ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way ARE YOU KEEPING FIT? Health BLENDING FAMILY FINANCES Finance OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2026 | ISSUE 139 Publication mail agreement no: 40063603
Introducing Canada’s official snowbird wireless program. NDesigned for the snowbird lifestyle. NDesigned to keep you connected across North America. NDesigned to save members money! Rogers Preferred Program Offer subject to change without notice, available for eligible Rogers Preferred Program members new to Rogers mobile. Membership verification is required. Taxes extra. 1 10GB’s speed caps up to 150 Mbps, 100GB’s speed caps up to 1 Gbps. If you exceed 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 128 Kbps for 10GB’s and 512 Kbps for 100GB’s. (upload and download) for light web browsing, email and messaging until the end of your billing cycle. Access to Rogers’ 5G/5G+ network, where available, requires a 5G compatible device. Whether connecting to Rogers or another carrier’s network, whether in Canada or internationally, speed, performance and whether a 5G capable device uses the available 5G/5G+ network depend on various factors including your device, configuration, usage, the carrier’s network technology, network and internet traffic, topography, environmental conditions, applicable network management practices, and other factors. See coverage map for more details. Usage is subject to the Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy and the Rogers Network Management Policy. 2 Where applicable provincial 9-1-1 fees are billed monthly. 3 $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. 4 On the Rogers Network within Canada, the U.S., and Mexico excluding calls made through Call Forwarding, Video calling or similar services. Includes unlimited text/picture/video messages sent from Canada, U.S. and Mexico to Canadian, U.S., Mexico mobile numbers and received texts from anywhere. Premium texts (alerts, messages related to content and promotions)Rogers & Design and related brand names and logos are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate used under license. © 2025 Rogers Communications. Contact us today to learn more: 1-888-516-7669 www.snowbirds.org/csa-wireless RogersPreferred@fvwireless.com Get a 5G+ plan with 10GB1 Get a 5G+ plan with 100GB1 for only for only $29/mo.2 $50/mo.2 with Auto-Pay3 when you bring your own device. with Auto-Pay3 when you bring your own device. Plan includes data and unlimited talk and text in Canada/U.S./Mexico.4
Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright SUMMER 2026 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 Dr. Elaine Dembe 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 Philip 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 & Events Specialist J. Ross Quigley Garry McDonald Christopher Davidge Peter Prusa Paula McGovern Fran Castricone SUMMER 2026 | ISSUE 139 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. Merv Magus Cover photo: iStock.com/CharlesLevin Illustrator Whew, it’s hot! We came to Florida following the passing of one of our great friends, Anne Weylie. She was the wife of Wallace Weylie ‒ the legal counsel to the Canadian Snowbird Association ‒ and we worked and travelled with them for more than 30 years. Anne was a fighter; she battled cancer bravely for several years and now she is at peace. We will, of course, miss her but we will always have the fond memories of our great times together. We have always travelled to Florida to escape the winter cold, but now I understand why a few of our American friends head north for the summer. Now, we have to escape the heat. It is 95 plus out there with oppressive humidity. Thank God for air conditioning. Coming here for a week or two is fine, but you get to see what the grass cutter and the pool maintenance guy have done or, shall I say, not done. We have security cameras to monitor our property, but they do not really show the upkeep required. If you do not have cameras, I would strongly suggest that you get them. They are very inexpensive, are fun to view when at home and have helped the police out on many occasions. Have a wonderful Canadian summer and stay healthy and hydrated for best results. Sincerely, J. Ross Quigley Editor CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 3
Snowbird Events FREE SNOWBIRD SHOW For additional information or to volunteer, call the CSA at 1.800.265.3200 or visit snowbirdextravaganza.com/canada Canadian Snowbird Association President Garry McDonald With a special presentation from Sponsored by Join us for a FREE concert to celebrate the snowbird lifestyle! Our all-Canadian, world-class entertainment for this year’s tour includes fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, comedian Bruce McCulloch and singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson; 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. SNOWBIRD CONCERT SERIES Ashley MacIsaac Bruce McCulloch Carolyn Dawn Johnson 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Snowbird Events • SEP • 15 Tues ST. CATHARINES ONTARIO FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre 250 St. Paul Street Box Office: 905-688-0722 or 1-855-515-0722 firstontariopac.ca • SEP • 16 Wed PORT HOPE ONTARIO Capitol Theatre 20 Queen Street Box Office: 905-885-1071 or 1-800-434-5092 capitoltheatre.com • SEP • 17 Thur OSHAWA ONTARIO Regent Theatre 50 King St. E. Box Office: 905-721-3399 regenttheatre.ca • SEP • 18 Fri BELLEVILLE ONTARIO Empire Theatre 321 Front Street Box Office: 613-969-0099 theempiretheatre.com • SEP • 21 Mon KELOWNA BRITISH COLUMBIA Kelowna Community Theatre 1375 Water Street Box Office: 250-469-8940 theatre.kelowna.ca • SEP • 22 Tues SHERWOOD PARK ALBERTA Festival Place 100 Festival Way Box Office: 780-449-3378 festivalplace.ca • SEP • 23 Wed REGINA SASKATCHEWAN Regina Performing Arts Centre 1077 Angus St. Box Office: 306-779-2277 reginapac.com • SEP • 24 Thur BRANDON MANITOBA Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium 205 20th Street Box Office: 204-728-9510 wmca.ca All events from 7-10 p.m. (doors to lobby open at 6 p.m.) Schedule subject to change. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 5
