Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season ...

Volume 12December/2012Continuing its commitment to be“The Standard of Excellence”Inside this issue:New Years Resolutions Page 2Summer Photo Contest Page 4Benefit Plan Costs Page 6CPP Contributions Page 7Director of Safety,Training and Drive CamPage 9Safety and Training Page 9Safety Contest Winners Page 11YOUR FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED!Drivers, Call Centre, Maintenance staff and members of the management team were allrecently invited to participate in employee focus groups. The goal of the focus groups wasto get feedback and suggestions from our employees on how to improve the workplace andthe HandyDART service.A total of 13 Focus Groups were held throughout the month of September with over 110employees participating and were facilitated by an external HR Consultant. The feedbackthat was received was then summarized and recently presented to the local senior managementteam. One message that is very clear is that our employees are passionate about theservice and our clients and have lots of great ideas on how to improve both the workplaceand HandyDART service!Starting in January 2013, we will be conducting meetings with staff to share with you theresults of the focus groups as well as the action plans that have been developed based onyour input.Simon Blunden – Director, Human ResourcesWarmest thoughts and best wishes for awonderful holiday season and a veryHappy New Year to all!!.

Page 2How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions10 Great Tips for Keeping Your Resolutions This Year1. Choose a Specific, Realistic GoalEvery year, millions of adults resolve to "lose weight" or"get in shape" during the next year. Instead of selectingsuch anambiguous goal, focus onsomethingmore concrete that you canrealisticallyset your sights on. For example,you might commit to losing 10pounds orrunning a mini-marathon.Choosing a concrete, achievable goal also gives youthe opportunity to plan exactly how you are going toachieve your goal over the course of the year.2. Pick Just One ResolutionDon't overload yourself. It's difficult enough for theaverage person to follow through on one ambitiousNew Year's resolution; why on earthwould you saddle yourself with three orfour? Choose the most pressing issue athand-losing weight, finding a girlfriend,improving your relationship with yourparents-and concentrate on that. Trying to do everythingsimultaneously practically guarantees failureacross the board.3. Don't Wait Until New Year's EvePlanning is an essential part of achieving any goal.Expertssuggest that you should spendsometime planning out how you willtackle amajor behavior change. You canstart bywriting down your goal, making alist ofthings you might do to achievethat goal and noting any obstacles that might stand inyour way.4. Start With Small StepsTaking on too much is a common reason why so manyNew Year's Resolutions fail. Dramatically slashingcalories, over-doing it at the gym or radically alteringyour normal behavior are sure-fire waysto derail your plans. Instead, focus ontaking tiny steps that will ultimately helpyou reach your larger goal.5. Avoid Repeating Past FailuresAnother strategy for keeping your New Year's Resolutionis to not make the exact same resolution year afteryear. If you do choose to reach for the same goalsyou've tried for in the past, spend some time evaluatingyour past results. Which strategies were themost effective? Which were the least effective?What has prevented you from keepingyour resolution in past years? By changingyour approach, you will be more likely tosee real results this year.6. Remember That Change Is a ProcessThose unhealthy habits that you are trying to changeprobably took years to develop, so how can you expectto change them in just a matter or days, weeks ormonths? It may take longer than youwould like to achieve your goals, but rememberthat this is not a race to the finish.Once you have made the commitment tochanging a behavior, it is something that you will continueto work on for the rest of your life.7. Don't Let Small Stumbles Bring You DownEncountering a setback is one of the mostcommon reasons why people give up ontheir New Year's Resolutions. If you suddenlyrelapse into a bad habit, don't view itas a failure. The path toward your goal isnot a straight one, and there are always going to bechallenges. Instead, view relapses as learning opportunities.8. Get Support from Your Friends and FamilyYes, you've probably heard this advice a million times,but that is be-cause the buddy systemactually works.Having a solid supportsystem canhelp you stay motivated.Explain whatyour goals are to yourclose friends orfamily and ask them tohelp youachieve your objectives.Better yet, enlist the help of others by joining a groupthat shares your goal.9. Renew Your MotivationDuring the first days of a New Year's Resolution, youwill probably feel confident and highly motivated toreach your goal. Because you haven'treally faced any discomfort or temptationassociated with changing your behavior,making this change might seem all tooeasy. Remind yourself of exactly why youare doing this. What do you have to gain by achievingyour goal? Find sources of inspiration that will keepyou going when times get tough.10. Keep Working on Your GoalsBy February, many people have lost that initial spark ofmotivation that they felt immediately after making theirNew Year's Resolution. Keep that inspirationalive by continuing to work on yourgoals, even after facing setbacks. If yourcurrent approach is not working, reevaluateyour strategies and develop a new plan.Frequent FlyerI received a call one dayand the gentleman on theother end said “ Yes, thisis Constable Smith fromMunicipal Pretrial”“How can I help you ? ““I’d like to book a ride forsomeone 5 days fromnow “ I said “Ok! Is he aclient of ours?”“I DON’T KNOW, BUTHE SURE IS ONE OFOURS !!! ”I just about lost it.Oly - Customer ServiceThe now newspaper, Oct. 25/2012Roses andRotten TomatoesA busload of roses to allemployees at Handydart.From the drivers to thedispatchers, you havehelped my son achieve anindependence that wouldnot be possible if you werenot as professional andhelpful as you are. Keepup the great work.

