In the second submission from the 1995 book “Life Before Medicare –Canadian Experiences,” I have excerpted thoughts and a story from MichelineMercier, from Montmagny, Quebec. Ms. Mercier’s thoughts: I remember the time before the health insurance system was set up. It’s left itsmark on me. I wouldn’t want my grandchildren… Read More »Life Before Medicare: Story #2
On May 26, 2026, the members of OPSEU Local 276 at the Owen Sound Family Health Team(OSFHT) walked off the job. It was not a decision anyone made lightly. A strike carries real costs(emotional, financial, and relational), and after years of negotiation, it was the only option left. Itwas a… Read More »When the Government Creates the Crisis, the Government Must Fix It
In the 90s, my aunt, Merle Totten, worked with other seniors in Ontario to compile stories for a book entitled, “Life Before Medicare — Canadian Experiences.” In this five-part series, I will excerpt stories and thoughts from that book. As the province of Ontario, as the whole country wrestles with… Read More »Life Before Medicare: Story #1
Those of us who have been around for a while will remember a well known poster from the Kennedy campaign of 1960. It was infamous…cutting, persuasive and incisive. It showed a picture of Richard Nixon with a rather evil looking sneer and asked the question, “Would YOU buy a used… Read More »PC Candidates Play Hide and Seek with Voters
When famous anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked what she thoughtwas the first sign of civilization, she is said to have stated that the firstevidence of civilization is a healed femur. Injured animals in the wild are oftenkilled and eaten but a healed femur meant that someone had put aside theirown needs… Read More »What Would Tommy Douglas Say Now?
In recent days and weeks, the South Bruce Grey area has been inundated with snowstorms, frequent squalls and flurries, cold temperatures and high winds. It is, after all, January in Ontario and most local people would choose to stay warm at home and avoid long drives in dangerous conditions. But… Read More »Local Residents Line Up in the Cold to Get a Family Doctor
Earlier this week communities in West Grey received some good news….and some not so good news. As hinted in the most recent South Bruce Grey Hospital Centre (SBGHC) community meeting in Durham, they have partnered with Brightshores and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (CMHA Grey Bruce) to open… Read More »Can Durham Have the Best of Both Worlds? Communication is the Answer
Recently the South Bruce Grey Health Corporation (SBGHC)held the second of a series of Community Engagement meetings in Durham, Chesley, Kincardine and Walkerton. After a long hiatus without this type of public consultation, the CEO, board members and staff were on hand in each of these sessions. CEO Shaw summarized… Read More »SBGHC Community Meetings Leave Some with More Questions than Answers
At long last the South Bruce Grey Hospital Corporation has made a plan to hold “Community Engagement Meetings” next week in both Chesley and Durham. Since arriving in this area on April 1st, 2023, CEO Shaw has never seen fit to hold a meeting with the residents of Chesley. Apparently,… Read More »SBGHC Survey is “Too Cute by Half”
There are those who may not know that the South Bruce Grey Hospital Corporation held their AGM last night at the Best Western Hotel in Walkerton. It was advertised, somewhat half heartedly, but the word was out there. 74 members of the public registered to hear updates and excuses for… Read More »Dunn Should Be Done…SBGHC AGM is a Bust