News Release Issued: Mar 29, 2019 (10:00am EDT)
MONTRÉAL, March 29, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - With Bell's 4G LTE network now covering more than 99% of the national population, Bell today confirmed it will complete the previously announced shutdown of its legacy CDMA wireless network on April 30.
Bell began winding down its CDMA network in 2017 as its national LTE coverage accelerated. Customers in remaining CDMA coverage areas in Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and the Atlantic provinces have been notified that they will transition to Bell LTE by April 30.
"Bell is proud to welcome our CDMA customers to Canada's best national mobile network. The Bell LTE network always sets the standard in wireless speed, capacity and quality and will continue to evolve as we prepare for the introduction of 5G wireless," said Stephen Howe, Bell's Chief Technology Officer. "Our Network team looks forward to leveraging efficiencies from our CDMA shutdown, including repurposing existing site structures, fibre connections and power systems, to further enhance our industry-leading LTE network."
For more information about Bell's CDMA network transition, please visit Bell.ca/CDMAnetwork.
HOOPP’s 2022 Canadian Retirement Survey results released.
BPG Board – 2022-2023
Share your stories!
Celebrate Seniors Month in June with several education and OSC in the Community outreach events.
Urge your MP to support Bill C-228
BPG continues to investigate the Bell Canada pension plan 1998 indexation matter and whether any redress is available to pensioners.
BPG has now obtained professional advice regarding the deductibility of legal expenses incurred by the affected pensioners for the indexation class action pertaining to the year 2017
The Cost of Living Adjustment for 2022 has been announced. For Bell Canada pensions, it should be 2% for pensioners under 65 years of age and 2.82% for pensioners 65 years and over. For BCE penisons, it should be 2% for pensioners under 65 years of age and 2.4% for pensioners 65 years and over.
BPG's response to our members' questions on Pension Indexation court approved deductions
being deductible as expenses
BPG is already aware about the 1998 indexation issue on the Bell Pension Plan.
This year, The Personal will be distributing a total of $6.8 million to participants of the Bell home and auto insurance plan.
Bell will be mailing out the personalized retroactive pension indexation adjustment statements to most qualifying pensioners from October 22nd to October 25th.
This election, ask your federal candidates to commit to protecting the 4.2 million Canadians who rely on defined benefit pensions.
BPG is pleased to announcenew PIC representatives.
Reminder... that the Go Green with Bell contest ends July 2, 2021
... in the event of the plan sponsor's bankruptcy.
BCE also announces election of Directors
The Ontario Central 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held May 11, 2021
Bill C-253 proposes amendments to Canada’s bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensioners. An online petition is available.
On May 11th, 2020 (BPG’s creation anniversary), we shared a 25th Anniversary video.
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), (NYSE: BCE) today reported results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2020.
With at least $1 billion in accelerated capital investment over the next 2 years
Now more than ever! Bell Let's Talk Day sets new records.
Update on the Bell Canada Indexation of the Pension Plan Class Action
The committment and focus of CPP Investments is helping to ensure the Canada Pension Plan Fund is there for generations to come.
Get ready to join the world's biggest conversation about mental health on Bell Let's Talk Day, January 28!
The Government of Canada (Economic and Social Development Canada), have provided Seniors more support from the Fall Economic Statement.
Free TV programming and no extra usage fees on residential Internet over the Holidays.
Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, announced a new Aging in Place Challenge Program.
The Cost of Living Adjustment on Bell Canada's pensions should be 1% in 2021.
Bell’s Employee Giving Campaign runs from November 9 to 27 and offers you the opportunity to make a big
difference in the lives of Canadians.
On Nov 5, BCE reported results for the third quarter (Q3) of 2020.
OSC is having a webinar on Tuesday November 10th at 3pm, if interested...
Check out how to protect yourself from telecom fraud...
The Annual AGM for 2020 has been scheduled for September 15, 2020.
Bell Let's Talk launches new fund to support mental health and well-being of Canada's Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities.
The Personal are providing additional refunds on your auto insurance.
With the pandemic and its consequences (e.g. mail delay), it is recommended that you submit your Health Care Program claims online.
The minimum withdrawals requirement from RRIFs will be reduced by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors' retirement savings.
$700,000 donation to Red Cross COVID-19 Appeal addresses increased need for mental wellbeing and supports, expands program to Atlantic Canada
Several items of iinterest, on debt, RRSPs and Pension Plans.
Please check back regularly for updated articles.
The Bell plan is currently at 100% solvency. BPG works with Bell to ensure your pension plan is protected and monitors the legislative environment to ensure the appropriate reform is being addressed. There is always risk but BPG’s role is to minimize this risk as much as possible on your behalf.
You could get a refund on your auto insurance premium from the Personal. Complete the online form by June 30, 2020.
Pension Update - May 15, 2020
Should BPG members be worried about their Bell pensions: NO
Please Read More for notes from BPGs President Denis Marquis
On February 21, 2020, the appeal court rendered its decision which allowed the appeal and awarded judgment to the class action plaintiffs on behalf of all members of the class.
Bell had 60 days from the date of the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. We understand that Bell has sought an extension to this deadline of an additional 60 days.
BPG 25th Anniversary Celebration and AGM Meeting originally scheduled for May 11, 2020 has been POSTPONED. We will revisit in the fall of 2020.