Table of Contents SUMMER 2026 | ISSUE 139 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION Senior Canadians Hold Fast to Southbound Travel Detour Kids…not so much. by Milan Korcok Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way The Emerald Isle’s famous west coast drive delivers all that’s uniquely special about the land of green. by Donna Carter Features 22 16 21 Coming Home from Europe What Canadian snowbirds need to leave behind. By Dr. Amy Snow Travel 6 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 40 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 42 Golf by David McPherson 44 CSA Online by Alan Breznick 46 Gardening by Judith Adam 48 Food & Drink by Shari McIntyre 50 Fun & Games 51 Grins & Giggles 52 CSA Application 53 CSA Benefits 54 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 37 Health Pulse 38 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 26 32 Come together Tips and hints for how blended families can manage their finances and avoid conflict. by James Dolan Are You Keeping Fit? The importance of continuing to move your body as you age. by Dr. Robert MacMillan Finance Health Departments 34 Square Dancing’s Destiny Are square dance clubs across the country on their last legs? by Donna Carter Special Report CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 7
Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, If I go to Florida in the fall for six weeks and return home for Christmas and then return to Florida in January for four months, is it necessary for me to stay in Canada for a specific number of days before returning to Florida? Lee Ward Carleton Place, ON Ed.: It is recommended that if you don’t want your time in Canada between your visits to Florida to be included in your count of days spent in the U.S., you should remain in Canada for at least 30 days before returning to the U.S. in January. Dear Bird Talk, Governor Ron DeSantis has long been talking of dropping property taxes for Florida residents. This appears to be gaining momentum as he nears the end of his term. Today, he clarified that it will only affect native Floridians; we will still go after “Canadians and new people moving into state.” Urgent time to lobby Florida politicians. John Lumsden Kitchener, ON Ed.: We are pleased to report that the Canadian Snowbird Association has been actively working with aligned interest groups in Florida to ensure that the Florida state legislature enacts equitable property tax reform, so that the burden of supporting public services is shared equally among the entire tax base, not just commercial property owners and non-homesteaders. Dear Bird Talk, You told a reader that if they need medication while in Florida, they can have it sent from Canada. My husband forgot his blood pressure meds and Prednisone. He had a friend get it from our home and ship it to Florida. He provided all necessary information and labelled it “Medication.” We got an email saying the shipment was delayed. My husband phoned and was told that they didn’t have all of the information. My husband provided it to them. Next day, same thing. They needed more info. My husband phoned, and gave them info we had already sent. Every day, an email came saying that it was delayed. Every day, my husband phoned. Twenty-five days later, the shipment finally arrived! This was very stressful! I would recommend going to a doctor in Florida and getting new prescriptions. Sandra Downey Bracebridge, ON Ed.: Good advice! If you need the medication in a hurry, a local doctor is the best way to go. Dear Bird Talk, In order to complete the Form 8840 prior to June 15, we will be using our current passport that expires well after June 15; we were hoping to have a new passport issued in October. At the land-border crossing, we will present our new passport (and numbers) which will not agree with the passport numbers on our just-completed Form 8840. Will this present a problem? Thank you for your time. Gary Jardine Collingwood, ON Ed.: Your new passport number does not have any impact on a Form 8840 previously filed with the IRS, and filing a Form 8840 will not have any impact on your admission to the United States. Carry on! Dear Bird Talk, Like the majority of CSA members, we keep accurate records of our entry and departure dates from the U.S. and confirm this on the U.S. I-94 website of travel history. We were issued Form I-94s when we entered the U.S. on Nov 15, but there is NO record of our departure on April 5 at the Blaine land border. I realize now that the safest choice would be to provide a copy of your Form I-94 at the land border on departure. What do you recommend we do now, as the U.S. border services does not have a recorded date of our departure? Gillian Gibson West Vancouver, BC Ed.: A good method to provide evidence of your date of re-entry into Canada is the presentation of a receipt. If you purchased gas, a restaurant meal or groceries with your credit card on the day of your return to Canada, it will be on your credit card statement. Keep a copy of the statement or receipt handy for peace of mind. Dear Bird Talk, I just wanted to commend Mr. Quigley for his Editor’s Message delivered in our current issue of CSANews. Being an annual traveller to Florida for the winter, I enjoyed a very similar, enjoyable experience with friends in the Sunshine state. Good news is refreshing and supportive of our friends to the South. Thank you for the continued good news, Regards, Mike Walz St. Catharines, ON Ed.: Many people chose to remain in Canada this past winter in order to demonstrate their disapproval of comments made by the current administration in Washington, D.C. We are fortunate that we live in a free country, where we can say and do what we believe. We are also fortunate that we can visit a free country, where such freedoms and values are shared. Dear Bird Talk, In response to Gena Gorrell’s submission in the spring issue and her problems with not having a “valid government-issued photo ID” for her husband, she needs to acquire a Canadian Identity Card at Service Ontario. This has your name, address and photo on it. Passports and health cards are often not valid in many situations (e.g. voting, for one) because they do not contain the carrier’s address. Katherine Smith Hamilton, ON Ed.: Good advice, Katherine. I hope that Gena reads this. 