WINNERSPage 4PHOTO CONTEST$100.00 Wayne Peters:Vancouver DepotThis elderly Turkish woman is the caretakerof a Caravanserai, an enclosurebuilt for the protection of trade caravanstravelling the silk route. This one wasbuilt before the 16th century, when shipsgoing around Africa reduced the tradevolumes over land.$50.00 Michelle HertnerCloverdale DepotThis picture was taken at KapalaoaBeach by the Waikaloa Beach Resort,Kim and I were walking along the beachand came across this turtle resting.$25.00 Kenny LamVancouver DepotMy family and I at the beautiful LakeLouise. We had to drive a long time but thebeautiful sights were completely worth it.Thank you to our judges and all that entered!!

Page 7RESTARTING CPP CONTRIBUTIONS – EFFECTIVE 2013At the beginning of 2012, rules changed regarding CPP contributions for employees between theages of 65 and 70 who were already receiving CPP. Employers were required to deduct CPP fromthese employees unless the employee filed an election to stop paying them using form CPT30.Starting in 2013, an employee whohad elected to stop contributing to theCPP in a previous year will be able torevoke that election and restart CPPcontributions. To restart CPP contributions,employees need to completeParts A, B and D of a new form CPT30– Election to Stop Contributing to theCanada Pension Plan, or Revocation ofPrior Election, and provide a copy ofthe completed revocation form to theircurrent employer(s) who will keep acopy in the employee’s file. Employeesmust also keep a copy for their ownrecords. In addition, the employee willhave to send the original completedrevocation form to the CRA using theaddress shown on the back of the form.The employee does not file a new formeach year as the revocation remainsvalid until another election is filed bythe employee.Employees are eligible to revokean election if they: Are employedand receiving pensionable earnings;Have filed an election form (CPT30) tostop contributing to the CPP in a previousyear and now want to revoke it;and Did not make an election or revokea prior election form in the currentcalendar year.When a CPT30 revocation form isconsidered to have been madeand effective: The revocation takeseffect on the first day of the month followingthe month that the employeeprovides a completed and signed FormCPT30 to you and any other employerhe or she has. This date should be thefirst day of the month following themonth the employee entered in Part Dof Form CPT30. However, you willstart deducting CPP contributions accordingto the employee’s pay periodschedule.An employee cannot file a revocationto start contributing to the CPP in thesame calendar year in which he or shemade an election to stop contributingto the CPP. In other words, an employeecannot start and stop paying CPPcontributions during the same calendaryear.STOPPING CPP CONTRIBU-TIONS: If you are turning 65 thisyear, are receiving CPP benefits, andwish to stop paying CPP contributions,you should fill out form CPT30 andsubmit it to payroll and CRA themonth you turn 65.Changes to Medical Services Plan(MSP): As of January 1 2013, unassistedrates will increase by $2.50 amonth for individuals, $4.50 for a familyof two, and $5.00 a month for afamily of three or more. If the MSP ispaid by the employer, then the taxablebenefits will be affected.MONTHLY RATES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2013Five levels of assistance are available based on adjusted net income for the previous tax yearAdjusted Net Income Subsidy Codes One Person Family of TwoFamily of Three orMore$0 - $22,000 A $0.00 $0.00 $0.00$22,001 - $24,000 B $12.80 $23.20 $25.60$24,001 - $26,000 F $25.60 $46.40 $51.20$26,001 - $28,000 G $38.40 $69.60 $76.80$28,001 - $30,000 E $51.20 $92.80 $102.40Over $30,000 Full Rate (C) $66.50 $120.50 $133.00Anna John - Payroll Manager

