Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Q: What is the Interministerial Retiree Group of Ottawa (IRGO)?
   
   

   A: IRGO is group of Ontario Public Service (OPS) retirees dedicated to helping retired Ontario Public Servants stay engaged and keeping them up-to-date on the latest information. Our group also provides opportunities to continue to foster the camaraderie created by a career in public service. We'd be pleased if you would join us. Membership is free and open to all retired Ontario public servants.

2. Q: Why have I never heard of them before?
   
   

   A: This is the first time in Ontario that OPS retirees have gotten together to create a group. IRGO was launched on October 22, 2007 and is in the process of creating a web site for the membership.

3. Q: How do I join?
   
   
   A: You may join our group through our web site at www.irgo.ca under “Become a Member”.
4. Q: How much time is involved as a new member?
   
   
   A: It's your decision on how much you want to get involved. In future, the group may be looking for volunteers to assist with the following:
   
   

   • Financial Sub-Committee
   • Communications Sub-Committee
   • Newsletter Editorial Sub-Committee
   • Coordinate special events
   • Other
5. Q: What does the group achieve through its meetings?
   
   

   A: Regular meetings are held with the IRGO executive to discuss future events, plan social activities and develop business plans. The executive also manages finances and the web site content and design.

6. Q: Who pays my travel and other expenses?
   
   

   A: All costs associated with attending meetings, special events or get togethers is the responsibility of IRGO members.

7. Q: What am I responsible for contributing?
   
   

   A: You are responsible to contributing your ideas and suggestions on how we can improve our group, web site and future newsletter. Members are also encouraged to provide ideas on future learning or social events.

8. Q: Is there ever a personal meet-and-greet to get to know one another when other functions bring the group together?
   
   

   A: Yes. Most of our learning/special events provide opportunities for networking. Attending social events is another good way of meeting each other.

9. Q: Who can become a member of the group?
   
   

   A: Membership is open to all Ontario Public Services (OPS) Retirees and their spouse.

10. Q: Is there a fee to join?
    
    

    A: At the moment, there is no fee to join our group. However, there may be a requirement in the future to charge a minimal yearly membership fee to cover costs associated with social events, guest speakers at learning events etc.

11. Q: Who sponsors the Interministerial Group of Ottawa (IRGO)?
    
    

    A: IRGO is in a partnership with the Ontario Quarter Century Club (QCC), and the Ottawa Interministerial Council (OIC). Limited funding is provided by the Quarter Century Club, which enables us to offer learning events to our members.

12. Q: How many events are there per year?
    
    

    A: The group contemplates offering two events per year, dependant on the costs and support from our partners.

13. Q: Will confidential information be displayed on the web site?
    
    

    A: Information that is confidential will not be displayed and accessible from the IRGO web site. However, in order to maintain a current list of our members, it's essential that someone keep record of the membership and their coordinates. This information will not be available from the web site.

14. Q: Can I remove my name from the IRGO membership?
    
    
    A: Yes. If you wish to remove your name from the IRGO membership list, simply notify us by:

    • By ;
    • By Phone at: (613) 239-102; and
    • Through our web site.

    It should be noted that once you remove your name from the membership list, you will no longer have access to important information and/or participate in social and learning events. However, if you wish to re-join our group, please follow the procedures mentioned above.
15. Q: Do I need a computer to get information on IRGO?
    
    

    A: Yes. All communications regarding IRGO events, Membership Application, Meetings, Information etc.. is ONLY available on-line by accessing our website at www.irgo.ca

16. Q: Will I be able to provide information for posting on the web site?
    
    

    A: Yes. You can provide comments and/or suggestions through our web site. You can also provide your comments by phone at (613) 239-1027 or via .