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, I am not a CSA member (yet), but I receive four news supplements yearly because I am a Medipac member. Having been a snowbird for 21 years and knowing how wonderful winters in Florida (away from the cold) can be, I feel I must comment on the editor’s frank and honest voice regarding the propaganda affecting Canadians’ decision to stay home. My advice to those people is, swallow your pride and don’t read or listen to that unfair criticism. My wife and I will become Canadian Snowbird Association members forthwith. Thank you, Mr. Quigley, for helping us make that decision. John Moxey Ayr, ON Ed.: It’s hard to tune out the noise sometimes. Welcome aboard! Dear Bird Talk, Last year when we drove to Florida, we were not issued a Form I-94. We completed the Form G325-R once we arrived at our destination. My question is as follows: If we leave for a cruise (or two), do we need to complete another Form G325-R each time we enter the U.S. if our stay will be longer than 30 days? We were sent to secondary screening BEFORE we were allowed to board the ship when the person checking us in learned that we were staying for longer than 30 days after the cruise. We were also not issued a Form I-94 when we went through customs when we returned. Anita Simpson Kitchener, ON Ed.: The answer is yes! You need to confirm that a Form I-94 has been issued and, if not, you must complete the G325-R form each time you intend to remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. Dear Bird Talk, I obtained my first G-325R Certificate (Proof of Registration) in March 2025. When I returned to the states in November 2025 for my next five-month stay, I applied for a new certificate. After making my submission, I received a Courtesy Notice stating that “you have already complied with your duty to register ...”. As such, I was not issued another certificate for my second stay in the U.S. in excess of 30 days. In the event that I was asked for a certificate for my second five-month stay, I carried the original March 2025 certificate and copy of the Courtesy Notice saying that I was compliant. Should Canadians expect to be issued a new certificate for each new declaration or just for the first time (after setting up an account with the USCIS) and then subsequently just receive Courtesy Notices that they are compliant? I don’t want to risk an ICE detention. Cameron Dickie Tecumseh, ON Ed.: It remains a best practice for Canadians to complete a new G-325R registration submission for each trip to the United States that will be 30 days or longer. However, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals who have previously registered to receive a Courtesy Notice confirming that they have already complied with the registration requirement, rather than being issued a new Certificate of Registration. For this reason, travellers should retain their original Certificate of Registration and carry it with them during future stays in the United States, along with copies of any subsequent Courtesy Notices they receive. Having both documents available can help demonstrate compliance, should questions arise during your stay. Dear Bird Talk, My husband and I were in Florida from mid-January to mid-April this year. We drove down and crossed through the Ambassador Bridge land border. I was quite nervous about crossing the border, despite the fact that we were not hiding anything or breaking any laws. Fortunately, we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a lovely border security agent who sent us on our way after a short bit of friendly banter. We were not automatically issued Form I-94s, but didn’t realize that we were supposed to fill out Form G-325R. We returned to Canada without any issues, but now I’m wondering if we might have difficulty crossing into the U.S. next winter due to not having completed a G-325R? Should we be completing this form now? If the mid-terms result in changes, is it possible that we will no longer need to worry about these forms? Thank you, Tammy Morrell-Belai Tiny, ON Ed.: Based on the information you provided, there is currently no indication that not submitting a G-325R during your January-April stay would automatically create difficulties for future travel to the United States. Since your trip has already concluded and you have returned to Canada without issue, there is no clear guidance suggesting that a retroactive registration submission is required. The Canadian Snowbird Association is actively lobbying for the elimination of this requirement for Canadian travellers and continues to raise concerns with U.S. lawmakers and officials about the impact which these measures have on Canadian snowbirds. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 9
Snowbird Alert Know the risks of using financial apps (NC) Financial applications, also called fintech apps or fintechs, can help you manage your finances online. But it’s important to know the risks, especially when they use a method known as screen scraping to access your financial data. What to do about unsolicited texts, emails and calls (NC) In the age of buzzing phones and overflowing inboxes, staying digitally safe has become part of modern living. But as our devices get smarter, so do scammers. Here are a few simple ways to stay one step ahead: Spot the red flags If your bank, the government or a wellknown company suddenly reaches out with urgent language such as “act now” or “your account will be suspended,” pause before you panic. Scammers thrive on pressure and fear. Requests for highly sensitive information such as PINs, passwords or card numbers are big red flags. No legitimate institution will reach out and ask for these details from you. What to do in the moment If a message or call feels wrong, trust your gut. Hang up immediately or simply ignore it. There is no need to engage. Whatever you do, don’t click suspicious links or respond with personal details. When in doubt, go straight to the source because scammers can make a phone call – even the caller ID – appear legitimate. You can keep yourself safe by calling