MURA is an active member of the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (CURAC). It is a non-profit federation of retiree organizations at colleges and universities across Canada. Its primary aim is to coordinate activities that promote communication among member organizations, to share information, provide mutual assistance, and speak publicly on issues of common concern to its more than fifteen thousand members across Canada.
We are pleased to report that five MURA members attended the 2023 CURAC Annual Conference was hosted by the University of Saskatchewan Retirees Association (USRA) held in Saskatoon, May 31 - June 2, 2023. This was the first in-person conference since 2019. MURA sent three representatives, Ante Padjen, Kate Maguire and Rosemary Cooke. Ginette Lamontagne attended as Chair of the Conference Committee and Board Member of CURAC. The theme of the conference was "The New World."
Over the three days of the conference, 11 speakers challenged us on numerous topics that ranged from changes in Higher Education, Teaching in an AI environment, Security in the computer age, Political Schisms or Rhythms and the impact to Canada, Food Development and Plant Proteins, Rare Earth Development, Small Modular Reactors, Health Services and VIDO (Vaccine and Infections Disease Organization) and the impact of immunisation. All of the presentations highlighted cutting edge research.
To mark the 20th Anniversary milestone, a special afternoon was moderated by Ginette Lamontagne on behalf of the Conference Committee. A fireside chat with the Honourable Roy Romanow former Premier of Saskatchewan and key actor on the Canadian scene, gave participants a backstage view on politics at the provincial and federal levels. A 7-minute video was shown of the founding president, Peter H. Russell, who spoke of the aspirational beginnings of CURAC. Prof. Ron Cosper highlighted CURAC’s accomplishments from its founding congress at the University of Dalhousie to present days. This was followed by a Brainstorming Session on CURAC’s priorities for the next decade. MURA attendees moderated five group discussions. The brainstorming reports will be shared with member associations across Canada.