Marilyn (Lyn) Leaves the House
Even as OAFP learned of the recent retirement of Claude DesRosiers, we teamed of the impending retirement of Marilyn Abraham. Marilyn retires as Director of Human Resources after many years of service to members — both sitting and retired. Of particular interest, she has been a strong supporter of OAFP and a tireless supporter of former members’ rights and benefits. Her advice to the BOIE has always been fair and principled. Even as she prepared to take her leave she has assembled a package of benefits reform recommendations to place before the BOIE for consideration. Happily, Marilyn is determined to "wear out – not rust out" so we are hopeful we may continue to experience her presence and counsel from time to time. To Marilyn and her family, we offer our sincerest thanks and warmest best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

Born in Kenya and raised in Toronto, Ali graduated from Queen’s University and in 1996 he was awarded a fellowship to the U.S. Congress by the American Political Sciences Association. A lively Question and Answer period will follow his presentation. Ali will be speaking during our dinner (an innovation this year) that will follow our reception with the the Lieutenant Governor in the Vice-Regal Suite at 5 P.M. on June 6. Please book your reservations early by email, fax or telephone to our OAFP Queen’s Park office.

OAFP’s First International Tour in Planning Stages
Our chair and Director Murad Velshi have been working to develop a unique tour for members of OAFP. There is some interest in scheduling the tour for either the spring or fall of 2008.

The proposal is to travel from Toronto to Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London. At each city the two day stop-over would hopefully include a visit to each parliament, and meetings with the Speaker, sitting and former members, and dinner briefings by foreign affairs staff. Details need to be settled before we can formally offer this tour for registration. If you have any interest in participating in such a tour, please e-mail us at oafp@ontla.ola.org with your contact information including name, address, telephone number and e-mail or fax number.

Stylish Membership Scrolls
Paid-up members will receive very prestigious membership scrolls. They have been described as understated and quietly elegant — something any of us would like to frame and display in our home or office. Each year, upon payment of your annual dues, you will receive a renewed ID card and a seal designated for the current membership year to add to your scroll. Framing is left to the taste of each member.

CORNERSTONE MEMBERS
We extend our thanks to the following members who have made a special financial contribution to our Association. Their gift of $500 or more distinguishes them as Cornerstone Members. A special seal is provided to be affixed to their membership scroll to acknowledge their support and generosity. Any member wishing to join this distinguished group may do so by contacting the OAFP office.

Cornerstone Members as of 2007: Charles Beer, Ken Keyes, Tony Lupusella, David Neumann, Bob Rae, Ronald Van Home, Brenda Elliott

Lost Members
As you communicate with former members please ask them if they have received any OAFP literature. This Association is the only coordinating ‘agency’ attempting to bring all former members into one list. Unless a former member receives benefits from the Legislature it is problematic whether their whereabouts are recorded. Please help us offer them the fellowship of OAFP. Pass their name and contact information to the office and we’ll do the rest.

Election Reform Final Update
The provincial government has voted to send the recommendations of the ‘Citizen Assembly’ to referendum in the fall general election. Currently Ontario votes in a ‘first past the post’ system. It is recommended to change that system to mixed-member system. A two-part ballot would be used to cast votes for MPPs in 90 newly created ridings (vs. the current 107) plus another 39 MPPs to be selected from party lists to be awarded proportionately to reflect the popular vote. Theory vs. reality will now be put to the test by the people.