only the official number printed on your bank card or listed on the organization’s website, not the one from which you received a call. A quick verification can save you from a world of hassle. If you do spot something suspicious, report it to your bank. Know what you’re liable for Federally regulated financial institutions can’t hold you liable for unauthorized debit card transactions, while credit card issuers can hold you liable for a maximum of $50. However, if you provide your banking information to anyone – including a spouse, family member or someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or bank employee – you lose that protection. Scams involving other modes of payment, such as electronic transfers, are not protected through any federal legislation. It’s important to be vigilant and keep your PINs and passwords to yourself. Protecting yourself from fraud and scams can be empowering. By recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond, you can navigate today’s complex digital landscape with increased confidence. Learn more about your rights, how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you suspect that a scammer is trying to target you at canada.ca/money. What are fintech apps? Fintechs offer personalized services such as financial product comparison tools and budget tools. They also often let you view all of your financial accounts and assets in one place. Banks may offer their own fintechs, but third-party providers also create, manage and offer fintech apps. Typically, third-party apps use screen scraping technology, which requires you to provide your online banking usernames and passwords to access your financial data. Why is screen scraping risky? Once you share your login credentials, you no longer have control over what happens with your data. These apps will have access to your account balances, as well as your transaction, product and services information. This increases your risk of being exposed to data breaches and, once you share your banking information, your bank may hold you liable for any losses if fraudsters use your debit or credit card. How can you stay safer? There are alternatives to these apps available. For example, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a variety of free online tools to help you manage your money – and which don’t use screen scraping. These include a budget planner, a bank account comparison tool, a mortgage calculator and a financial goal calculator. Before trying out a fintech app, find out how the provider will access your financial information. If you’re unsure, ask your bank. And, if you still have doubts, don’t share your information. You can learn more about keeping your financial data safe online at canada.ca/money. 10 | www.snowbirds.org
In Memoriam In memory of Robert “Bob” Slack 1942 – 2026 During his presidency, the CSA achieved several major accomplishments: ▶ Successfully advocated for absentee voting in Ontario provincial elections, thereby strengthening democratic rights for Ontarians travelling abroad; ▶ Led the Canadian Snowbird Association’s long-running campaign for a Canadian Retiree Visa, resulting in the proposal’s introduction multiple times in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as its inclusion in broader U.S. immigration legislation; ▶ Opposed proposed U.S. entry fees for Canadian visitors and additional land border fees, helping to maintain affordable cross-border travel; ▶ Played a leading role in securing the introduction of Canada’s 10-year passport and provided testimony before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade regarding passport-related issues; ▶ Successfully advocated for changes to Canadian tax policy, resulting in the Canada Revenue Agency accepting both the medical and non-medical components of travel medical insurance premiums as tax-deductible expenses; ▶ Achieved expanded access to prescription medication for travellers, including Saskatchewan’s adoption of simplified reimbursement procedures and increased medication supplies; ▶ Helped secure extensions of provincial health coverage eligibility for travellers, with British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories all extending allowable absences to seven months while still maintaining health coverage; ▶ Led the association’s transition to the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, modernizing the CSA’s governance structure; ▶ Strengthened the CSA’s advocacy profile through participation in the U.S. Travel Association and regular legislative missions to Washington, D.C., expanding the association’s influence regarding cross-border issues; and, ▶ Oversaw significant organizational milestones, including the Canadian Snowbird Association’s 20th and 25th anniversaries, the publication of the 100th issue of CSANews, and the expansion of programs recognizing volunteers and supporting Canada Clubs across the U.S. Sunbelt. It is with profound sadness that we must announce the sudden and unexpected passing of CSA past-president Robert “Bob” Slack. Bob was born and raised in Brockville, Ontario. He had a long and distinguished career in education as a teacher, principal and supervisor of student teachers. He taught for the Galt and Carleton Roman Catholic School Boards and, later, the State University of New York. Bob presented retirement-planning workshops for the Ontario Teachers’ Federation, served as an educational consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, was a part-time lecturer at the University of Ottawa and served as a municipal councillor for the Township of Goulbourn. Bob became a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association in 2001. He joined the board of directors in 2006, holding the positions of secretary (2006), first vice-president and chair of the Government Relations Committee (2008) and led the association as president (2010-2017). He remained as the immediate past-president from 2017 to 2024 and was subsequently appointed director emeritus. Bob has been a volunteer with several organizations. He served in numerous capacities with the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, including two terms as president. He was president of the Richmond District Lions Club and Richmond Snowrovers Snowmobile Club and was active in minor hockey. Bob’s leadership was a true asset to the CSA. He had a subtle way of getting everyone one board to do what was right for the association; in every city and town we visited he seemed to bump into someone he knew from his extensive travels throughout his life. He took the time to welcome everyone that attended our events, and always stuck around to wave goodbye as they left. He valued the virtue of fellowship. His kind and generous nature will be dearly missed. Bob is survived by his wife Lois, his two sons Timothy (Allison) and Benjamin (Julie), and his three grandchildren Oliver, Elliot and Nora. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 11
