Welcome to
the RTO

We are a group of Retired Teachers dedicated to supporting retired educators in Nova Scotia by providing resources, advocacy, and opportunities for social connection. RTO is 23 local branches strong across Nova Scotia, helping former teachers stay engaged with the teaching community and with each other.

What Are You Looking For?

RTO membership provides a mix of benefits, resources, social activities, and community support tailored to life after retirement.

Retirement
& AGING

Explore valuable insights and resources designed to support you in retirement. Navigate the aging journey with confidence.

RTO
COMMUNITY

Learn what is happening in the
RTO Community and explore the local
RTO Branches.

RTO
NEWSLETTER

The latest edition of our newsletter,
“The Retired Teacher”. Stay informed
with up-to-date news and insights.

HEALTH
& WELLNESS

The latest resources and links to help you maintain health and well-being throughout your retirement journey

RTO
ADVOCACY

Learn how our volunteers advocate for retired educators, working to support their rights, benefits, and well-being.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer and make a difference by supporting our community and initiatives
and initiatives.

Join Our
Community

Stay connected with a community that understands your unique experiences while providing valuable benefits like deals and discounts, volunteering opportunities, links to important retiree information and support, and social events. It’s a great way to stay active, advocate for retiree rights and enjoy a fulfilling retirement while staying in touch with former colleagues and meeting new friends.

Volunteering
and the RTO

RTO thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers who have built and sustained our community over the years. Volunteers are highly valued and can get involved both locally with their branch and at the provincial level, providing meaningful support across communities. By volunteering, you have the chance to make a lasting impact that truly matters.

2023 Annual Nova Scotia Teachers Pension Plan Report

RTO thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers who have built and sustained our community over the years. Volunteers are highly valued and can get involved both locally with their branch and at the provincial level, providing meaningful support across communities. By volunteering, you have the chance to make a lasting impact that truly matters.

Current News & Announcements

Keep up to date with the most up to date announcements and news.

Update to RTO Members Leisure Rate for Courtyard by Marriott Dartmouth

Please note:
The leisure rate for RTO members at the  Courtyard by Marriott Dartmouth during July and August is NOT $119, but instead the rate is $159 plus tax. Breakfast is included and parking is free. 

When: Friday, September 19, 2025 1:00 PM Shotgun Start (Please arrive by 12:00 noon) Where: Lingan Golf Club 1229 Grand Lake Road, Sydney Why Lingan Golf Club? This year’s tournament honours the memory of our late RTO Provincial President and long-time Lingan member, Ambrose White, who passed away in August 2024. Who Can Participate? Everyone is welcome — male or female. This event is not limited to retired teachers.
Tournament Format
  • 4-person scramble
  • No handicaps required

Cost & Inclusions
  • Golfers with Cart: $100 per person Includes: Green fee, shared cart, meal and chance to win prizes
  • Golfers without Cart: $80
  • Includes: Green Fee, meal, and chance to win prizes.
  • Meal Only (6pm start)- $20 each


Questions? Contact: 902 371 3075 or [email protected]

As you’re aware, effective July 1, 2025, Johnson Insurance Group Benefits operation will come together with belairdirect and rebrand as belairdirect group benefits.

This marks an exciting new chapter for all of us. With belairdirect, you can expect the same level of service they know and trust.
 
To further support their system integration to belairdirect, their Group Benefits department will be closed from Saturday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. EST to Wednesday July 2 at 6:30 a.m. EST for planned system upgrades.
 
Please note that offices will remain open for drop-offs only. All services will resume on Wednesday, July 2. Thank you for your understanding.

As you may be aware, there is a potential Canada Post service disruption that could impact mail delivery across the country.Johnson/Intact understand this situation may create challenges for you, and  want to assure you that they are taking proactive measures to minimize the impact should the service disruption go ahead. 

For further information from Johnson/Intact download either the English or French PDF below.

Now available, When a Spouse/Partner Passes Away– Contacts/Information document.

NS PREMIER’S OFFICE/HEALTH/WELLNESS–Free Shingles Vaccine Available This Month.

Starting today, May 20, Nova Scotians aged 65 and older can book their free shingles vaccine appointment. The first appointments will be May 28.

“Across Canada, nearly one in three people develop shingles, despite the availability of the vaccine,” said Premier Tim Houston. “That’s why we are delivering on our promise of removing barriers to access and making the shingles vaccine free.”

The vaccine costs about $400 but will be free for seniors starting May 28. People can book an appointment by calling their primary health care provider or at https://novascotia.ca/routinevaccine

Additional Resources:
Information on shingles vaccine eligibility is available at: https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health/immunizations

For a complete copy of the Premiers News Release click here:

Want to get more involved? Now’s your chance! All RTO members are welcome to submit an application to volunteer on a committee—we’d love to have you on board! Your experience and voice matter! Submit your application by May 30th and help shape the next chapter. You can learn more about the committees and complete an application on the About page.

The Fountain of Health, in partnership with Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, is delighted to announce FREE 1-hour webinars entitled THRIVE with Self-Compassion for adults who are midlife and older. This webinar will be delivered in both English and French and is designed to promote self-compassion.

Target Audience: Adults midlife and older in Nova Scotia
Format: Virtual 
Cost: Free 
Registrationwww.fountainofhealth.ca/en/schedules/318

 
For more information

Interested in becoming a University Advisor for MSVU?

for more information on this paid position.

 

 

Almon-Travel-Logo

Still not quite ready for International Travel?

Why not join fellow RTO NS retirees on a “back-yard trip” here in the Maritimes?

AlmonTravel has space reserved on Enchanting Islands, a lovely trip starting and ending in Halifax that takes in Peggy’s Cove, Lunenberg, and Prince Edward Island, with stops at Green Gables and a lobster supper, the Cabot Trail and key locations in Cape Breton, including Fortress Louisbourg.

Sit back and enjoy yourself with no worries about getting from A to B!

7 nights accommodation with 11 meals included.

We have arranged an exclusive Halifax Walking tour for RTO members on the first day.

Additional days in Halifax can be arranged.

For more details click here:

Call Danny at 902 431 4932 or write [email protected]  for more details

acercart-logo

An Important Message from ACER-CART President Bill Berryman Concerning An Action of The Retired Teachers Ontario RTO/ERO

At a recent ACER-CART Political Advocacy Committee meeting it was brought to our attention that the Retired Teachers Ontario (RTO/ERO) are considering changing the name of their organization to Entente. This is the same name as their Group insurance Plan. They are now claiming to be “Canada’s Education Retirees” and want to expand across Canada by having other retired teacher organizations join their group insurance plans, hence becoming RTO/ERO members. I have written the following letter that was sent to the 54 RTO/ERO District Presidents explaining why this needed to be stopped and also explain that ACER-CART is the official body representing retired teachers in Canada. I believe it is important that RTO members be apprised of these actions and continue to support ACER-CART as “Canada’s Education Retirees”.

-Bill Berryman President ACER-CART.

Please click HERE to view the details of my letter.

A recent change in regulations to the Teachers’ Pension Plan increases the number of days a retired teacher can substitute in the 2024-25 school year.

The RTO has advocated through the NSTU RTO Liaison Committee for this increase. Details can be viewed HERE.

Newsletter

Find the latest edition of our newsletter, “The Retired Teacher” keeping you informed with up-to-date news and insights.

The Legacy
Foundation

The Retired Teachers Legacy Foundation in Nova Scotia is an organization established by the Retired Teachers Organization (RTO) of Nova Scotia. Its purpose is to honour the legacy and contributions of retired teachers by supporting projects and initiatives that benefit the well-being of Nova Scotia children and youth.

Affiliates And Associations

Groups and Organizations with shared interests that support and collaborate with the RTO to advance the interests of retired educators. Through these affiliations the RTO strengthens its advocacy, enhances member benefits and maintains a united voice on issues impacting retired educators and seniors.

Contact Us

Questions, concerns or just want to send us a comment. Please complete and submit the form below.

Stay Connected

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