Page 8Message fromThe Directorof:Safety, Training &DriveCamImplementation of this technology will continue to showdecreasing accidents giving us more drivers and buses onthe road, lessening the extra workload for all and increasingour ability to service more clients. On any given day we areaveraging close to 70% of our drivers going without generatingan excessive force event and that is an outstandingachievement. The chart below shows the events observedbased on these early results.As the end of 2012 nears it has been over a year now since Ihave been with MVT Canadian Bus and what a year it hasbeen. We have had many changes, not the least of which, isthe addition of three new safety managers; Kevin Martynproviding service to the North Road and North VancouverDepots, as well as the Spruce Maintenance facility; RonGraves, for the Cloverdale and Maple Ridge Depots as wellas the Surrey Call Centre and the Cloverdale Operationsfacility; and finally Keith Sigurdson, covering the VancouverDepot. Having a team of dedicated Safety Managers willprovide the resources to assist operations and training withthe onsite presence of safety professionals who can workwith drivers and staff to identify issues and come up withsolutions that will reduce accidents and incidents. This willin turn free up valuable resources that can be turned backinto providing service for our clients. Additionally the RoadSupervisors are now reporting to the Safety Managers freeingup the Depot Managers to concentrate on operationsand giving the Road Supervisors expert support from asafety specialist. I have worked for quite a few employers inmy career and all of them have said ‘Safety First’ but MVTis the first company that I can honestly say who actuallyputs that into action.Preparation for the introduction of the DriveCam motionactivated event recorders began in early 2012 and the physicalinstallation and activation commenced on June 2 nd2012 at the North Vancouver Depot and was completed onJuly 29 th at the North Road Depot. A team two of in-houseevent reviewers has been trained and is busily classifyingand reviewing events for our Safety and Operations/DepotManagers to allow them to work with drivers so that theycan improve their existing base of excellent driving skills.This technology has already shown a marked decrease inaccidents and our clients will benefit from smoother, saferrides as our drivers receive that instant feedback whenthere is excessive forces due to fast cornering, hard brakingor moving too quickly over rough and uneven surfaces.Events Observed June 1 to Oct 31, 2012One of the leading concerns that we continue to face aredriver workplace injuries. Working to find solutions will beour safety managers going out on the buses observing driversin action, consulting with specialists, reviewing accidentreports in conjunction with your local safety committees, tocome up with comprehensive injury reduction strategies.The other main challenge that is on-going is ensuring thatour customers continue to receive door to door service, particularlyCode 99’s. The costs both emotional and financialare far too high to take a risk and not walk that client rightto their door and ensure that all Code 99’s are always handedoff to a person.Continued on page 9

Page 9Customer Service, Safety Managers and Road Supervisorsare teaming up to ensure that pick up and drop off pointsare as safe as possible for both driver and client by performingassessments, contacting clients and caregivers, toensure that our expectations are being clearly communicatedto them for the safety of all. We need everyone to dotheir part by always walking that client to and from thatdoor; always ensuring that you are aware of your code 99’s;and that you only hand them off to a person.Dispatch is there to assist you whenever you have a concernand don’t forget to fill out that UIR to get the wheels in motionso we can solve problems rather than suffer in silenceor talk about the issue that never gets fixed. Remember, if itisn’t written down somewhere, then for all intents and purposesit didn’t happen.I look forward to an exciting 2013 and working with you allin making MVT Canadian Bus/ HandyDART the safest andbest paratransit operation in the world. Peter DuncanSAFETY AND TRAININGWelcome to Our New HiresSeptember 17/12 Class(Left to Right) Dan Cummings (Training Manager),John Jones, Charlene Beaulieu, AnneCamacho, Robert Harper, Ron Brown, CarlBrewer, Chuck Sangha and Jaspreet Kohli.October 15/12 ClassLooking back at 2012, we have seen a lot of changes in our workplaceand to how we work. We would like to take this time to thankeveryone for their continued commitment on working together toimprove the safety of our working environment and with the servicewe provide for our clients.In the coming months, the Safety Department will be focusing onergonomics and the overall health and safety of drivers. The majorityof our injuries are from slips, trips and falls and in most casesthese injuries could have been prevented. A small workplaceaccident can have a substantial impact on someone’s quality of life.On top of the pain and suffering that one endures, usual home andleisure activities often cease or become unmanageable.Slips, trips and falls can happen anytime, anywhere. With a basicunderstanding of what causes a slip or trip and with trainingthrough safety blitzes and refresher classes, drivers will be giventhe knowledge and skills to help stop these incidents from occurring.At this time of year, we hope everyone can take time to relax andspend time with family and friends. Our best wishes for a happy,healthy and safe year ahead.Your Safety ManagersKevin Martyn – North Road & North Vancouver Depots & SpruceMaintenance. Ron Graves – Cloverdale & Maple Ridge Depots, &Surrey Call Centre. Keith Sigurdson – Vancouver Depot(Left to Right) Mohammad Memarzia, Dan Cummings(Training Manager), Ciaran O’Donovan,Mandeep Sekhon, Kamlesh Pati, ShayanAshkanian and Dean Storey.