Florida’s 2026 legislative session produced one of the most important developments affecting Canadian snowbirds in recent years. What began as a discussion about providing tax relief to Florida homeowners quickly evolved into a debate that had the potential to significantly increase property taxes for seasonal residents. Thanks in part to ongoing advocacy efforts by the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), lawmakers ultimately adopted a more balanced approach that protects snowbirds from potential tax increases, while providing meaningful benefits to owners of non-homesteaded properties. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida legislature began exploring major reforms to the state’s property tax system. Among the concepts being discussed was the possibility of dramatically reducing ‒ or eventually eliminating ‒ the non-education portion of property taxes on homesteaded properties. While the proposal was intended to provide relief to permanent Florida residents, it raised significant concerns for Canadian snowbirds. Local governments throughout Florida rely heavily on property taxes to fund essential services such as police and fire protection, emergency response, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, parks and libraries. Although school taxes would have remained in place, there was a serious proposal in the Florida House of Representatives that would have eliminated much of the non-school portion of property taxes on homesteaded properties as early as January 1, 2027. This would have created a substantial funding challenge for local governments. The Canadian Snowbird Association quickly identified a serious potential consequence. If homesteaded homeowners were no longer paying a significant portion of local property taxes, local governments would still need revenue to maintain services. Without an alternative funding source, there was a real risk that a greater share of the tax burden could shift onto non-homesteaded properties. For snowbirds, this was particularly concerning. Because most Canadian seasonal residents do not qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption, their properties are classified as non-homesteaded. Had local governments lost a large portion of their tax base, taxes on non-homesteaded properties could have risen significantly to make up the difference. The CSA actively engaged with Florida policymakers throughout the debate, emphasizing that any reform should be carefully studied and implemented in a way that would not unfairly disadvantage seasonal property owners, who contribute substantially to Florida’s economy and communities. Ultimately, lawmakers adopted a much more measured approach. Rather than eliminating non-school property taxes, the Florida legislature approved a constitutional amendment that will appear on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by at least 60 per cent of Florida voters, the amendment would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for nonschool taxes according to the following schedule: ▶ Current exemption: $50,000; ▶ January 1, 2027: Increase to $150,000; ▶ January 1, 2028: Increase to $250,000; and ▶ January 1, 2029 and beyond: Indexed annually to inflation. While these expanded exemptions primarily benefit permanent Florida residents who qualify for homestead status, lawmakers also included a provision that potentially represents a major victory for Canadian snowbirds. The legislation reduces the annual assessment growth cap on non-homesteaded properties from 10 per cent to five per cent, beginning in 2027. For many CSA members, this may be the most important aspect of the entire package. Again, unlike homesteaded homeowners, seasonal residents generally do not qualify for Florida’s most generous property tax protections. Their homes are, instead, subject to the non-homestead assessment cap. Under the current system, taxable assessments can increase by as much as 10 per cent annually, even when homeowners experience no corresponding increase in income. By reducing the cap to five per cent, lawmakers have proposed to effectively cut in half the maximum annual increase in taxable assessed value for many seasonal properties. This would provide greater predictability, help moderate future tax increases and offer important protection during periods of rapid real estate appreciation. The proposed new cap is especially significant because it provides a direct benefit to snowbirds who would not otherwise qualify for the expanded homestead exemptions. At a time when insurance premiums, condominium fees and other housing costs continue to rise, slowing the growth of taxable assessments will help preserve the affordability of owning a winter home in Florida. The CSA has been advocating for this reduction for many years and strongly supports this provision because it recognizes the important contribution which seasonal residents make to Florida’s economy, as well as ensuring that non-resident property owners receive meaningful consideration in future tax reforms. Perhaps most important, the final legislation avoided the risk of an immediate and dramatic shift in the property tax burden onto seasonal residents. Instead of implementing sweeping changes on January 1, 2027, lawmakers chose a gradual approach that allows voters, policymakers and local governments additional time to evaluate future reforms. The outcome of the 2026 legislative session demonstrates the importance of having a strong voice at the table when major policy decisions are being considered. By working with policymakers throughout the process, the Canadian Snowbird Association helped to ensure that the interests of seasonal property owners were recognized and protected. For Canadian snowbirds, avoiding a potentially harmful tax shift while securing a valuable reduction in the non-homestead assessment cap represents a significant advocacy victory and one that will benefit members for years to come, if approved by Florida voters in November. President’s Message Garry McDonald CSA President 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President For more than three decades, the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has served as the national voice of travelling Canadians. While many members know the CSA for its trusted information, travel benefits and member services, one of the organization’s most important roles happens behind the scenes: advocacy. Through continued engagement with elected officials, government departments and policymakers in Canada and abroad, the CSA has helped secure meaningful improvements that continue to benefit Canadian travellers. These achievements demonstrate the value of having a dedicated organization focused on protecting and advancing the interests of snowbirds. One of the CSA’s most significant accomplishments has been helping Canadians maintain access to provincial health care while spending extended periods outside of their home province. Historically, many provinces imposed strict limits regarding the length of time for which residents could be absent, while still retaining their health coverage. As increasing numbers of Canadians chose to spend part of the year in warmer destinations, these restrictions created challenges for retirees and long-term travellers. The CSA worked extensively with provincial governments to advocate for more realistic absence allowances to reflect modern travel patterns. As a result, several provinces extended the amount of time which residents could spend outside of the province, while maintaining their health benefits. These changes provided greater flexibility and peace of mind for snowbirds who divide their time between Canada and abroad. The CSA led the fight against Ontario’s decision to eliminate OHIP’s out-of-country emergency health coverage. As the only national organization dedicated to representing the interests of travelling Canadians, the CSA launched and funded a successful legal challenge that ultimately resulted in the restoration of emergency medical coverage for Ontarians while travelling outside of Canada. This victory demonstrated the organization’s willingness to stand up for snowbirds when government policies threaten their interests; it remains one of the most significant advocacy achievements in the CSA’s history. Another advocacy success that continues to benefit millions of Canadians today was the introduction of the 10-year Canadian passport. Before its implementation, Canadians were required to renew their passports every five years. Recognizing the inconvenience and expense associated with more frequent renewals, the CSA advocated for a longer-validity passport that would reduce costs, simplify travel planning and bring Canada in line with many other countries. The eventual introduction of the 10-year passport represented a practical improvement for Canadian travellers and remains one of the organization’s most widely recognized accomplishments. The CSA’s advocacy has also extended beyond Canada’s borders when issues affecting snowbirds arise in the United States. One notable example occurred in 2013, with the confusion regarding Florida’s interpretation of international driving permit requirements. A provision of state law appeared to suggest that foreign visitors – including Canadians – might be required to carry an International Driving Permit in addition to their valid provincial driver’s licence. The issue generated widespread concern among both Canadian snowbirds already travelling in Florida and those planning future trips. The CSA acted quickly, engaging directly with Florida lawmakers, transportation officials and government representatives to clarify the situation and advocate on behalf of Canadian travellers. As a result of these efforts, Florida moved swiftly to address the issue and ensure that Canadians could continue driving using only their valid provincial licence. The outcome prevented significant inconvenience and unnecessary expense for hundreds of thousands of Canadians who visit Florida each year. These milestones reflect a broader commitment that has defined the CSA since its founding. Effective advocacy often takes place outside of the public spotlight. It involves monitoring legislative developments, identifying emerging issues before they become major problems, building relationships with decision-makers and ensuring that the voices of Canadian travellers are heard at all levels of government. The impact of this work is often measured not only by the solutions that are achieved, but also by the challenges that are prevented. Whether helping Canadians retain provincial health coverage while travelling, standing up for access to out-of-country emergency health care, securing the 10-year passport or resolving regulatory concerns in Florida, the CSA has consistently worked to protect the interests of its members. As travel continues to evolve and governments globally review policies affecting health care, taxation, border crossings, residency requirements and long-term travel, the need for strong representation remains as important as ever. The issues facing snowbirds today may differ from those of previous decades, but the objective remains unchanged: ensuring that Canadian travellers have a knowledgeable and respected advocate working on their behalf. For more than 30 years, the CSA has demonstrated that a collective voice can make a difference. The organization’s advocacy successes have helped shape policies, improve travel conditions and provide greater certainty for Canadians who choose to spend part of the year exploring destinations beyond our borders. These accomplishments are a reminder that meaningful change is often achieved through persistence, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to representing the interests of Canadian snowbirds. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 13
