History of The CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba
On October 17th, 1930, thirty-two retired employees accepted an invitation from Mr. W.R Devenish, General Superintendent of the Canadian National Railways, to attend a luncheon in the Fort Garry Hotel for the purpose of forming a group to promote, maintain, and foster social and fraternal relations; to keep alive the traditions of the Canadian National Railways, and to preserve the loyalty and brotherhood of its employees.
Enthusiasm was high and by December 1st they had chosen honorary officers, elected active officers, approved by-laws, had a meeting room in the Union Station and selected a name – The Canadian National Railways Veterans' Association, Division No. 1 Western Region.
The first President, H. L. Cameron, exemplified the enthusiasm and commitment to this new association – he was actively involved for 14 years as President, Secretary and Grand President of the Western Region Branches. Over the years, many others also gave of their time and talents: Chris Brady, Bert King, Frank Hill, Bill Buchanan, Jack Sanders and Charlie Smith, to name a few. It was recorded that "we have so many good men amongst us, it is hard to find a job for them all."
Although the first woman member, Mrs. Thelma Garvie, did not join until 1970, the "ladies" played an active role in supporting their husband's activities. Cribbage, dart teams, indoor quoits, carpet bowling, lawn bowling and sing-songs were very popular. Monthly whist drives provided much-needed revenue for almost 40 years, and the Five Pin Bowling League, which was formed in 1946, is still active. Picnics to Grand Beach, the annual Christmas Party, and tours of the local breweries were always popular and well attended. Monthly meetings featured movies of the Grey Cup and English Soccer Games, as well as members entertaining with music and story-telling. Shut-ins were never forgotten and fruit baskets were sent twice a year to those unable to attend meetings.
The success of the association was widely known throughout the West and other associations were soon formed in Vancouver, Edmonton and Saskatoon. Together, these associations were able to speak on behalf of their members and pressed for an increase in the pension for retired employees.
In 1995 the U.T.U. Seniors joined with the Association and the name was changed to the CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba.
When the Association was formed in 1930, people had very little money as a result of the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression. In 1934, 25% of the members had no pension; there was no Unemployment Insurance and the Old Age Pension was only $20 per month and not available until 70 years of age. Members were from all different areas of the CN workplace...offices, shops, yards and running trades and from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Religion and politics were never discussed at meetings and rather than emphasizing their differences, they chose to work together to support each other.
Although the Association has seen many changes throughout the years, that same bond of friendship and fellowship that helped establish the association can still be found today, more than 90 years later. For many years the Manitoba Association was not a member of the National Council. Since we joined the National Council, we have gained considerable knowledge of the concerns of other Associations across Canada and we now at least have local members on the CN Pension Committee. The Pensioners across Canada, of approximately 33,000 persons, is a major group to be recognized and consulted when Pension Plan changes are being considered. In recent years, the National Council made a submission to the Federal Government outlining their views concerning future changes to Defined Benefit Pension Plans". Members are kept informed of the health and welfare of fellow members and are also advised of any changes in pensions or benefits which may affect them. Programs and social events provide a warm environment to meet with old friends and make new friends. As of 2020, there are approximately 33,000 pensioners across Canada of which approximately 25,000 are contributing members of the CN Pensioner's Association. Of the 25,000 contributing members, approximately 3,600 are contributing members of the CN Pensioners' Association of Manitoba.
Enthusiasm was high and by December 1st they had chosen honorary officers, elected active officers, approved by-laws, had a meeting room in the Union Station and selected a name – The Canadian National Railways Veterans' Association, Division No. 1 Western Region.
The first President, H. L. Cameron, exemplified the enthusiasm and commitment to this new association – he was actively involved for 14 years as President, Secretary and Grand President of the Western Region Branches. Over the years, many others also gave of their time and talents: Chris Brady, Bert King, Frank Hill, Bill Buchanan, Jack Sanders and Charlie Smith, to name a few. It was recorded that "we have so many good men amongst us, it is hard to find a job for them all."
Although the first woman member, Mrs. Thelma Garvie, did not join until 1970, the "ladies" played an active role in supporting their husband's activities. Cribbage, dart teams, indoor quoits, carpet bowling, lawn bowling and sing-songs were very popular. Monthly whist drives provided much-needed revenue for almost 40 years, and the Five Pin Bowling League, which was formed in 1946, is still active. Picnics to Grand Beach, the annual Christmas Party, and tours of the local breweries were always popular and well attended. Monthly meetings featured movies of the Grey Cup and English Soccer Games, as well as members entertaining with music and story-telling. Shut-ins were never forgotten and fruit baskets were sent twice a year to those unable to attend meetings.
The success of the association was widely known throughout the West and other associations were soon formed in Vancouver, Edmonton and Saskatoon. Together, these associations were able to speak on behalf of their members and pressed for an increase in the pension for retired employees.
In 1995 the U.T.U. Seniors joined with the Association and the name was changed to the CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba.
When the Association was formed in 1930, people had very little money as a result of the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression. In 1934, 25% of the members had no pension; there was no Unemployment Insurance and the Old Age Pension was only $20 per month and not available until 70 years of age. Members were from all different areas of the CN workplace...offices, shops, yards and running trades and from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Religion and politics were never discussed at meetings and rather than emphasizing their differences, they chose to work together to support each other.
Although the Association has seen many changes throughout the years, that same bond of friendship and fellowship that helped establish the association can still be found today, more than 90 years later. For many years the Manitoba Association was not a member of the National Council. Since we joined the National Council, we have gained considerable knowledge of the concerns of other Associations across Canada and we now at least have local members on the CN Pension Committee. The Pensioners across Canada, of approximately 33,000 persons, is a major group to be recognized and consulted when Pension Plan changes are being considered. In recent years, the National Council made a submission to the Federal Government outlining their views concerning future changes to Defined Benefit Pension Plans". Members are kept informed of the health and welfare of fellow members and are also advised of any changes in pensions or benefits which may affect them. Programs and social events provide a warm environment to meet with old friends and make new friends. As of 2020, there are approximately 33,000 pensioners across Canada of which approximately 25,000 are contributing members of the CN Pensioner's Association. Of the 25,000 contributing members, approximately 3,600 are contributing members of the CN Pensioners' Association of Manitoba.
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Past Presidents of the CN Pensioners Association of MB
(* Asterisk indicates deceased) L.A. Convey 1981 L.E. Mark 1982 - 1983 T.N. Sherman 1984 R.K. MacRae 1985 - 1986 Fred G. Humphrey 1987 - 1988 Miss Florence L. Hookey 1989 Borge N. Gade 1990 - 1995* John Almdal 1995 - 1996* Jim Harris 1996 - 1998* Lawrence Webb 1998 - 2000 Harry Diakiw 2000 - 2001 Bill Cameron 2001 - 2006* John Mozol 2007 - 2009 Ron Davis 2010 - 2023* Patrick McMullin - 2024 - Current |
Honorary Members of the Manitoba Association
(* Asterisk indicates deceased) It is with great appreciation that we recognize several of our members who have given their time, energy and dedication to the betterment of our association. On behalf of all members, we extend thanks to: John Almdal* Willis Archibald* Gil Blais* George Chase* George Clements* Chris Grady* Lawrence Convey* Borge Gade* Jim Harris* Lloyd Marshall* Vern McGregor* Stan Siwik* George Turnley* Lawrence Webb Bob Gill* Diane Walton Ernie Borowski Harvey Hosfield* Wayne Zaharia* Gary Davis Carson Hull John Yarema* Jerry Dunford Jack Moore Linda Schram |