Page 10Pictured left is David Do from Vancouverreceiving his prize from Safety Manger, KeithSigurdson.Deb Foley from Cloverdale with OperationsManager Ryan Whiteman.Deb was pretty excited to receive her$1000.00 cheque!!Safety Manger Keith Sigurdson and LeoMaksimovs from the Vancouver Depot. Leoaccepts his Safety Contest Winnings!!Steve Ozaki from North Road was the 4th $1000.00 winner.Melvin Overacker from Maple RidgeDepot accepts his $250.00 cheque forDepot with the overall lowest vehicleaccident rate from Lynn Embury & RyanWhiteman. Well done Maple Ridge!!

Page 11THINK SAFETY WINNERSJuly/2012 - MubasherManghatTo develop a library for TrainingDVDs that drivers couldsign out to view on their owntime. Kevin Martyn presentshis cheque.August/2012 - Deb FoleyDeb suggested re-organizingthe Pre Trip Inspection Formto reflect the order in whichdrivers actually do their PreTrip. Dan Cummings presentsher cheque.Sept/2012 - Jay Asgharpourand Derek JayThey suggested having aseparate designation on thePre Trip Inspection Form tocheck the windshield. Theircheques are presented byDan Cummings.Oct/2012 - Josh TregilgesJosh suggesting the Safe CutShears being stored with Velcroabove the driver’s head onthe buses could pose a safetyrisk. Keith Sigurdson awardshis cheque.As of the end of December 2012, the “Think Safety” contest will be discontinued. Thanks for all of the great ideassubmitted over the past 3 ½ years. In future, please contact your Safety Manager with any safety concerns.Christmastime AT CLOVERDALE DEPOT

Page 12In the LoopThe Best Rolled Sugar CookiesIngredientsDirectionsPrep Time: 20 MinsCook Time: 8 MinsReady In: 3 Hrs.1 1/2 cups butter, softened2 cups white sugar4 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract5 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1. In a large bowl, cream together butter andsugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stirin the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, andchill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F(200 degrees C).3. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter.Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookiesheets. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven.Cool completely.Amount Per Serving: Calories: 109 | Total Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mgGRUMPY OLD MANWhat are you thinking .. . when you’re looking at me?A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?Who dribbles his food .. . … . . and makes no reply.When you say in a loud voice . .’I do wish you’d try!’Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?Who, resisting or not . . . … lets you do as you will,With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?Is that what you’re thinking?. .Is that what you see?Then open your eyes, nurse .you’re not looking at me.I’ll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.I’m a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one anotherA young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feetDreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he’ll meet.A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,But my woman is beside me . . to see I don’t mourn.At Fifty, once more, .. …Babies play ’round my knee,Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.I look at the future … . . . . I shudder with dread.For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.And I think of the years . . And the love that I’ve known.I’m now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.It’s jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swellsI remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.Not a cranky old man .Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. …. . ME!!Remember this poem when you next meet an olderperson without looking at the young soul within…..wewill all, one day, be there too.We hope you have enjoyed this issue of “In the Loop”. If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions, please email julia.griffiths@mvtcanada.com