J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance Consolidation, amalgamation, purchases and takeovers. There is an epic battle to dominate the insurance industry in Canada. Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life amalgamated to become the third-largest life insurance company in Canada. They collected $21 billion in premiums in 2025. Intact Insurance Company took over RSA, formerly Royal Insurance Company (aka Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Company) to become the largest property and casualty insurance company in Canada. In 2025, Intact collected $17.2 billion in premiums. Aviva Insurance Company ‒ an organization based in the United Kingdom ‒ swooped into Canada and purchased General Accident, Canadian General, Traders General, Scottish & York and Pilot Insurance companies to become the largest property and casualty insurance company in Canada, before they were pushed to the number-two spot by Intact. They collected $8 billion in premiums in 2025. Now, Economical Mutual Insurance Company has demutualized and rebranded as Definity Financial Corporation. They have taken over the Travelers Insurance Company ‒ a company that acquired the Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company ‒ to take third place in the general insurance market in Canada with their sites set on taking first place in the next five years by increasing their annual written premiums from $6 billion to $20 billion. Their words, not mine. What does this super-sized approach to dominating the insurance market in Canada mean to us as consumers? Fewer competitors typically leads to greater control over pricing, which usually translates into higher prices for the end users ‒ you and me. But hold on, if I don’t like the pricing of these big players, I can just go online and purchase my insurance from a “discount” direct writer; right? Sure you can, but belairdirect is owned by Intact Insurance Company and Sonnet Insurance is owned by Definity Financial Corporation. You are still buying from the big guys! Then I’ll just go to a big insurance broker and get quotes from multiple insurance companies; that way, I will get the most competitive price. That’s a great solution until you learn that the largest network of insurance brokers in Canada is BrokerLink. In 2025, BrokerLink acquired 21 independent insurance brokerages across Canada, increasing its footprint to 236 brokerages! Two hundred and thirty-six brokerages in 10 provinces and three territories. And the punchline is that BrokerLink is owned by Intact Insurance Company. Canada operates as a free market for capitalism. To suggest that dominant business practices which demonstrate influence and control over pricing and distribution is unjust or unfair would be inappropriate, but it does make you scratch your head a little. If the smaller and more nimble competitors don’t pose a threat or exert any significant influence on the marketplace, they can be easily ignored by the larger players and easily missed by the consumer if they are drowned out by internet search engines or their products are simply not offered by distributors owned by the dominant players. A free market succeeds when there is healthy competition because it forces every participant to pay closer attention, offer better products and deliver better service in order to survive, compete and thrive. Medipac Travel Insurance started as an industry disruptor, offering a specialized product to a target market segment for a competitive price. After 30 years of insuring Canadians who spend their winters outside of Canada, this is still the case. Medipac’s presence in the Canadian travel medical insurance market keeps prices low throughout the industry. Our careful attention to triage and claims management in a specialized environment ‒ enhanced by an intimate understanding of discounts and billing practices in the American medical industry ‒ has kept claims expenses under control, which translates into lower premiums for our clients. We have remained at the forefront of the industry while others try to catch up and remain competitive by subsidizing their travel insurance programs with funding from other financial products. Medipac is independently owned and operated by a Canadian, not by an insurance company or consortium of foreign investors. It is underwritten by a Canadianowned insurer that has been around since 1887 ‒ Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. Not the biggest insurance company, but one which is independently rated as among the best. Over the years, we have weathered many different storms ‒ currency fluctuations, terrorism attacks and threats, pandemics and awkward political climates. Our rates, however, have remained stable and continue to set the pace for this very specialized market segment ‒ snowbirds. We are proud of our stable presence in the Canadian insurance marketplace and look forward to working for you this season and for years to come. 14 | www.snowbirds.org
Opinion with Michael Coren Prayer breakfasts are in many ways strange, contrived creations. Prayer is supposed to be a constant feature of religious life, not meant for public display and hardly the stuff of a morning meal. Still, they’re part of the state diary now at all sorts of administrative levels. They began in the U.S. in the 1940s, became politically legitimized a decade later when President Eisenhower attended and, 10 years after that, made their way to Ottawa. It was at that Ottawa version earlier this year that the Prime Minister, as well as other party and religious leaders, gathered to celebrate the theme of “You are not alone.” Mark Carney, an observant Roman Catholic, said that “God gave us His Son, which was an act of generosity,” stressed the importance of political generosity and spoke of Christian values and their vital place in Canadian life and government. Entirely predictably, critics objected to what was said, emphasized church and state separation and warned of the dangers of religious