Healthy Debate

On behalf of all of us at HSAA, I wish all of you the very best of the holidays. 

To those of you who will be working, to provide care to those of our family members and fellow citizens whose health needs don’t take a holiday, our particular thanks.  You make it possible for the rest of us to engage in celebrations, and enjoy the company of family and friends, whether at home or at the end of a long trip.  You and your family are true heroes, and your contribution cannot be overstated.  Whether you are a paramedic saving the lives of crash victims, a personal care attendant helping a disabled client manage in their home, a CLXT who is responding to the umteenth callback while your turkey gets cold, or a housekeeper who ensures that our failities are clean, your work is crucial.  So again, on behalf of your Board of Directors, HSAA staff, and myself, we cannot adequately express our thanks.

The HSAA offices will be closed until December 29th, and staffing will be limited until January 4th, 2010.  We will return with renewed vigour and resolve to deal with the challenges of the new year.

Again, the very best of the season, and a safe and Happy New Year to every HSAA member and your families, to our staff, and to all Albertans. 

Elisabeth

Congratulations to Susan O’Connor, respiratory therapist at the Foohills Medical Centre, who will represent Canada at the 2010 Olympics in February.  Susan, the third on the Cheryl Bernard rink, went head to head with another HSAA member, Chelsey Bell, who is the lead on the Shannon Kleibrink team which won Silver at last week’s ‘Roar of the Rinks’ Olympic Trials in Edmonton.  Both Susan and Chelsey deserve our congratulations, even if only one of them could be on the winning team.  Susan’s mother Lucille is also a longstanding HSAA member and activist, and I expect she is as proud as a peacock(hen?).  A final HSAA connection is our own Scott Palmer, Labour Relations Consultant, who did his bit as one of the official pipers, in cluding both the opening and closing ceremonies.  Let’s all wish Susan and her team the best of luck in February.