoming remarks from yours truly. Although these events remain free of charge, tickets are required and are available through each theatre’s box office. Tickets may well be available on the day of the event, but it’s always best to reserve yours now in case we “sell out.” Individual box office contact information can be found by clicking on the Events tab of our website at www.snowbirds.org. As we look ahead, the Canadian Snowbird Association will continue to advocate for fair treatment of Canadian travellers. We remain in close contact with policymakers on both sides of the border to ensure that snowbirds’ voices are heard. More important, we will continue to provide our members with the tools, resources and confidence that they need to travel safely and securely. In today’s political climate, numbers matter more than ever. When we speak to government officials, the size of our membership directly translates into influence. Every renewal, every new member strengthens our ability to combat unfair policies and stand up for the rights of Canadian travellers. If you have not yet renewed, you can easily do so online at www.snowbirds.org/join-csa. To those of you who have already renewed, my sincere thanks. By standing together, we ensure that snowbirds are not only heard, but respected. At the Canadian Snowbird Association, we firmly believe that this moment in history is just that – a moment. It will pass, as all such periods do. What endures is the tradition of Canadian snowbirds travelling south each winter, forming friendships, supporting local communities and building bonds that transcend politics. Please travel safely and I hope to see you at one of our fall or winter shows. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President I would like to take this opportunity to clarify recent reports in the media concerning the newly introduced U.S. “visa integrity fee.” Understandably, there has been some confusion and concern regarding how this new policy might affect Canadian travellers – particularly those who spend extended periods in the United States during the winter months. First and foremost, this new fee does not apply to Canadian citizens who are entering the United States temporarily as tourists. This includes the many Canadian snowbirds who travel south each year to escape the winter and reside in the U.S. for several months at a time. Canadian citizens are permitted to visit the United States for tourism purposes for up to six months minus one day without needing to obtain a tourist visa. As such, they are not subject to the newly implemented visa integrity fee. The purpose of the new fee, as explained by U.S. authorities, is to support the administrative and enforcement costs related to screening and monitoring certain categories of visa applicants. It applies specifically to non-immigrant visa applicants who are required to obtain a visa prior to entering the United States, based on their country of origin. Since Canadian citizens are exempt from the requirement to apply in advance for a tourist visa, this fee has no impact on routine cross-border travel for tourism. You may continue to visit the United States under the same conditions as before, without being charged any new entry or processing fees related to this policy. However, I would like to note an important distinction for individuals who are permanent residents of Canada, but not Canadian citizens. Those with permanent resident (PR) status who wish to apply for a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States may be required to pay the new US$250 visa integrity fee at the time of application. This fee is part of the U.S. Government’s broader efforts to enhance the integrity of its visa processes. In certain cases, the visa integrity fee may be refundable, provided the visa holder fully complies with the conditions of their visa. The U.S. Government has indicated that further information about the refund process, including eligibility requirements and how to submit a refund request, will be made available at a later date. Be advised that the U.S. visa integrity fee differs from the USCIS alien registration requirement introduced earlier this year. More details about this requirement can be found in the News Releases section of the CSA’s official website – www.snowbirds.org. Any changes to immigration or border policies can create uncertainty, especially for individuals who regularly travel between Canada and the United States. Please rest assured that we are closely monitoring this development and are committed to keeping our members well-informed and up to date. As more details become available from official U.S. Government sources, we will continue to share relevant information and guidance with our members. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for future updates. In related news, we are also closely monitoring the progress of the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, a bipartisan bill recently reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. If passed, this legislation would extend the permitted annual stay for eligible Canadian citizens from the current six months less a day limit to 240 days (about eight months) per calendar year. This is the companion bill to the Canadian Snowbird Act – H.R. 3070 – which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2025. The Senate version is sponsored by Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, along with Florida Senator Rick Scott. It is intended to provide additional flexibility for retired Canadian citizens who spend part of the year in the U.S., particularly during the winter months. The proposal reflects the economic importance of seasonal Canadian visitors to states such as Arizona and Florida, where tourism and real estate transactions by long-term visitors represent a substantial portion of local revenues. According to the bill, eligible Canadian citizens would need to meet certain conditions in order to benefit from the extended stay. These include owning or leasing property in the U.S. and maintaining a primary residence in Canada. The bill also specifies that visitors would not be allowed to work in the U.S. or access public assistance programs during their stay. Additionally, maintaining non-resident tax status would remain unchanged under the proposed law. The Canadian Snowbird Association will continue to monitor this development and share updates as additional information becomes available. Canadian citizens who travel regularly to the U.S. for extended stays may wish to follow the progress of this bill closely to understand any future changes which could impact their travel plans. Gilles and I wish you safe travels. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 13
J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance We expected the worst. All initial indications were that this would be a difficult year for snowbirds and, therefore, insurance sales would suffer as a result. The U.S. and Canada are squabbling like two misbehaving children – the national and international ‘news’ was telling fibs about Canadians being detained at the border and new rules for staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days were, initially, very confusing. And I should also mention the disruption caused by both the Canada Post and Air Canada strikes, as well as the crazy tariffs that are being implemented by both Canada and the United States. To add insult to injury, the forest fires across Canada had affected our ability to simply breathe. The smoke pollution all across Canada was, on many days, worse than Beijing and other terrible pollution cities and countries. I ended up purchasing a high-volume air cleaner on Amazon and it helped a lot, as long as we kept our windows closed. Canada set many records during this past summer – not many of them good. One of the very surprising records, at least to me, was our robust Early Bird travel insurance sales. As mentioned, we expected the worst but, in reality, we set new sales records. Approximately 1,000 snowbirds were new to our Early Bird program this year, which is both rewarding and reassuring. It is still too early to break out the champagne, but this is an incredible start to the snowbird season. Where is the dramatic drop in U.S. travel? Well, when you dig deeper into the statistics, the reduced travel (about 25% less) is almost entirely due to those little cross-border shopping trips and the family vacations to Disneyland and Disney World. And Vegas is in free fall. This obviously has nothing to do with our snowbird community. I am going South for the winter and now I know that you are going South, too. The price of gasoline is down and air fares are very competitive. It is a great year to be a snowbird and your favourite restaurants, your American friends and your many fun facilities eagerly await your arrival. P.S.: I have still not been able to confirm even one snowbird who was maltreated, arrested, jailed or even detained. 14 | www.snowbirds.org
Opinion with Michael Coren The world recently became a bigger, more gorgeous and much more exciting place. Because in July, our granddaughter was born. As I say, the world became a bigger, more gorgeous and much more exciting place. At a time so cruelly volatile and dangerous, and in a culture increasingly unforgiving and judgmental, a small example of purity and hope has joined humanity. Why, some people ask, would your daughter decide to have a child now, at a time as grim as this? Those people, if only they knew it, are part of the very problem, because the antidote to despair is optimism and nothing gives us more optimism than new, pristine life. The mother of the child is our daughter Lucy, the second of our four children. Back in 2018, she got married and I wrote her a letter for her wedding, to be read on the special day. Among other things, I recalled in the letter how, when she was four years old, I took Lucy to see The Nutcracker at Christmas in Toronto. There she was in her party dress, all smiles and anticipation, sitting on her booster seat and leaning in as if magnetized to the ballet, its music and its glory. Then the music ended, the audience applauded and we left. At which point she began to cry. The tears bisected her miniature cheeks, and she was nothing but weeping and sorrow, and it was as if my life