BCE has 'no change in plans' for dividend amid COVID-19 crisis
Join in the 10th Anniversary of Bell Let's Talk Day on January 29
BPG's 25th Anniversary Update
Bell welcomes Mirko Bibic as new President and Chief Executive Officer
CyberSecurity & Privacy review and types of attacks.
BCE congratulates George Cope and Calin Rovinescu on being named top CEOs by The Globe and Mail's Report on Business
Federal parties’ positions on the pension security issues raised in Denis Marquis’ letter
New Canadian Legislation needed now to fully protect our pensions.
You can help!
Bell Mobility turns on wireless broadband service in all 25 Nunavut communities
Bell announced, on Sept 19, 2019, a reciprocal roaming agreement with AT&T in the United States.
On August 13, the Ontarion Supreme Court redered a decision regarding the Class Action Suit brought against Bell regarding 2017 indexing.
AGM Presentations from the May 28, 2019 meeting are now available.
Exclusive offer from CARP negotiated by the Canadian Federation of Pensioners replaces the previous BPG discount.
The 2019 Audited financial statement for The Bell Pensioners Group is now available.
Please step up and help us if you can!
On March 7th, Bell introduced a new Retirement Income option for Defined Contribution (DC) members.
Our chapter recently conducted a survey of new members to determine what recruitment channels are working best.
Julie Dupuis and a group of volunteer members of the BPG Ontario Central Board were at Creekbank on March 20, 2019 to spread awareness of BPG. We had an information table at 5099 Creekbank and we also went to visit employees at 5025 Creekbank. Folks we spoke to did not initially understand what BPG is all about. Once they understood our mission, they were quick to sign up; Membership is only $20 per year to protect your pension.
Customers transitioning to Bell's national 4G LTE network, which now reaches more than 99% of the Canadian population.
Did you know?
BPG is a founding member and has a seat on the board of the Canadian Federation of Pensioners (CFP). CFP was created to give DB Pensioners a much larger voice when lobbying the government and it has been effective.
Federal 2019 Budget
The Federal 2019 Budget is out and has created a lot of conversations and controversy. Every news source is carrying articles.
Advocacy Day - Update:
Dave Palmer and Denis Henry from BPG attended an Advocacy Day on Parliament Hill in February. For that day, both CFP and NAFR (National Association of Federal Retirees) had brochures designed to address pension protection, and a couple of other issues near and dear to our retirees’ hearts. An example of the work we are doing with our partners. Do you know that between CFP and NAFR they represent 2,000,000 retirees? That’s a loud voice! More details to follow with the President’s report at the AGM. Stay tuned!
Advocacy Day - Feb 20, 2019:
The National Association of Federal Retirees has organized an Advocacy Day for February 20th at Parliament Hill.
The good news is that your 2019 pension payments reflect a full 2% increase for the COLA clause. This is calculated on the increase of the CPI for the 12 month period ending October 31. See your Annual Pension statement for further details.
As Bell Defined Benefit pensioners, we are in a good place. Bell topped up our Pension plans increasing the solvency ratio to 99% as of December 2017 and 2018 brings another top up.
We at BPG are focussed on awareness and recruitment. It is important that all Defined Benefit Pension holders know that BPG is their advocate, and their voice.This year at our Ontario Central Chapter members’ meetings, we decided to ask some of our members and board volunteers along with Patte Seaton, the President of BPG, their thoughts
Your Chapter & Corporate Boards
Patte Seaton discusses BPG Board's role and values of membership
Camie discusses her experiences as a BPG member and role on the board
Lynn and Wendy Discuss their reasons for Joining BPG
Located in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Scarborough and Toronto, the clubs organize various activities, including member meetings, cultural and touristic outings, and volunteerism. Info: www.telcocommunityvolunteers.com.
BPG is a volunteer organization and as such we often get questions from members about our pension plan. After much consideration our team has put together a document that details everything a member should know about their Bell pension.
You know we have been fighting hard to ensure pensions are protected in insolvency. You don’t need to be reminded of how Nortel and Sears pensioners saw significant reductions in their pensions.
Scott Duvall (NDP MP for Hamilton Mountain) has authored Bill C-384 which reflects BPG’s position: Any deficit in the funding of defined benefit pension plans when companies are insolvent should be classed as “super-priority” so that those deferred wages (pensions) can be fully paid out.
One week ago, we launched the Ontario Facebook page with great success. Since then, we have had 2,859 page views, 793 followers and 698 total likes which is absolutely fabulous. Two people have expressed reservations as it is their preference not to use any Social Media sites.
In light of the recent breach and exploitation of data from Facebook, the following article and links provide information about Facebook and the various features. Hopefully, this information would allow users to make better use of the site and also protect themselves by making informed decisions of what should and should not be posted, thereby keeping your personal information private.
In the budget presented on Feb 27th 2018 the Minister of finance promised to obtain feedback
from pensioners, workers, and companies and. will take a whole-of -government, evidence-
based approach towards addressing retirement security for all Canadians.
Most people simply take their prescription to their usual pharmacy without much thought about the various charges assuming that they are all similar. However now......
In an effort to expand our membership we need every member to help us explain our position to other potential members. The following was created to help all members in this regard.