belief infecting the body politic. Which is ironic on numerous levels. First, the separation of church and state is, in fact, a Christian concept. Second, the secular body politic is hardly in a healthy condition. Third, as the British historian Tom Holland (not to be confused with the actor who plays Spiderman!) has demonstrated quite brilliantly in his books, ideas of progress, equality and care for the weak and poor are an ideal that didn’t authentically exist until the rise of Christianity. Of course, numerous Christians have failed in all of this – or behaved appallingly and still do – but this is contrary to Christian teaching. Contrast that with pre-Christian societies and read what they believed. The Romans didn’t enslave and torture in defiance of any accepted theology, but precisely because it wasn’t forbidden and was in many ways encouraged. The accepted notion was that the gods favoured and gave glory to the powerful and victorious and gave them the right to abuse and exploit. When we listen to the screaming excesses of the ironically pagan creed known as Christian nationalism and its various hatreds, it’s difficult to remember that Jesus gave us the beatitudes (the narrative that turns the world upside down), that he told the wealthy to give away their treasure and taught that the central command of the faith was to love God and love others as ourselves. It’s that simple, and that incredibly difficult. There were fine words and sentiments at the Ottawa prayer breakfast, and a splendidly refreshing coming together of political opponents. But will this call for generosity have any staying power; will it make any difference? There was a time, not only in Canada, when we assumed a certain decorum and respect in our political class, but I’m not entirely convinced that this is still the case. There’s a surface camaraderie for sure but, when elections are raging and power is up for grabs, there’s been an exponential decline in standards to a point at which those politicians who honestly do respect their opponents tend to stand out. And in case anybody is wondering, the problems are with every party and every ideology. In the U.S., Britain and many European countries, the centre ground hasn’t held, polarized opposites often appear to hate each other and some of the comments made would have been impossible a few years – let alone a generation – ago. In fact, it can be deeply depressing watching how people who ask to govern us and make laws behave on a daily basis. Mark Carney as a Christian is calling for a generosity of spirit, and that requires a leap of empathy and self-criticism. Do I think that he’s being genuine? Yes, I believe that he is. I certainly hope that he is. Do, however, remember that any politicians convinced that they have all of the answers will find it incredibly difficult to see truth or pure motives in people on the other side of the floor. While the quotation has never been fully documented, C.S. Lewis – author of the Narnia stories and the book Mere Christianity – is thought to have said, “the closest I am to God is when I’m with another person.” Is that something that a politician, Christian or not, could say when arguing and disagreeing? Leaving religion aside, do our representatives, do any of us see the precious, see the unique, see the sheer humanity in those with whom we disagree? Good God, I hope so. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 15
Endless attractions and ancient customs deeply woven into the fabric of Ireland are what make this awesome motor route among the finest in the world. Included in its multitude of profoundly rooted traditions is the ceremonial kissing of the country’s famous Blarney Stone. The legendary stone is built into the highest battlements of ancient Blarney Castle in County Cork, the southern anchor of the 1,600-mile-long Wild Atlantic Way trail. Like millions of others annually drawn to this distinctively magical island and its stunning west coast drive, my bucket list there included participating in the age-old Irish custom of kissing its famous stone. At Blarney Castle, I did what legions of others before me had done. I planted a kiss on the legendary rock, a ritual said to bestow a special “gift of the gab” on those who participate. I should point out that kissing the stone fixed atop one of the castle’s walls is not as simple as one might think. It requires lying on your back on a steep rock ledge situated over an open drop – 90 feet to the ground. For safety, there are iron handrails for gripping and attendants are on hand to assist. While the stone’s origins are unclear, it was added to the castle’s battlements in 1446 – yet the tradition of kissing it did not begin until the late 1700s. Since then, there have been millions like me who have kissed the ancient piece of Carboniferous limestone proving that something as simple as a block of rock can become a popular tourist attraction. The Blarney Stone, however, is a mere part of what Ireland and its Wild Atlantic Way have to offer. The route’s ribbon of landscape and rugged Atlantic coastline between the southern county of Cork and the northern county of Donegal is one of the most dramatic, stunningly beautiful and simply spectacular stretches of land and seacoast on the planet. The route overall embodies the wonders of nature and more: towering cliffs, spellbinding bays and beaches, enchanting villages, charming towns, ancient monuments and some of the richest archeological sites in Europe. Then, too, there is the ever-present Irish hospitality. The entire route can feasibly be driven in less than five hours, but so much of what it has to offer would be sorely missed. The typical visitor drives the route in stages, while others focus primarily on a particular section. No matter how the Wild Atlantic Way is explored, it is regularly regaled as the trip of a lifetime. The following is a small selection of the route’s bountiful highlights. IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY The Emerald Isle’s famous west coast drive delivers all that’s uniquely special about the land of green. By Donna Carter 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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