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
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx