Supporting Your Retirement Through Advocacy, Volunteerism & Compassion
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.
Volunteering
The Retired Teachers Organization has a proud history of volunteerism. Looking for opportunities to volunteer, or need a volunteer for your event cause or organization?
Advocacy
The Retired Teachers Organization of Nova Scotia (RTO) advocates on behalf of retired educators by focusing primarily on issues that affect retired teacher’s pensions, healthcare, and quality of life for retirees. By working on these fronts, the RTO aims to ensure that retired teachers in Nova Scotia maintain a good quality of life and have a strong voice in provincial decisions affecting their well-being.
Our Mission
To safeguard and enhance retirement quality and security for our members through volunteer-based community building, advocacy, and member-focused services.
Our Vision
Nova Scotia retired teachers will live and thrive in a vibrant and vital community within a society that values and supports the financial security, health, and well-being of all seniors.
Our History
In 1956, a group of retired teachers sought to establish an association of retired teachers across Nova Scotia. They looked to a group of retired female educators entitled Halifax CPX for their inspiration.
This organization would sow the seeds for the Retired Teachers Association which was formed on May 25, 1966.
In June 2005 the Retired Teachers Association was renamed the Retired Teachers Organization of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.
The RTO continues to work for retired teachers throughout Nova Scotia growing from the original 25 members to more than 7,000 members (2015). THE Retired Teachers Organization is the official body representing the retired teachers of Nova Scotia.
Executive and Commitees
The RTO Executive consists of elected or appointed leaders (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President and 7 Members-at-Large)). Their primary functions include setting the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring its objectives are met, and overseeing operations. The Executive provides leadership, decision-making, and accountability, ensuring that the organization aligns with its mission and complies with policies and regulations.
Committees are smaller groups within the RTO, focused on specific tasks or areas Their purpose is to leverage expertise, and ensure the efficient execution of specialized functions. Committees report to the Executive and focuses on distinct aspects of the organization’s operations, ensuring comprehensive support and representation for retired teachers across Nova Scotia.
Back row, left to right: Cindy McKinnon, Hugh Fraser, Stephen Surette, Jim Kavanaugh, Chuck McLellan, Bill Berryman, Mickey Guthro, Tammy Landry, Shelley Morse, Helen Dawe-Webb. Front row: left to right: Bonnie Mahaney, Alyson Hillier, Pat Hillier.
RTO Executive
President, Alyson Hillier
Past-President, Bill Berryman
Vice-President, Pat Hillier
Secretary, Bonnie Mahaney
Treasurer, Jim Kavanaugh
Member-at-Large (South Shore),
Charles (Chuck) McLellan
Member-at-Large (Valley),
Shelley Morse
Member-at-Large (Halifax Metro),
Hugh Fraser
Member-at-Large (Chignecto-Central),
Cindy McKinnon
Member-at-Large (Strait),
Tammy Landry
Member-at-Large (Cape Breton-Victoria),
Mickey Gouthro
Contact a Member of the RTO Executive
If you would like to contact a member of the RTO executive, please complete this form. We will contact you as soon as possible.
Nomination Forms
The following RTO Table Officer positions are open for nominations. Completed application forms must be sent to the chair of the RTO Nominating Committee no late than February 28th, 2025. These positions will be filled at the RTO AGM in Halifax, scheduled for May 16, 2025.
RTO
PRESIDENT
NOMINATION
FORM
Annual Deadline
February 28th, 2025
If you would like to apply via PDF download the form here.
RTO
TREASURER
NOMINATION
FORM
Annual Deadline
February 28th, 2025
If you would like to apply via PDF download the form here.
RTO
SECRETARY
NOMINATION
FORM
Annual Deadline
February 28th, 2025
If you would like to apply via PDF download the form here.
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Members-at-Large within the Nova Scotia Retired Teachers Organization (RTO) serve as regional representatives on the RTO Executive Committee. By fulfilling there duties, Members-at-Large play a crucial role in ensuring that the RTO remains responsive to the needs of its members across Nova Scotia.
Member
at
Large
APPLICATION
Annual Deadline
April 1st, 2025
If you would like to apply via PDF download the form here.
AGM and Committee Forms
Register for the Annual General Meeting, Annual General Meeting Dinner or apply for a committee position. AGM forms should be received no later than April 15, 2025.
REGISTER
FOR THE
ANNUAL
GENERAL
MEETING DINNER
REGISTER
FOR THE
ANNUAL
GENERAL
MEETING
Committee
Application
Form
If you would like to apply via PDF download the form here.
RTO Committees
Committees within the Nova Scotia Retired Teachers Organization (RTO) play a significant role in supporting the organization’s mission and operations. These committees focus on specific areas that contribute to the welfare and interests of retired teachers across the province.
Table Officers
Key executive members responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations.
Research/
Review
To produce the RTO newsletter and provide RTO information on the RTO website
Pension & Benefits
With a mandate to study and respond to: pension and benefit concerns; representation on the NSTU Pension Committee; and other related pension and benefit issues.
Finance
Monitors all RTO expenditures, provides recommendations to the RTO Executive on financial matters and prepares the annual RTO budget for approval at the Annual General Meeting.
Legacy Foundation
The RTO Legacy Foundation is a registered charity created to honour the life and work of Nova Scotia Teachers
Communications
To produce the RTO newsletter and provide RTO information on the RTO website
Programs
With a mandate to organize/coordinate programs and/or workshops as determined by the Executive.
BRANCHES
Annapolis
Antigonish/Guysborough
AER-Baie Sainte-Marie (Clare)
Colchester-East Hants
Cumberland
Dartmouth
Digby
Glace Bay District
Pictou
Queens
Richmond
Shelburne County
Sydney & Area District
West Hants
Yarmouth/Argyle
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.
Grants & Donations
The RTO provides grants and accepts donations in the memory or retired teachers through the Legacy Foundation
Our Newsletter
Find the latest edition of our newsletter, “The Retired Teacher” keeping you informed with up-to-date news and insights.
The RTO Operation Handbook
This handbook serves as a resource for members to understand how the RTO functions, ensuring consistency and transparency in its operations. For a copy please complete this form below.
