As pensioners , and as an organization of retirees that maintains a focus on related advocacy issues , we are committed to understanding the relevant issues of health care , and its availability and impact on seniors . As such , we are proponents of maintaining the senior health care benefits in this province and advocating for continuation of the provisions of the Canada Health Accord . I have been pleased to represent these views on your behalf .
Greetings from the President
What is Excellent in Others by Gordon Cumming
Appreciation is a wonderful thing . It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well .
— Voltaire
As pensioners , and as an organization of retirees that maintains a focus on related advocacy issues , we are committed to understanding the relevant issues of health care , and its availability and impact on seniors . As such , we are proponents of maintaining the senior health care benefits in this province and advocating for continuation of the provisions of the Canada Health Accord . I have been pleased to represent these views on your behalf .
I can truly say that I achieved a deeper understanding of the significance of this health ‘ umbrella ’ over the past few weeks . Previously my writing at this time of year would include what I did on my summer vacation , tales of travels , the ARTA retreat , and shared time with ARTA and ACER- CART colleagues . This year those activities disappeared from my calendar subsequent to a pneumonia diagnosis in May .
As one who had never ‘ enjoyed ’ more than a casual cold or round of the flu , I was confident that an initial round of antibiotics would have me back on the ARTA trail . However , Murphy ’ s Law ruled and it was my fortune to host multiple types of bacteria , and as my prescriptions were extended , my symptoms expanded . The net result , five weeks later , was an ambulance ride and nine days as an honoured guest of the health system in Calgary ’ s Foothills Hospital .
Talk about an all-inclusive . Never once throughout my adventure was I asked if I had the financial means . Care , medication ,
x-rays and CAT-scans did not depend on my credit cards or insurance . Physicians , nurses , aides , other staff , and home-care personnel were focused on my needs and those of other patients .
Perhaps it was better than a summer vacation because I came out of my adventure absolutely convinced that the cause is right , and , collectively , we have to ensure that in Canada and Alberta we maintain adequate funding and unencumbered access to quality health services for our entire population .
* * * In other news , my three-year adventure as ARTA ’ s president is coming to a close . It is hard to believe that this will be the twelfth and final occasion to scribe some thoughts for this space . If there is an obvious theme to present , it has to be my thanks to those who have not only had to put up with me , but have been vital to bringing ARTA ’ s action plans to reality . Just as missionaries of old , our executive , board , committee and staff members and partners have been committed to our shared goals , and they have been the driving force to ensure the best possible benefits for our present and future members .
Front and centre to be thanked are Past President Marlene Reddekopp , Vice-President Juanita Knight , Treasurer Paul Demers , and Executive Director Daniel Mulloy . Extremely dedicated as a leadership team , they have been the key to focus and effective communication within the organization . Working with them were the committee chairs and branch presidents , too many individuals
Greetings from the President continues on page 36 .
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