Posts Tagged ‘um’
Staying Connected in Retirement – UM Retirees
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
As you look forward to this exciting stage of your life, we hope that you will consider joining the University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA). We are a community of University retirees that, since our establishment in 2003, have focused on enriching the lives of retirees through advocacy and community.
It was UMRA who was instrumental in reviving the retirement planning sessions offered by the university in spring and fall, by working collaboratively with the University administration and several of the unions (including AESES) to answer a need that we saw in the University Community. And more recently, the support of AESES and UMFA has been instrumental in UMRA’s negotiations with the University administration for improved retiree benefits i.e., health and dental. These are just a couple of ways that we serve our community of retirees.
Why join UMRA? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- UMRA allows you to continue your association with the University where you may have spent most of your working life.
- UMRA provides the forum for renewing acquaintances with colleagues and peers, make new friends and enjoy social activities such as the semi-annual President’s reception and other organized events.
- UMRA defends the interests of retirees in the pension and benefits plans of the University and has a representative on the U of M Staff Benefits Committee.
- UMRA has benefits the University offers only to retirees who are members of UMRA and discounted insurance rates for travel, trip cancellation, car, house, and pets available through Johnson Insurance due to UMRA’s membership in CURAC (College and University Retirees Association of Canada).
- UMRA provides an informative Newsletter twice a year.
To learn more about UMRA, please visit our website: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association
Information specific to UMRA’s membership and application form is included in the package of retirement information you would normally receive from the U of M Staff Benefits Office. Or you may access the same information on the UMRA Membership web page at: umanitoba.ca/um-retirees-association/membership
You can also obtain the membership application form by contacting UMRA by email at retirees@umanitoba.ca , or by phone at 204-474-7175, or by writing to us:
UMRA, c/o Learning & Organizational Development, 309 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at retirees@umanitoba.ca
Please make joining UMRA one of your retirement plans and make the most of your retirement!
Janet Sealey
President, UMRA
AESES Announces New President – Karen Simpson
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
At the January 13, 2026, meeting of the AESES Board of Representatives, Karen Simpson was elected by acclamation for the position of President on the Executive Council for the term ending May 2026.
Karen has worked for the University of Manitoba, Bannatyne Campus for 44 years, starting in the Computer Department and currently with the Department of Psychiatry.
Karen recently held the roles of Interim President, Executive VP and VP Bannatyne, and was previously Secretary in May 2022-2024. Karen joined the AESES Board of Representatives in 2018 and has contributed in a number of capacities over the years, including serving on the Ad Hoc COVID Assistance Fund and Education Committees.
Karen is a dedicated, loyal and hardworking individual who is committed to the betterment of our members and looks forward to working with the Executive Council, Board of Representatives and the AESES Business Office staff in her new role.
Over the coming weeks, Karen will begin to adjust to the permanent role and their duties with the AESES Business Office. Welcome, Karen!
As a result, the roles as Exec VP and VP Bannatyne were vacated. Divjyot Grewal was elected as Executive VP (and remains VP Fort Garry campus). Danielle Saj was elected as VP Bannatyne campus. We congratulate Divjyot with their additional role and welcome Danielle to the Executive Council.
Each role’s term will end at the May 2026 Board meeting, once the new Board of Representatives and Executive Council is elected.
Thank you to our members for your patience and support during this period of change. We appreciate it.
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 29th, 2025
It’s 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), when Canadians and Indigenous peoples were invited to “climb a mountain” together and forge a relationship that will solve a growing social, economic and climate crisis and unveil what kind of country we will raise our children in. While work on several of the TRC’s 94 calls to action is underway – such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 – there is much work and a long journey yet to go. As one of this country’s most important institutions, unions must offer visions and tangible ways that all of us can participate in this country’s most important conversation and create workplaces of inclusivity and action. In this way, we can create a Canada with a collective, prosperous future that will show us things we have never seen before.
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair
Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Manitoba
Niigaan’s words remind us that there is much work to do towards reconciliation, and that while it’s important to reflect on the past, it’s our effort and work going forward that truly makes an impact. We accept this responsibility.
We will commit to ensuring that our union is a positive place, where reconciliation moves forward via education and advocacy, while ensuring that it strives to be a safe and inclusive place for our Indigenous members. We will listen intently, act with integrity and compassion, and take ownership of our actions and attitudes as we navigate calls for justice and for change.
The journey for reconciliation is a shared one. On this, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize that while it’s important to remember, we must recommit to building a shared and equitable future with dignity and respect.
Rob Parker
President, AESES
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 Events Listing
Invitation for AESES Members to Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Game on June 21
Friday, May 31st, 2024
The AESES Activities Committee purchased 100 discounted tickets to the Winnipeg Goldeyes versus Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks game.
Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
Time: Game starts at 7:00 pm
Location: Blue Cross Park, One Portage Avenue East
Seating: Section P
Cost: $15.00 / ticket
See you at the game!