were collapsing before me. Why Lucy, why? She had seemed so exquisitely happy. “Because,” she said, in between gulps for air, “because it’s stopped and it’s finished” – more agonizing gulps – “and I don’t want the magic to be over. I don’t want the magic to end.” Now it was my turn to feel tearful. But I managed to hide my tears and reply: “Darling, I promise you, I promise you with all that I have, the magic will never end.” What a promise that was, what a grand and great commitment that surely couldn’t be fulfilled. How dare I say such a thing? But it’s what parents do. As I’ve aged, seen our wonderful children mature and seen them become adults themselves and take their places as good, kind and productive members of society, I’m convinced that the magic, while perhaps not of music and dancing and fantasy, is as strong as ever. Because that magic is love. Call me naïve and foolish if you like, but I speak of an authentic, all-consuming love that binds us together, enabling us to put others first and to turn dreams into reality, and aspirations into achievements. Love may be a term that is overused, misunderstood, even exploited, but that doesn’t change its true, sparkling nature. For me as an Anglican priest, it informs – it must inform – all that I do and all that I am. When I was ordained, I took an oath “to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.” That calling is a joy and a privilege, but I can’t pretend that it’s always easy; at times, it’s frustrating and even dangerous. It’s love that sustains me. In my case, the love of Jesus Christ who taught that his followers should be known to the world by this very quality. God in heaven, if only that were always the case! But it’s also love as a father and grandfather. A love that delights in every word, every step, every smile that my children and now my grandchildren took and take. A love that makes me a better, brighter person. The immaculate symbiosis of love, shared and joined and relished. Because of that love, I will hold my granddaughter in my arms and whisper in her ear some of the things that I said to her mum so many years ago and make no apologies for doing so. “My darling granddaughter. I’m 66 years old now and I will only be here for a part of your life, but my love will be with you forever. I know that your life will be extraordinary because your parents will be your guides and guards. Please know that this foolish, flawed, inadequate man can promise you that you are loved by so many people, so deeply, so completely, and that because of that love the magic will never end. I give you my word my darling, whatever else happens, the magic will never end.” CSANews | FALL 2025 | 15
The Beautiful Bahamas An idyllic sun spot brimming with endless attractions By Donna Carter During the 1700s, notorious pirates used the Bahamian islands as their operational hub, a location that served them well. The shipping lanes of the period provided Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd and others with a steady stream of vessels which they regularly attacked and looted. Ships carrying anything worth thieving were fair game. However, the centuries-old history that ties The Bahamas to the famous “Golden Age of Piracy” lies in the ancient past. Today, the archipelago’s history as a buccaneers’ headquarters has long since been replaced with a different kind of fame. Consisting of 700 coral islands southeast of Florida, with 30 of them inhabited, the subtropical country in the Atlantic attracts millions of visitors a year. What entices them is a sublime sunshine environment, clear blue water, pink sand beaches, golf courses, water sports and casinos, together with a vibrant nightlife and a host of unique attractions. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year plus an abundance of entertainment features, it’s hardly surprising that The Bahamas has attracted the attention of the rich and famous. The many who either own property there or regularly visit include Tiger Woods, Johnny Depp, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Faith Hill and Nicolas Cage. Lying 50 miles east of mainland Florida – and 250 miles north of Cuba – the islands are so rich with things to see and do that the choices are vast and can vary from one island to another. While there are boat shuttles, water taxis and ferries connecting some of the islands, there are also short-haul flights, making it easy to visit more than one island during the same trip. New Providence ranks as the country’s most popular; its capital city, Nassau, is the largest centre in The Bahamas. Other popular islands include Paradise, Bimini, The Exumas, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama. However, repeat visitors and longtime fans of this sunshine archipelago insist that there are no bad choices. What follows is a representation of what the islands have to offer in terms of activities, adventure, sightseeing and surprises. 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
