York retirees host annual conference of retired postsecondary faculty and staff

The College & University Retiree Association of Canada (CURAC) is holding its eighth annual conference at York. The two-day conference, which began yesterday, continues today and will bring representatives from across Canada to the University. 

This year’s conference has been planned by the two organizations of retired York faculty and staff – the York University Retirees Association (YURA) and the Association of Retired Faculty & Librarians (ARFL). Both groups have been active members of CURAC since its founding in 2003. 

The packed agenda offers sessions on specific subjects such as pensions and health care. There are also sessions on aging in the 21st century, keeping active and involved, and on the importance of continuing access to university facilities. Speakers at the conference include York President Emeritus Harry Arthurs, along with speakers from Seneca College and others from British Columbia and Quebec.

"York retirees have a strong relationship with the University," says York history Professor Emeritus Albert Tucker. "The University’s retirees play a strong and active role within the York community, which retirees from many other Canadian universities don’t have an opportunity to experience."

Tucker, who is the past president of YURA, says that in addition to being involved in York’s pension and benefit plan, YURA members enjoy many other benefits and have a meaningful role in the University’s community. "YURA is made up of both staff and faculty. While this is not unique, the level of engagement that our membership enjoy with the University is a vital part of the community." 

For more information, visit the CURAC Web site.