Metro Pension Plan

As plan members may be aware the City of Toronto decided some time ago to transfer the plan to OMERS. After negotiations, an agreement was reached with regards to the transfer and any surplus. It’s been a long time coming but, for those who were part of the old Metro Pension Plan and have been waiting for the payout of any surplus, please be aware that (according to committee member Paul Enright) the Metro Pension Plan payout happened on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Metropolitan Toronto Pension Plan Surplus

Take care, stay safe and stay healthy.

Don Hanson Retirement

Congrats go out to Don Hanson on his Retirement. Don started with the Scarborough Fire Department in March 1991 and joins the ‘R’ shift effective April 30, 2021. Welcome aboard Don, best wishes in this next chapter.

Fire Fighter Quarterly Magazine

The (IAFF) Fire Fighter Quarterly 2021 winter edition has been published and is available for viewing. As COVID numbers rise almost out of control in Ontario the timing of this edition may be just right. Especially, if you find yourself unsure about getting vaccinated. This edition has a good article (pg 22) on COVID vaccines and covers some of the concerns and myths many of us have heard either in the media (TV and print) or on social media. While it is primarily U.S.-related it’s still a good read. There are also a number of other articles you may find of interest, such as President Schaitberger’s last column. Follow the link below to view the 2021 Winter edition.

FIREFIGHTER Quarterly

Retirements

Retirement sign

Congratulations go out to Ryan Fairlie #619, Kevin McLauchlin #782, and David Rumble #783 on their recent move to the ‘R’ shift from the TFS. Best wishes to all for a great retirement.

Hugh Edmunds Funeral Notice

Hugh P. C. Edmunds – father of Brent Edmunds #792

It is with much sadness we advise of the passing of Brent Edmunds’s father, Hugh. Our sincerest condolences go out to Brent (Diana) and all of Hugh’s family and friends.


EDMUNDS, Hugh P.C. – 1932 – 2021

(Obituary)

Passed away peacefully at Kensington Village Retirement Home on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Dearly loved husband of Doris (2016), and beloved father to Angela (Chris) McEwen, and Brent (Diana) Edmunds. Adored Papa to Megan, Stephen, and Rachel McEwen. Predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Collins (2000), his niece Gloria White (2012), and his parents Hugh and Margaret Edmunds. 

Hugh was a proud employee of the London Free Press (1948-1993) working in the Stereotype, Circulation, Mail Room, and Advertising departments. In his retirement, he volunteered at the Canadian Cancer Society for 10 years as a co-ordinator for the Volunteer Driver Program.  Hugh spent his childhood summers at a family cottage in Port Stanley, Ontario. He had the privilege of returning to this area in the summer of 2020 on a road trip with his two children, and daughter-in-law. He reminisced about spending his summers barefoot on the beach, setting pins up at the bowling alley, and being a busboy at the Stork Club. 

Hugh & Doris enjoyed traveling, bowling, and fellowship with many friends at Compass Community Church. He could be found having a coffee with his friends every morning at Tim Hortons on Highbury Avenue. He cherished his friendships and spending time with his family. His smile and sense of humour will be missed by the wonderful staff and his friends at Kensington Village.

Many thanks to Dr. Dan Leger for his care. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, March 26, 2021, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 27, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. 

Please Note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario a limited number of people are able to attend.  Please call the funeral home between 9am and 5pm to reserve your spot for the visitation (519-433-5184). All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks.

A private family funeral service will be held. Interment in Robin’s Hill Cemetery, Thames Centre, ON to be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9.

Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Robert (Bob)Wilson Funeral Notice

It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Captain Robert (Bob) A. Wilson Seniority #222. Bob Passed away peacefully, of cancer, on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at the age of 86.

Bob started with the Scarborough Fire Department in March 1962 and retired in August 1993 with 31 years of service. He kept in touch with his old crew at Hall #6 after retiring in 1993. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no funeral service.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Bob’s family and friends from the Scarbrough FireFighters Retirees.

Scarborugh Fire Hall #6 – now Toronto Station 245

TFS Promotions

Congratulation go out to Doug Jones (#660), Scott Harrison (#644), Gerald (Gerry) Loftus (#665), and Vernon Hiller on their promotion to District Chief with the TFS.

Best wishes for much success and enjoyment in your new roles.

Mike Ogle Retirement

Hello Everyone,

Well, Mike is finally taking the plunge for retirement. Pat Hayter (of Toronto Fire) is organizing a drive-by celebration. The date is Saturday, March 20th forming up at 12:30 pm. The Location is Tilley Drive and Wichey Road.  (at Port Union Rd & Lawson Road West Hill). (Mike’s house is 8 Tilley Drive.) I’ve attached Mitch’s note if you’d like to join us.

Fraternally,
John V

“Pat Hayter(Toronto Fire) is organizing a drive-by retirement celebration for Mike Ogle. The drive-by will be going past Mike’s house in West Hill. Just wondering if you’re able to send a message out to the retirees for anyone who would like to join in.
Date: Saturday, March 20/21
Location: Forming up at Tilley Dr. and Wichey Rd.                 
Time: 12:30 pm

IAFF Memorial – 2021

3888 logo

3888 UNION NOTICE: #21-044
Monday, March 1, 2021
Subject: Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee 2021 Events.


Brothers and Sisters,

COVID-19 has turned our world around this past year. The City of Toronto has cancelled all major events through July 1st. Unfortunately, this includes two of our favourites, the St. Patrick’s Day and Easter Parades.

Let’s hope everything can get back to normal soon.

The 2021 IAFF Memorial in September will see twelve of our fallen members honoured for their ultimate sacrifice. As in the past, our Association will, as always, provide financial assistance for the families to attend. As a personal touch, each family is assigned a TPFFA escort to help navigate the memorial event and present the memorial IAFF flag at the ceremony.

Our LODD Fallen Members that will be honoured this year at the 2021 IAFF Memorial are;

Brian Kirby
James Miller
Robert L Blair
Gordon W. Crawford
Edmond F. Lynch
Gregory A. Simerson
Wayne Elford
William R Hawkins
Roger K. Martin
Patrick Victor Kelly
Glenn Grieve
Gary E. Campbell

The 2020 Memorial was held Virtually, therefore families were unable to visit the memorial wall in-person. It is our intention to have those families attend the 2021 Memorial.

Our committee will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We will continue to work within the rules to new ways to honour our fallen as best we can.

In solidarity,

Gerlando Peritore
Chair, Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
I.A.F.F. Local 3888

2020 OMERS Report

OMERS

OMERS Reports 2020 Financial Results

After seeing an 11.9% net return in 2019, Covid-19 has brought that crashing into negative territory for 2020…

“The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted our portfolio in 2020, particularly our business- and consumer-facing investments, contributing to an investment return net of expenses of -2.7% for the year. Widespread lockdowns in investments that included retail properties, and the transportation and entertainment sectors explain more than half of our shortfall to our benchmark in 2020.”

You can read more of the 2020 Financial report by following the link below.

OMERS Reports 2020 Financial Results: paying pensions over decades means a long-term approach