The Capital Experience Lying on the northeastern coast of New Providence, The Bahamas’ capital city of Nassau is a popular cruise ship stop and is widely known for its beaches, as well as its offshore coral reefs notable for diving and snorkelling. Featuring colonial architecture from its past as a British colony, the city centre is a busy nucleus where throngs of people regularly gather to shop, dine and sightsee. An always-buzzing attraction is the city’s Straw Market, a traditional open-air market selling everything from local produce to handwoven straw crafts, shell jewellery, wood carvings and various Bahamian souvenirs. Visual arts lovers can explore Bahamian art and culture at the city’s National Art Gallery, as well as at the Heritage Museum of The Bahamas where the history of the country is represented. Among the city’s prominent historic sites is Fort Fincastle, built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. Below the fort is the famous Queen’s Staircase, a walkway of 66 steps carved out of solid limestone originally created as the fort’s escape route. With Nassau’s history significantly marked by the age of piracy, visitors can learn everything there is to know about it at the Pirates of Nassau Museum. An attraction of a different nature is the John Watlings Distillery situated on an estate overlooking Nassau’s harbour. Here, visitors can learn about the company’s production of their famous island rum and observe how it’s bottled by hand the old-fashioned way. With beaches everywhere in The Bahamas, there are more than a dozen of them around Nassau with some of them mere minutes from the city centre. They range in nature from perfectly white sand beaches ideally suited to sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling to those that are blissfully quiet, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 17 Travel
A Diver’s Paradise The Bahamas are known in the global dive community as one of the best places on the planet for underwater experiences. Throughout the country’s chain of islands, extensive dive options include everything from the exploration of shipwrecks to shark diving, black holes, coral gardens, reef diving and vertical-drops. At Tiger Beach off Grand Bahama, the waters are known for reliable tiger shark sightings as well as nurse sharks, lemon sharks and, occasionally, hammerheads. It is the island of Bimini, however, that boasts the greatest chance of hammerhead sightings. The island is also known for its famous underwater rock formation known as The Bimini Road, believed by some to be part of the lost city of Atlantis. Southeast of Bimini, the Andros Barrier Reef off of Andros Island provides stunning, steep-wall dives that likewise occur on the sister islands of San Salvador and Long Island. Since colonial times, the shallow reefs of The Bahamas have sent many ships to the bottom, where they are now popular dive sites. Bahamian shipwreck dives fall into three categories – shallow, moderate and deeper dives – which means that there is essentially a shipwreck site for all dive skills. Among the most popular for its shallow depth and visibility is the SS Sapona, a cargo steamer that went down off of Bimini during a hurricane in 1926. A favourite among the dive community is the Maravillas, a Spanish ship carrying gold, silver and jewels that sank in 1656. Overall, according to a Smithsonian report, at least 176 wreck sites have been identified in The Bahamas region. Swimming with Pigs As unusual as it might seem, swimming with a colony of feral swine is a big Bahamian attraction. There is more than one place in The Bahamas where people can swim with pigs, however, the most famous is Pig Beach on an uninhabited island among the several cays off the island of Exuma. While there is no factual account of how the pigs ended up there, there are various theories: they were marooned there following a shipwreck; they were dropped off by early sailors who planned to return, but never did; and some say that they were put there as part of an intentional tourist scheme. Whatever the case, one thing is certain – swimming among pigs and piglets is highly popular. Tourists galore regularly jump into the sea and swim with the porkers that are famous for their love of the water. Generally friendly and playful, about 20 pigs and piglets are living the good life with daily visits from both Bahamians and tourists. There’s little chance that they will ever leave their hospitable waters where they are regularly fed by both tourists and neighbouring island locals. Getting to swim with them typically involves booking a tour or excursion. 18 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Tee Up for Golf The Bahamian islands boast several world-class courses, making the destination a premier venue for golf lovers. A mix of challenging layouts, together with reliable sunshine and stunning scenery are the ingredients that make for ideal days on the links. In total, there are 13 courses that offer a variety of options for all skill levels, from beginner to professional. On the island of Eleuthera, there are two world-class courses – one designed by all-time golf great Tiger Woods and another designed by Jack Nicklaus, also one of the world’s golf giants. Nicklaus also put his design stamp on a course near Nassau which features dramatic views and rolling white sand dunes. This, and various other Bahamian courses are good examples of premier links designed for both recreational and championship play. Overall, the one element which island courses have in common is their breathtaking beauty, with some having seaside greens that put players just steps from the ocean. In this paradise environment of sun, sea, gorgeous views and a relaxing island atmosphere, there is no course in The Bahamas that gets bad reviews. A solid endorsement for Bahamian golf links is the fact that the islands are regularly chosen to host several professional golf tournaments each year. A Bahamas getaway strategically planned to coincide with one of those tournaments offers visitors a chance to watch the world’s best golfers at play. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 19 Travel
It was those particular fishing experiences that influenced his writing of The Old Man and the Sea, the story of an aging fisherman and his long struggle to catch a giant marlin. It was Hemingway’s writing, inspired by his Bimini fishing adventures, that cemented The Bahamas as a special place in fishing lore and also played a role in the founding of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). To this day, Bimini continues to maintain a Hemingway mystique. Despite Bimini’s place in fishing lore, there are several other equally good options including the waters off Abacos, New Providence, Grand Bahama and The Exumas. Deep-Sea Fishing The Bahamas are widely considered a top choice for deep-sea fishing. In fact, they have a long history as a premier sport fishing destination, with numerous world records set within their waters. What’s offered is a diverse range of fishing opportunities, including the chance to hook legendary game fish such as marlin, sailfish, tuna and wahoo. With the islands lying close to deep-water trenches and a warm ocean current, it’s where large game fish typically tend to congregate. Among the various islands, Bimini has the title of ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the Bahamas’, a title that attracts anglers from around the globe. Bimini’s location near the Gulf Stream brings abundant bait fish and, consequently, the large game species. Celebrated author Ernest Hemingway spent considerable time on Bimini, angling in its offshore waters. 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Have a Cigar Fans fond of lighting up a stogie can indulge the sensory experience of taste and aroma at Nassau’s Graycliff Cigar Company. This is a family-owned business established in 1997 with a single roller – a business that now employs 16 master rollers, each an expert in cigar rolling. Today, the place has become a tourist attraction where visitors can witness the rollers first-hand as they produce five different brands of cigars. Visitors can also take a cigar-rolling lesson during which they learn how to sort, clean and roll the best leaves. Interactive lessons include the history of tobacco, together with information about where the best leaves are found and why certain leaves are blended together to produce the finest cigars. The facility also offers the double pleasure of cigar-and-rum pairing sessions led by expert craftsmen in both cigar rolling and island rums. For cigar enthusiasts, a visit to the Graycliff factory caters to their favourite indulgence and includes tips regarding how to smoke a cigar like a connoisseur. Bahamas Trip Planner Peak season weather is mid- December to mid-April; May and November are shoulder seasons that offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds. There are 20 international airports in The Bahamas accommodating regularly scheduled flights from various international locations including Canada. Get help deciding on a travel itinerary by consulting the official online travel site for The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com. Birdwatching With The Bahamas covering more than 180,000 square miles of ocean and each of its major islands full of avian surprises, there are excellent birdwatching opportunities among diverse habitats ranging from pine forests to mangroves and coastal areas. Considered a must-visit birdwatching venue is the Abaco National Park where the island of Abaco is home to the endangered Bahama parrot. Alternatively, Andros Island is the only place to spot the endangered Bahama oriole. The island environment there also supports the Key West quail-dove, great lizard Cuckoo, Bahama yellow throat and several others. The top place in the islands to see a large population of West African flamingos is the Inagua National Park located on Great Inagua Island, the southernmost of The Bahamas. Grand Bahama Island also offers superb birdwatching, boasting the second-highest number of native species in the country. Varieties likely to be seen on this island are the Antillean peewee, Red-legged thrush, West Indian woodpecker, Bahama swallow and several other native species. Overall, the Bahamian islands are populated with a bird menagerie more than sufficient to satisfy the most ardent birder. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 21 Travel
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