I would like to start off by thanking all of those involved in Flin Flon Culture Days 2017. Our community was ranked third overall in Canada and first amongst communities with a population under 50,000. A remarkable achievement yet again, that should make us all proud. I am glad I was able to participate in at least some of the events that were available and I encourage everyone to come out for some or all of the events next year.
As we head into another year I am reminded of the many challenges we continue to face with the current state of health care in the region. Throughout the summer we suffered from acute doctor shortages. Snow Lake went for a period of time with no doctor available and had to rely on the services of a physician’s assistant. In Flin Flon we also had a period of time with limited doctors available and presently only have three doctors and one nurse practitioner. People are now waiting two and a half to three months to get an appointment to see a doctor. We constantly hear of staff shortages at our seniors’ homes that leave our parents and grandparents waiting for meals, going without baths or spending extended periods in their wheel chairs or their beds. I want to thank all of those front-line nurses, health care aides and other staff who struggle to provide the care they want to give, while seemingly always trying to do more with less. None of this is acceptable. I have met with Helga Bryant, CEO of the Northern Health Region, several times to discuss these shortages but to date the issues persist. As your MLA I will continue to press the Northern Health Region and the Department of Seniors’ Health and Active Living on these issues. To date we have not seen anything official on the cuts that were ordered by the Pallister government to the NHR budget and yet we already seem to be seeing negative affects on our health care.
As we head into the Christmas and holiday season I want to acknowledge the Flin Flon Rotary Club and all of the volunteers who make Operation Red Nose a possibility in Flin Flon. I hope to volunteer some time this year in helping people be able to enjoy an evening out while knowing they and their vehicle can get home safely. Volunteers like this are part of the backbone of our communities.
I wish everyone all the best that the season has to offer. Peace and goodwill to all!
