Back in May, Flin Flon city councillor Colleen McKee left her seat to fight a sudden illness. Now, she's returned to take her spot on Flin Flon's civic board.
At council’s Sept. 1 meeting and once again Sept. 15, McKee joined other councillors from her home, utilizing video conferencing app Zoom to join in the meeting. Video of McKee was streamed to an iPad, which City chief administrative officer Glenna Daschuk placed at McKee’s familiar spot at the curved council table for the Sept. 1 meeting, while the Sept . 15 meeting saw her calling in on Mayor Cal Huntley's cell phone.
McKee had no items to report to council from committee at the Sept. 1 meeting, but did speak about her experiences in the past few months, thanking council and the committee for being accommodating during her bout of ill health.
“I just want to say thank you to the public for being patient with my illness. I think everybody has heard by now, but I have an illness that I’m going to be dealing with,” she said. McKee mentioned she may need to step back from council again, according to how her illness responds to further treatment.
“I feel like I’m back for now. Who knows how long that could be, you know? I’m going to hang in as long as I can because I really enjoy serving the people of Flin Flon. I want to say thank you to everyone for being so patient. It’s truly appreciated.”
McKee’s departure from council was approved May 19, lasting until Sept. 1. Council members at the time said McKee would be leaving due to health concerns, but would return if she was able.
“We really appreciate your presence back here. You were missed very much,” said Huntley.
McKee is still in treatment for the illness and is awaiting test results. She also thanked members of the community for helping her and her family over the summer.
“There really is no other community like Flin Flon when it comes to supporting someone when they’re down. I tell you, this community is just… the people here are just remarkable,” she said.
