History of GMSRA

The idea for the General Motors Salaried Retirees Association was initiated in 1982 by a group of retirees that used to meet for coffee at a local restaurant.  Bob Joyce along with a few other retirees officially formed GMSRA in 1983 and started meeting at Woodview Park clubhouse monthly on designated Tuesdays as we continue to do today.  Membership consisted of salaried retirees and former salaried employees and their spouses.  The first President was Bob Joyce in February 1983.  An executive is elected and/or appointed every two years.

The annual membership fees support regular GMSRA activities such as our monthly meetings which include guest speakers, a monthly newsletter and our annual golf tournament, BBQ and Christmas luncheon. In addition to the monthly general membership meetings, GMSRA organizes outings to theatre performances, baseball games, etc.

Membership growth over our short existence can be contributed to employees retiring earlier due to downsizing, health or just exercising the opportunity to start enjoying those “Golden Years”.  Currently our membership spans from coast to coast in Canada as well as international members in Australia and the United States.

Our members support many activities locally and nationally such as our local hospital, food drives, children’s benefits and disaster relief. Our newsletter shares what is happening in our lives, our hobbies and health concerns within Canada and elsewhere. We feel our association in many ways helps “fill the gap” between regular GM employment days and one’s local senior activities.

GMSRA’s goal is to provide a social network that keeps communications open and ongoing to all of its members.

Presidents of the
General Motors Salaried Retirees Association

Bob Joyce                     1983  – 1985
Ray Grant                     1985  – 1987
Ray Lunn                     1987  – 1989
Cam Butler                   1989  – 1990
Jim Kapteyn                 1990  – 1997
Carl Miller                    1997 – 1999
Gary McKay                          1999 – 2001
Gil Graham                  2001 – 2003
Ralph Shaw                  2003 – 2005
Tom Graham                2005 – 2007
Boyd Chesney                        2007 – 2009
Wayne Nimigon            2009 – present

Please Support the Haiti Relief Effort by Contributing to the Red Cross

In response to the outpouring of employee concern, GM  is partnering  with the Red Cross to assist with providing relief and aid to the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.   The GM Foundation approved $100,000 contribution to the Red Cross to help the victims of this disaster. The Red Cross responded immediately to provide shelter, food, clean water and medical care to the many people in need of help.

The Government of Canada has announced that Canada will match individual donations up to a total of $50 million to eligible registered Canadian charitable organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross.  Please consider this tremendous matching opportunity to make your personal donation go further.  Simply follow the instructions outlined below to make a  donation and instantly receive an official tax receipt from the Canadian Red Cross.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent request.

Donate Here:  www.redcross.ca/gmcanada 

New Members Welcome
The GMSRA Executive encourages all former General Motors Salaried employees who have retired, moved on to new life, or changed career paths to join the General Motors Salaried Retirees Association.  This includes the folks who left due to the Truck plant closing or due to the corporate restructuring. Please complete the Membership Application Form (click on the appropriate tab down the left side). 
The General Motors Salaried Retirees Association was established in 1982. 
General Membership Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except for June, July, August, and September) at the Woodview Park Community Centre, 151 Cadillac Avenue North, Oshawa.  From Noon to 1:00 PM is a social hour where you can meet and reminisce with friends and colleagues.  The formal portion of the meeting starts at 1:00 PM and typically involves a presentation on a topic of interest by a guest speaker. 
On the 2nd Tuesday in June we have a golf tournament and on the 2nd Tuesday in September we have a Barbecue. 
We also publish a monthly Newsletter which is sent out to all members.